What is Linagliptin and metformin?
Linagliptin and metformin are two oral diabetes medications that control blood sugar. Metformin reduces glucose production by the liver and decreases glucose absorption by the intestines. Linagliptin regulates the levels of insulin that your body makes after you eat.Linagliptin combined with metformin can be used in combination with diet and physical activity to help control blood sugar levels in adults who have type 2 diabetes mellitus. Metformin and linagliptin are not used to treat type 1 diabetes.This medication guide does not list all possible uses for metformin or linagliptin.
Side effects of Linagliptin and metformin
You may experience severe allergic reactions, such as hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, and skin irritations (such as fever, burning or sore eyes or pain). If you notice red or purple skin, blisters, peeling, or blistering, seek immediate medical care.If you experience any of the following symptoms: severe abdominal pain that spreads to your lower back; nausea or vomitingThe mild symptoms of lactic acidosis can worsen with time. This condition is fatal. If you experience: unusual muscular pain; trouble breathing; stomach pain or vomiting
Linagliptin or metformin can cause severe side effects. If you experience:
- A severe autoimmune response includes skin blisters, itching, and the breakdown of the outer layers of the skin.
- You may experience severe pain or persistent joint discomfort.
- Symptoms of heart failure include shortness of breath (even when lying down) and swelling in the legs and feet.
Side effects common to linagliptin or metformin include:
- Sore throat
- Sinus pain, stuffy nose
- Diarrhoea.
There may be other side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. Call the FDA to report side effects at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
If you suffer from severe kidney problems or diabetes ketoacidosis, then it is best to consult your doctor about treatment.You can develop lactic acidosis. This is a buildup of dangerous lactic acids in your blood. If you experience unusual pain in your muscles, difficulty breathing, an irregular heartbeat, nausea, dizziness, or vomiting, or feel very cold or weak, you should seek emergency medical attention.
Before you take this drug
This medicine should not be used if your allergic reaction to metformin or linagliptin is severe, or if you suffer from diabetic ketoacidosis or have severe kidney problems (contact your doctor about insulin treatment).
If you've ever:
- Kidney disease
- Heart Disease
- Liver Disease
- Pancreatitis;
- Gallstones;
- Alcoholism;
- High triglycerides
Lactic acidosis is a buildup of dangerous lactic acids in the blood. You may have a higher risk if your medical condition is severe, you suffer from an infection, or you drink alcohol regularly. Consult your doctor to determine your level of risk.You may have to stop using metformin or linagliptin temporarily if you are going to undergo surgery or an x-ray that uses a dye injected directly into your veins. Tell your healthcare providers that you're taking this drug.Inform your doctor of any pregnancy or nursing.If you're pregnant, or if you get pregnant in the future, follow your doctor’s advice about this medication.This medication may cause ovulation to occur in premenopausal women and increase the chance of an unintended pregnancy. Speak to your doctor to determine your risks.The use of this medicine by those under 18 is prohibited.
How to take Linagliptin and metformin?
Read all the instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow all the directions. Follow the directions on your prescription label.If your doctor has not told you differently, take linagliptin along with metformin.Do not chew or crush the tablet.You might feel very hungry or dizzy. If you want to treat hyperglycemia quickly, consume or drink sugary foods or drinks (fruit juices, candy bars, crackers, or raisins).In the event of severe hypoglycemia, your doctor might prescribe a glucagon injectable kit. Make sure that your close family members or friends are familiar with how to administer this medication in case of an emergency.Watch for symptoms of hyperglycemia, such as an increase in thirst or urine.Stress, illness, surgeries, physical activity, drinking alcohol, and skipping meals can all affect blood sugar levels. Consult your doctor before making any changes to your medication or dose schedule.Linagliptin, metformin, or both are only one part of an overall treatment plan that can include other things like diet, exercise, and weight management, as well as blood glucose testing and medical attention. You should follow your doctor’s advice.Keep away from heat and moisture. Store at room temperature.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for diabetes type 2:
Tablets for immediate release:
Initial dose of metformin for those patients who are not currently receiving it: oral linagliptin/metformin (500 mg) twice daily
Initial dose of linagliptin for metformin-treated patients: 2.5 mg linagliptin in combination with half the current dose twice daily.
Initial dose: For patients who are currently taking linagliptin or metformin individually, switch to a combination product that contains the same dosages for each component twice daily.
Maintain dose: individualise dosage based on efficacy and safety.
Maximum dose: linagliptin 5 mg/day; metformin 2000 mg/dayExtended-release tablets:
Initial dose: For patients who are not currently receiving metformin, linagliptin (5 mg) or metformin (extended-release) 1000 mg once daily
Initial dose for metformin-treated patients: 5 mg linagliptin in combination with an equivalent daily total dose of metformin, orally administered once per day.
Initial dose: For patients who are currently taking linagliptin or metformin individually, switch to a combination product that contains similar amounts of both components. Take the combined product once a day.
Maintain dose: individualise dosage based on efficacy and safety.
Maximum dose: linagliptin 5 mg/day; metformin 2000 mg/day
Comments:
Patients taking 2 linagliptin extended-release 2.5 mg/metformin 1,000 mg tablets are advised to take them together, once per day.
When used with an insulin secretagogue or insulin, it may be necessary for a smaller dose of the secretagogue or insulin to reduce hypoglycemia.
It should not be administered to patients who have type 1 diabetes.
As an adjunct to exercise and diet, improve the glycemic level in adults with diabetes mellitus type 2.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are close to your next dose, skip the missed dosage. Do not take more than 1 dose per day.
What happens if I overdose?
You should seek emergency medical care or contact the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222. If you have a severe low blood sugar level (insomnia, extreme weakness, nausea, tremors, sweating, confusion, difficulty speaking, rapid heartbeats, or seizures), seek emergency medical attention.
What should be avoided?
It is best to avoid alcohol. Alcohol lowers your blood sugar levels and can increase the risk of lactic acidosis.
Interaction with other drug
There are many drugs that can interact with linagliptin or metformin. This may make them less effective or increase your risk of lactic acidosis. These include prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medicines. This list does not include all interactions. Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking and those that you will stop or start using.
