Linagliptin and metformin tablets

What is linagliptin and metformin?

Linagliptin and metformin are oral diabetes medicines that help control blood sugar levels. Metformin works by decreasing glucose (sugar) production in the liver and decreasing absorption of glucose by the intestines. Linagliptin works by regulating the levels of insulin your body produces after eating.
Linagliptin and metformin is a combination medicine used together with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. linagliptin and metformin is not for treating type 1 diabetes.
Linagliptin and metformin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warning

You should not use this medicine if you have severe kidney disease or diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment).
You may develop lactic acidosis, a dangerous build-up of lactic acid in your blood. Get emergency medical help if you have unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, irregular heartbeats, dizziness, vomiting, or if you feel cold, tired, or very weak.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use linagliptin and metformin if you are allergic to linagliptin (Tradjenta) or metformin, or if you have severe kidney disease or diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with insulin).
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• kidney disease;
• heart disease;
• liver disease;
• pancreatitis;
• gallstones;
• alcoholism; or
• high triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood).

You may develop lactic acidosis, a dangerous build-up of lactic acid in your blood. This may be more likely if you have other medical conditions, a severe infection, chronic alcoholism, or if you are 65 or older. Ask your doctor about your risk.
If you need to have surgery or any type of x-ray or CT scan using a dye that is injected into your veins, you may need to temporarily stop taking linagliptin and metformin. Be sure your caregivers know ahead of time that you are using this medication.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Follow your doctor's instructions about using this medicine if you are pregnant or you become pregnant. Controlling diabetes is very important during pregnancy, and having high blood sugar may cause complications in both the mother and the baby.
This medicine may stimulate ovulation in a premenopausal woman and may increase the risk of unintended pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about your risk.
This medicine is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

How should I take linagliptin and metformin?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Take linagliptin and metformin with a meal, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.
You may have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and feel very hungry, dizzy, irritable, confused, anxious, or shaky. To quickly treat hypoglycemia, eat or drink a fast-acting source of sugar (fruit juice, hard candy, crackers, raisins, or non-diet soda).
Your doctor may prescribe a glucagon injection kit in case you have severe hypoglycemia. Be sure your family or close friends know how to give you this injection in an emergency.
Also watch for signs of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) such as increased thirst or urination.
Blood sugar levels can be affected by stress, illness, surgery, exercise, alcohol use, or skipping meals. Ask your doctor before changing your dose or medication schedule.
Linagliptin and metformin is only part of a complete treatment program that may also include diet, exercise, weight control, blood sugar testing, and special medical care. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.

What should I avoid while taking linagliptin and metformin?

Avoid drinking alcohol. It lowers blood sugar and may increase your risk of lactic acidosis.

Linagliptin and metformin side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).
Stop taking linagliptin and metformin and call your doctor right away if you have symptoms of pancreatitis: severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, or fast heartbeats.
Mild symptoms of lactic acidosis may worsen over time, and this condition can be fatal. Get emergency medical help if you have: unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain, vomiting, fast/slow or irregular heartbeats, dizziness, feeling cold, or feeling very weak or tired.
Call your doctor at once if you have:

• a severe autoimmune reaction--itching, blisters, breakdown of the outer layer of skin;
• severe or ongoing pain in your joints; or
• symptoms of heart failure--shortness of breath (even while lying down), swelling in your legs or feet, rapid weight gain.

Common side effects may include:

• sore throat;
• sinus pain, stuffy nose; or
• diarrhea.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur.

What other drugs will affect linagliptin and metformin?

Many drugs can affect linagliptin and metformin, making this medicine less effective or increasing your risk of lactic acidosis. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.