What It Is Used For
Linagliptin lowers blood sugar in type 2 diabetes. It helps the body release insulin after meals. It is used with diet and exercise, alone or with other diabetes medicines such as metformin.
How to Take It
5 mg once a day, at any time of day, with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day. No dose change is needed for kidney disease.
Who Should Not Take It
Do not take it if you are allergic to linagliptin, have type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.
Side Effects
Usually mild: stuffy nose, sore throat and cough. Rare but serious: inflammation of the pancreas (severe stomach pain that may spread to the back, with vomiting), severe joint pain, and blisters on the skin. Stop it and see a doctor if these happen. On its own it rarely causes low blood sugar.
Precautions
Tell your doctor if you have had pancreatitis. Low blood sugar is more likely if you also take insulin or a sulfonylurea such as gliclazide.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Not recommended. Ask your doctor.
Interactions
With insulin or sulfonylureas, their dose may need lowering. Rifampicin can make linagliptin work less well.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, out of the reach of children.