Tradjenta is used to treat type 2 diabetes in a patient who cannot control blood sugar levels with diet and exercise. It is used along with diet and exercise.
It may be used alone or with other antidiabetic medicines. Tradjenta is a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor.
It controls blood sugar by releasing insulin from the pancreas and also signaling liver to stop the production of sugar (glucose) when there is too much sugar in the blood.
It is not helpful in type 1 diabetes. It is available in the form of a tablet and only with your doctor’s prescription.
Before using Tradjenta, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it.
Before starting the treatment your doctor should be informed about conditions such as:
Allergy: Inform your doctor if you are allergic to any food, preservatives, dyes, or had an allergic reaction when you used this drug before.
Children: There are no adequate studies done which prove linagliptin harmful effects in children. Use it after consulting your doctor.
Elderly: This medicine does not cause any different side effects or problem than it does in younger adults.
Pregnancy: It is a category B drug. It has no harmful effects on mother or fetus.
Breast Feeding: There are no adequate studies which prove that Linagliptin passes into breast milk. If you are using Linagliptin while nursing, discuss it with your doctor for possible risk factors.
Drug Interactions: Linagliptin may interact with other drugs. Your doctor should be informed of any other medicines which you are taking. He may want to change the dosage or drug.
Especially if you are using any of following:
- Rifamycins (Rifampin) because they may decrease Linagliptin's effectiveness.
- Insulin, Meglitinides (Repaglinide).
- Sulfonylureas (Glipizide) because the risk of low blood sugar may be increased by Linagliptin.
Other Medical Conditions: Several other conditions may reduce its effectiveness.
Make sure you inform your doctor of conditions such as:
- Diabetic ketoacidosis (high ketones and acid in the blood).
- Type 1 diabetes: Should not be used in patients with these conditions.
- If you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances.
- If you have a history of angioedema (swelling of the hands, face, lips, eyes, throat, or tongue, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or hoarseness) caused by another DPP-4 inhibitor (eg, saxagliptin).
- Fever.
- Any type of infection.
- Surgery (major).
- Hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol in the blood).
- Hypertriglyceridemia (high triglycerides and fats in the blood).
- Obesity.
- If you have a history of inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis).
Proper usage of Tradjenta requires strict adherence to your doctor’s orders. Read the medication guide carefully. Ask your pharmacist if you have any queries.
Take Linagliptin by mouth with or without food. Continue to take Linagliptin even if you feel well. Do not miss any dose.
Your doctor may give you a special meal plan, follow it carefully. Controlled diet and regular exercise is a key to successful treatment.
Dosage: It is different for different patients. Dosage mentioned below is an average dose. You must follow your doctor’s command.
For oral dosage form (tablets). For type 2 diabetes: Adults: 5 milligrams (mg) once a day.
Missed dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. If it almost a time for your next dose skips the missed dose and continue your daily schedule. Do not double the dose.
Storage: Store it at room temperature. Keep it away from children.
Before using Tradjenta, there are some precautions you must take. Patients using Tradjenta should follow the diet chart given by a doctor. Regular exercise, controlled diet and checking blood sugar levels daily are important for best results.
Tradjenta usually does not cause low blood sugar. However, low blood sugar may occur when it is used along with certain other medicines for diabetes (insulin, sulfonylureas) or if you delay or miss a meal or snack, exercise more than usual, drink alcohol, cannot eat because of nausea or vomiting.
Symptoms of low blood sugar are an anxiety blurred vision, cold sweats, confusion, cool, pale skin, difficulty with thinking, drowsiness, excessive hunger, a fast heartbeat, headaches that continue, nausea, nervousness, nightmares, restless sleep, shakiness, slurred speech, or unusual tiredness or weakness.
It is a good idea to carry a reliable source of glucose (eg, tablets, gel) to treat low blood sugar. If this is not available, you should eat or drink a quick source of sugar like table sugar, honey, candy, orange juice, soda.
This will raise your blood sugar level quickly. To prevent low blood sugar, eat meals at the same time each day and do not skip meals.
High blood sugar (hyperglycemia) may occur if you miss a dose or overeat or drink alcohol or in stressful conditions like fever or infection. Check your blood sugar level and then call your doctor.
Severe and sometimes fatal inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) has been reported in patients taking Linagliptin. Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor.
Contact your doctor immediately if you develop severe or persistent stomach or back pain with or without nausea or vomiting.
Lab tests, including fasting blood glucose and hemoglobinA1c, may be performed while you use Linagliptin.
Carry an ID card at all times that says you have diabetes. Carry a list of drugs in your pocket. This may help in emergency situations.
Linagliptin can cause anaphylactic reactions. Inform your doctor immediately if you start having a rash, itching, fainting, palpitation, trouble breathing and swelling of hand face and mouth.
