How Linagliptin works

Linagliptin is an anti-diabetic medication. It works by increasing the release of insulin from the pancreas and decreasing the hormones that raise blood sugar levels. This reduces the fasting and postmeal sugar levels.

Side Effects

Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar level) in combination with insulin or sulphonylurea, Headache, Nasopharyngitis

Usage

Linagliptin is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes
It is used in addition to diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is Linagliptin safe?

Linagliptin is safe when used at prescribed doses for the prescribed duration as advised by your doctor. However, some common side effects that you can experience at the dose advised, includes headache, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level) when used with insulin or sulphonylurea, upper respiratory tract infection and nasopharyngitis.

Q. Is Linagliptin available in India?

Yes. Linagliptin is available in India as a prescription medicine.

Q. What is Linagliptin?

Linagliptin is an oral antidiabetic drug which belongs to the group of dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. It lowers the blood sugar levels by increasing the release of insulin and decreasing glucagon levels. It has a lesser risk of hypoglycemia compared to other drugs and does not cause weight gain.

Q. Can I take Linagliptin with insulin detemir?

Yes, you can take Linagliptin with insulin detemir, a long-acting insulin analog which maintains the basal insulin levels. Using them together can lower the insulin dose and decrease the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels).

Q. Would it be much better if I take Linagliptin with insulin?

Yes, using Linagliptin with insulin can help in better control of your blood sugar levels than insulin alone. Using them together can help to lower the insulin dose and decrease the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels).

Q. What is the best time to take Linagliptin?

Linagliptin is to be taken once a day and at around the same time every day. There is no interaction with food so Linagliptin can be taken with or without food.

Q. Is Linagliptin safe to use in patients with an underlying cardiac disease?

Yes. Linagliptin is safe to use in patients with an underlying cardiac disease like heart failure, angina (pain due to the decreased blood supply to the heart), myocardial infarction (death of the heart tissue) and even stroke (blockage of blood vessels supplying the brain).

Q. Can I take Linagliptin with metformin?

Yes. Linagliptin can be taken with metformin. It is a good add-on treatment if the blood sugars are very high even after taking metformin in maximum tolerated dose. Together they would help in better control of blood sugar levels. However, consult your doctor before taking them together as a dose adjustment may be needed.

Q. Does Linagliptin cause weight loss?

No. Linagliptin does not cause weight loss. It does not cause any weight gain as well.

Q. When should I stop taking Linagliptin?

Stop taking Linagliptin if you develop an allergic reaction like rash or breathlessness and if you have a persistent and severe stomach ache as it could be a sign of pancreatitis. Immediately contact your doctor or the emergency of a hospital.

Q. What are the special precautions to take care of while taking Linagliptin?

Use of Linagliptin with insulin or sulfonylureas can increase the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which may need a dose adjustment. Be aware of the symptoms and always carry something sweet with you. Stop taking Linagliptin if you develop an allergic reaction like rash or breathlessness and if you have a persistent and severe stomach ache as it could be a sign of pancreatitis.

Q. Is it safe to use Linagliptin with pioglitazone?

Yes. It is safe to use Linagliptin with pioglitazone. No drug-drug interactions have been reported and the side effect profile is similar to the drugs used alone.