Linagliptin and Metformin are combined in this medicine.
This medicine is used on its own or together with other medicines to treat type 2 diabetes (gradual loss of capacity of the pancreas to produce enough insulin) by keeping your blood sugar in control.
This medicine is meant to be taken as part of a complete diabetes care programme that should include exercise, a healthy diet and regular monitoring of blood sugar levels.
Take Linagliptin + Metformin exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take it together with food or immediately after a meal. Try to take it at the same time each day.
If you are taking the extended-release type of tablet (usually labeled as “ER”), swallow it whole. Do not divide, chew or crush the tablet.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of the treatment depending on your condition and response to the medication.
Linagliptin + Metformin must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it suddenly as it could worsen your condition.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstance.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following:
- severe kidney disease
- liver disease
- conditions that may affect the kidney function (e.g. excessive water loss from the body, severe infection)
- conditions that may cause inadequate oxygen supply (e.g. heart failure, recent heart attack)
- metabolic acidosis (excessive acid production in the body e.g. lactic acidosis, ketoacidosis caused by diabetes)
- consume large amounts of alcohol or if you are a frequent drinker
as Linagliptin + Metformin may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- current or history of inflammation of the pancreas
- stress-related states (e.g. fever, trauma, infection, surgery)
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you are going for an operation, including minor surgery, dental work, or certain diagnostic tests (e.g. x-ray procedures using iodinated contrast agents), inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine.
If you are taking Linagliptin + Metformin with other types of oral anti-diabetic medicines, you may have been warned about hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar). This medicine itself does not usually cause hypoglycaemia, but it may increase the hypoglycaemic effect of other oral anti-diabetic medicines.
How do I know if I am experiencing hypoglycaemia?
Some of the symptoms of hypoglycaemia include dizziness, headache, shaky hands, feeling hungry, weak or confused, problems speaking. These symptoms are your body's way of warning you that your blood sugar is dangerously low.
It is important to recognise these symptoms and get relief for hypoglycaemia quickly, as the hypoglycaemia could worsen and you might faint.
What should I do if I am experiencing hypoglycaemia?
Always carry some glucose tablets (also known as dextrose tablets) with you. Take a tablet at the first sign of hypoglycaemia. If you don’t have glucose tablets, you can take a drink or food containing sugar (e.g. fruit juice, soda, candy) at the first sign of hypoglycaemia. If your symptoms do not improve, get medical help.
For as long as you are using this medicine, you will need to have regular routine blood tests (e.g. blood sugar level, liver and kidney function) to check your body’s response to the medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
Linagliptin + Metformin when taken with other medicines for diabetes may cause hypoglycaemia. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, inflamed nose or throat, cough.
Some side effects may be serious, although they are not common. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience:
- severe and persistent abdominal pain
- severe joint pain
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes, lips or mouth
- signs of lactic acidosis e.g. nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, muscle cramps, feeling sick, tiredness, difficulty breathing, slow or irregular heartbeat
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- other medicines for diabetes e.g. insulin
- medicines for high blood pressure e.g. enalapril, verapamil
- medicine for chest pain e.g. ranolazine
- medicines to relieve stomach discomfort e.g. cimetidine
- medicines to treat TB (an infection known as tuberculosis) e.g. rifampicin
- medicines for pain and inflammation e.g. ibuprofen, celecoxib
- medicines for epilepsy (fits) e.g. carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin
- medicine for HIV infection e.g. dolutegravir
- St. John’s Wort
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Linagliptin + Metformin.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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