Linagliptin is used on its own or together with other medicines to treat type 2 diabetes by keeping your blood sugar in control.
This medicine is meant to be used as part of a complete diabetes care programme that should include exercise, a healthy diet and regular monitoring of blood sugar levels.
Take Linagliptin 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.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Linagliptin must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
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 circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have type 1 diabetes or diabetes ketoacidosis (complication of diabetes characterised by high level of blood acid in your body) as this medicine may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- angioedema (swelling of the skin) to other similar medicines used to treat diabetes e.g. DPP-4 inhibitor
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you are taking Linagliptin with other types of oral anti-diabetic medicines, you may have been warned about hypoglycaemia. Hypoglycaemia is the medical term for low blood sugar. It is important for you to recognise the symptoms of hypoglycaemia and correct the low blood sugar level. If you don't, you may faint.
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.
What should I do if I am experiencing hypoglycaemia?
You should take a drink or food containing sugar (e.g. fruit juice, soft drinks, sweets) at the first sign of hypoglycaemia. If your symptoms do not improve, get medical help. Keep some glucose tablets (also known as dextrose tablets) with you at all times.
If you are going for a dental treatment, inform your dentist that you are taking Linagliptin.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine blood glucose tests will be done while you are being treated with this medicine.
- Regular monitoring of signs of pancreatitis may also be needed.
Linagliptin 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: runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, coughing and sore throat.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- signs and symptoms of pancreatitis: persistent and severe stomach pain radiating to your back, nausea, vomiting, fever
- severe, disabling joint pain
- blistering of the skin
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes, lips or mouth
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:
- medicines to treat tuberculosis or TB e.g. rifampicin
- medicines for HIV infections e.g. ritonavir
- other medicines for diabetes e.g. sulfonylurea, insulin
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Linagliptin.
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.
It is important for you to maintain a healthy diet and weight in order to help keep your diabetes under control.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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