Tradjenta (linagliptin), an oral diabetes medicine, helps to control blood sugar. It regulates the amount of insulin that your body produces after you eat.
Adults with type 2 diabetes must use Tradjenta in conjunction with exercise and diet to control blood sugar.
Tradjenta cannot be used to treat type 1 diabetes.
Linagliptin is usually administered once daily with or without regard to meals.
The dosage will be determined based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
To get the best benefit, you should take this medication on a regular basis. Take it every day at the same time to help you remember. Follow the recommended medication treatment plan, meal plan and exercise program.
Your doctor may direct you to check your blood sugar frequently. Keep track of your results and share them with you doctor. If your blood sugar levels are abnormally high or low, tell your doctor. You may need to change your dosage or treatment.
Side Effects of Tradjenta (Linagliptin):
Your doctor may have prescribed the medication to you because he/she believes that it is more beneficial than side effects. This medication is not known to cause serious side effects in many people.
If you experience any side effects that are serious, such as joint pain, unusual skin bumps, or signs of heart disease (such as shortness and swelling of the feet, ankles or feet, tiredness, sudden weight gain, or unusual tiredness), tell your doctor immediately.
Hypoglycemia:
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) is not usually caused by linagliptin alone. However, it can occur when this drug is used in combination with other diabetes medications. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor about lowering the dosage of any other diabetes medications.
Low blood sugar symptoms include shaking, rapid heartbeat, hunger and blurred vision. To treat low blood sugar, it is a good idea to keep glucose tablets or gel on hand. You can quickly raise your blood sugar if you don’t have reliable glucose sources. Inform your doctor immediately about any reactions.
If you consume large quantities of alcohol, exercise excessively, or don’t eat enough calories, low blood sugar can be more common. Low blood sugar can be prevented by eating regular meals and not skipping meals. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor about what you should do if a meal is missed.
Euglycemic ketoacidosis:
High blood sugar (hyperglycemia), can cause thirst, increased urine, confusion, drowsiness and flushing. It also causes rapid breathing, fruity breath smell, rapid breathing, rapid urination, and flushing. These symptom are suggestive of diabetic ketoacidosis which is a life threatening condition.
If you experience any serious side effects, such as nausea/vomiting, stomach/abdominal pain that may spread to your back, or vomiting that doesn’t stop, get medical attention immediately.
Allergic reactions:
It is very rare for this drug to cause a severe allergic reaction. If you have symptoms such as rash, swelling (especially on the face/tongue/throat), dizziness, or trouble breathing, please seek medical attention immediately.
This list does not include all possible side effects. You should consult your pharmacist if you experience any other side effects.
Tradjenta Warnings and Precautions:
Tell your doctor or pharmacist before you start taking linagliptin. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about your medical history before you start taking this medication. If you are allergic to the drug, it is best to avoid it. In addition, inform your doctor and pharmacist regarding: pancreatic disease (pancreatitis), gallstones (gallstones), heart attack.
Tradjenta should not be used if you:
If you have ever experienced severe allergic reactions to linagliptin (swelling, breathing problems, severe skin rash), or
Diabetic ketoacidosis is a condition that causes diabetic ketoacidosis. Call your doctor to get treatment.
Tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
- Heart problems
- Kidney disease
- Pancreatitis
- High triglycerides (a type fat found in the blood)
- Gallstones; or
- Alcoholism
Low or high blood sugar may cause blurred vision, dizziness or drowsiness. You should not drive, operate machinery, or engage in any activity that requires clear vision or alertness until you feel confident you can safely do so.
You should avoid drinking alcohol while you are taking this medication as it may increase your chances of developing low blood sugar.
Your body may find it more difficult to manage your blood sugar when you are stressed, such as from infection, fever, surgery, or injury. Talk to your doctor if you feel stressed. You may need to adjust your medication, treatment, or test your blood sugar.
Tell your dentist or doctor about any products you use before having surgery.
This medication should not be used during pregnancy. Pregnancy may cause or worsen diabetes. Talk to your doctor about how you can manage your blood sugar during pregnancy. Most pregnant females are put on insulin during their pregnancy. Discuss the benefits and risks of various treatments, such as diet, exercise and insulin medications.
It is not known if the drug will pass into breast milk. Before breast-feeding, consult your doctor.
Consult your pharmacist or physician.
Tradjenta drug Interactions:
Drug interactions can alter the way your medication works or increase your chance of side effects. This document doesn’t cover all possible drug interactions. Without your doctor’s permission, do not change, start or stop any medication. Make a list of all the medical and non medical products that you take and show it to your doctor and pharmacist.
Rifampin is a product that could interact with this drug.
Beta-blocker medications such as propranolol and metoprolol (and glaucoma eye drop like timolol), may reduce the rapid/pounding heartbeat that you might feel when your blood sugar drops too low (hypoglycemia). These drugs do not affect other symptoms such as dizziness or hunger.
Your blood sugar levels can be affected by many drugs, making it harder to manage your blood sugar. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor before you change, start, stop or modify any medication. They will be able to explain how it may affect your blood sugar. Your doctor will direct you to check your blood sugar frequently. Discuss the results with your doctor and any signs of high or low sugar. (See also the Side Effects section. Your doctor might need to modify your diabetes medication, exercise program or diet.
Notes
This medication should not be shared with anyone else.
While you are on this medication, it is important to have any medical and/or lab tests done (such as blood glucose or hemoglobin A1c). All lab and medical appointments should be kept confidential.
To learn more about diabetes education, attend a Diabetes Education Program.
Learn how to treat low blood glucose and the signs of high blood sugar. Your doctor should have you check your blood sugar as prescribed.
In case you missed your dose…
Do not miss a dose. Take it as soon you remember. Skip the missed dose if it falls within the time frame for the next dose. Your next dose should be taken at the same time every day. To catch up, do not take twice the recommended dose.
How to store tradjenta?
Keep the drug at normal room temperature in dry non-humid places. Avoid storing in the bathroom. Keep all your medicines away from your pets and kids.
If you are not instructed, do not flush or pour medications down the drain. This product should be properly disposed of once it has expired or is no longer required.
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