Linagliptin and Metformin are combined in this medicine.
Linagliptin + Metformin is used on its own or together with other medicines to treat type 2 diabetes (a long-term condition in which the body gradually becomes resistant to the effects of insulin or the pancreas does not produce enough insulin).
This medicine helps treat your diabetes by keeping your blood sugar under control.
Linagliptin + Metformin 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 this medicine together with food or immediately after a meal. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Linagliptin + Metformin is available as a conventional and extended-release tablet.
If you are taking the extended-release type of tablet (usually labelled as "XR"), 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 treatment timeframe 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 unless instructed by your 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 the following:
- condition when there is too much acid in the blood e.g. diabetic ketoacidosis (a complication of diabetes characterised by high level of blood acid in your body), lactic acidosis (a condition wherein there is too much lactic acid in the blood)
- diabetic coma (a complication of diabetes that causes unconsciousness)
- conditions that may affect kidney function e.g. severe infection, dehydration (excessive water loss from the body)
- heart failure (weakness and inability of the heart to pump blood) or recent heart attack
- serious lung disease
- excessive alcohol intake or alcohol addiction
- severe kidney disease
- liver disease
as Linagliptin + Metformin may not be suitable for you.
If you are going to have procedures that involve the injection of contrast agent (a dye that helps improve the image of internal organs) that contains iodine, alert your doctor that you are taking this medicine.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- history of or risk factors for heart failure
- history of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- history of angioedema (swelling of the deep layers of the skin usually around the face, throat, and lips) due to the use of other medicines for diabetes similar to Linagliptin e.g. alogliptin, sitagliptin, saxagliptin
- mild to moderate kidney disease
Linagliptin + Metformin is not intended for the treatment of type 1 diabetes (long-term condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin).
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Linagliptin + Metformin to the elderly. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
If you are going for an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. kidney function, blood sugar levels) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring of signs and symptoms of lactic acidosis, pancreatitis and heart failure may also be needed.
To help control your diabetes, it is important to continue following the diet and exercise recommended by your doctor while you are taking Linagliptin + Metformin.
If you are taking this medicine 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?
Hypoglycaemia is the medical term for low blood sugar. Symptoms of hypoglycaemia include dizziness, tremor, shaky hands, feeling hungry, weak or confused, and sweating. These signs are your body's way of warning you that your blood sugar level is low.
It is important to recognise these symptoms and get relief for hypoglycaemia quickly, as the hypoglycaemia may worsen.
What should I do if I am experiencing hypoglycaemia?
Always carry some glucose tablets (also known as dextrose tablets) with you. Take 15 grams of glucose tablet at the first sign of hypoglycaemia, wait for 15 minutes and re-check your blood sugar level. If you are not feeling better or if your blood sugar level is still low (less than 4 mmol/L or 70 mg/dL), take another 15 grams of glucose tablet.
If you don't have glucose tablets, you may take any of the following:
- 1/2 cup (120 mL) of juice or regular soda (not diet)
- 1 tablespoon of sugar, honey, or corn syrup
- hard candies, jellybeans, or gumdrops (not sugar-free)
Get medical help should symptoms not improve after the second serving.
Linagliptin + Metformin may cause any of the following side effects: diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, cough, and itchy skin.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- signs and symptoms of lactic acidosis e.g. abdominal pain, muscle cramps, weakness or tiredness, difficulty breathing, reduced body temperature, slow or irregular heartbeat
- signs and symptoms of pancreatitis e.g. severe and persistent abdominal pain that sometimes radiates to the back, severe nausea or vomiting
- severe joint pain
- large fluid-filled blisters
- signs and symptoms of allergic reaction e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes, lips, mouth, or throat
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
- certain medicines for high blood pressure e.g. verapamil
- certain medicines for cancer e.g. crizotinib, olaparib, vandetanib
- NSAIDs (medicines for pain and inflammation) e.g. ibuprofen, celecoxib
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. phenytoin, zonisamide
- water pills or medicines for water retention e.g. acetazolamide
- birth control pills
- ranolazine (medicine for chest pain)
- isavuconazole (medicine to treat fungal infection)
- dolutegravir (medicine for HIV infection)
- rifampicin (medicine for TB [lung infection known as tuberculosis])
- cimetidine (medicine that reduces stomach acid production)
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.
Protect from moisture.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
Sign Out
