Trajenta Duo Adverse Reactions

Summary of the safety profile: The safety of linagliptin 2.5 mg twice daily (or its bioequivalent of 5 mg once daily) in combination with metformin has been evaluated in over 6800 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. In placebo-controlled studies, more than 1800 patients were treated with the therapeutic dose of either 2.5 mg linagliptin twice daily (or its bioequivalent of 5 mg linagliptin once daily) in combination with metformin for ≥12/24 weeks.
In the pooled analysis of the seven placebo-controlled trials, the overall incidence of adverse events in patients treated with placebo and metformin was comparable to that seen with linagliptin 2.5 mg and metformin (54.3 and 49.0%). Discontinuation of therapy due to adverse events was comparable in patients who received placebo and metformin to patients treated with linagliptin and metformin (3.8% and 2.9%).
The most frequently reported adverse reaction for linagliptin plus metformin was diarrhoea (1.6%) with a comparable rate on metformin plus placebo (2.4%).
Hypoglycaemia may occur when Trajenta Duo is administered together with sulphonylurea (≥1 case per 10 patients).
Tabulated list of adverse reactions: Adverse reactions reported in all clinical trials with the linagliptin+metformin combination or the use of the monocomponents (linagliptin or metformin) in clinical trials or from post-marketing experience are shown as follows according to system organ class. Adverse reactions previously reported with one of the individual active substances may be potential adverse reactions with Trajenta Duo, even if not observed in clinical trials with this medicinal product.
The adverse reactions are listed by system organ class and absolute frequency. Frequencies are defined as very common (≥1/10), common (≥1/100 to <1/10), uncommon (≥1/1,000 to <1/100), rare (≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000), or very rare (<1/10,000) and not known (cannot be estimated from the available data). (See Table 5.)

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Description of selected adverse reactions: Hypoglycaemia: In one study linagliptin was given as add-on to metformin plus sulphonylurea. When linagliptin and metformin were administered in combination with a sulphonylurea, hypoglycaemia was the most frequently reported adverse event (linagliptin plus metformin plus sulphonylurea 23.9% and 16.0% in placebo plus metformin plus sulphonylurea).
When linagliptin and metformin were administered in combination with insulin, hypoglycaemia was the most frequently reported adverse event, but occurred at comparable rate when placebo and metformin were combined with insulin (linagliptin plus metformin plus insulin 29.5% and 30.9% in the placebo plus metformin plus insulin group) with a low rate of severe (requiring assistance) episodes (1.5% and 0.9%).
Other adverse reactions: Gastrointestinal disorders such as, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and decreased appetite and abdominal pain occur most frequently during initiation of therapy with Trajenta Duo or metformin hydrochloride and resolve spontaneously in most cases. For prevention, it is recommended that Trajenta Duo be taken during or after meals. A slow increase in dose of metformin hydrochloride may also improve gastrointestinal tolerability.
Linagliptin cardiovascular and renal safety study (CARMELINA): The CARMELINA study evaluated the cardiovascular and renal safety of linagliptin versus placebo in patients with type 2 diabetes and with increased CV risk evidenced by a history of established macrovascular or renal disease (see Pharmacology: Pharmacodynamics under Actions). The study included 3494 patients treated with linagliptin (5 mg) and 3485 patients treated with placebo. Both treatments were added to standard of care targeting regional standards for HbA_1c and CV risk factors. The overall incidence of adverse events and serious adverse events in patients receiving linagliptin was similar to that in patients receiving placebo. Safety data from this study was in line with previous known safety profile of linagliptin.
In the treated population, severe hypoglycaemic events (requiring assistance) were reported in 3.0% of patients on linagliptin and in 3.1% on placebo. Among patients who were using sulfonylurea at baseline, the incidence of severe hypoglycaemia was 2.0% in linagliptin-treated patients and 1.7% in placebo treated patients. Among patients who were using insulin at baseline, the incidence of severe hypoglycaemia was 4.4% in linagliptin-treated patients and 4.9% in placebo treated patients.
In the overall study observation period adjudicated acute pancreatitis was reported in 0.3% of patients treated with linagliptin and in 0.1% of patients treated with placebo.
In the CARMELINA study, bullous pemphigoid was reported in 0.2% of patients treated with linagliptin and in no patient treated with placebo.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions: Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions.