Linagliptin Tablets

LINAGLIPTIN (lin a GLIP tin) treats type 2 diabetes. It works by increasing insulin levels in your body, which decreases your blood sugar (glucose). It also reduces the amount of sugar released into your blood.  Changes to diet and exercise are often combined with this medication.

Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Heart failure—shortness of breath, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands, sudden weight gain, unusual weakness or fatigue
• Pancreatitis—severe stomach pain that spreads to your back or gets worse after eating or when touched, fever, nausea, vomiting
• Redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• Severe joint pain

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Cough
• Diarrhea
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sore throat

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Keep the container tightly closed. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Frequently drink alcohol
• Gallbladder disease
• Have had diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
• Have or have had pancreatitis
• Heart failure
• High cholesterol
• Kidney disease
• An unusual or allergic reaction to linagliptin, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breastfeeding

Other medications may affect the way this medication works. Talk with your care team about all the medications you take. They may suggest changes to your treatment plan to lower the risk of side effects and to make sure your medications work as intended.

Some medications may affect your blood sugar levels or hide symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Talk with your care team about all the medications you take. They may suggest checking your blood sugar levels more often. Medications that may affect your blood sugar levels include:

• Alcohol
• Certain antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, sulfamethoxazole; trimethoprim
• Certain medications for blood pressure or heart disease, such as benazepril, enalapril, lisinopril, losartan, valsartan
• Certain medications for mental health conditions, such as fluoxetine or olanzapine
• Diuretics, such as hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)
• Estrogen and progestin hormones
• Other medications for diabetes
• Steroid medications, such as prednisone or cortisone
• Testosterone
• Thyroid hormones

Medications that may mask symptoms of low blood sugar include:

• Beta-blockers, such as atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol
• Clonidine
• Guanethidine
• Reserpine

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

You may need blood work done while you are taking this medication. Your care team will monitor your HbA1C (A1C). This test shows what your average blood sugar (glucose) level was over the past 2 to 3 months.

Know the symptoms of low blood sugar and know how to treat it. Always carry a source of quick sugar with you. Examples include hard sugar candy or glucose tablets. Make sure others know that you can choke if you eat or drink if your blood sugar is too low and you are unable to care for yourself. Get medical help at once.

Tell your care team if you have high blood sugar. Your medication dose may change if your body is under stress. Some types of stress that may affect your blood sugar include fever, infection, and surgery.

Wear a medical ID bracelet or chain. Carry a card that describes your condition. List the medications and doses you take on the card.