Generic
Linagliptin
Indications
Linagliptin is indicated in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus to improve glycaemic control in adults. As monotherapy: in patients inadequately controlled by diet and exercise alone and for whom metformin is inappropriate due to intolerance or contraindicated due to renal impairment. As combination therapy: in combination with metformin when diet and exercise plus metformin alone do not provide adequate glycaemic control in combination with a sulphonylurea and metformin when diet and exercise plus dual therapy with these medicinal products do not provide adequate glycaemic control.
Pharmacology
Linagliptin is indicated to improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Linagliptin is an inhibitor of DPP-4 (dipeptidyl peptidase-4), an enzyme that degrades the incretin hormones GLP-1 (glucagon like peptide-1) and GIP (glucose dependent insulinotropic polypeptide). Thus, Linagliptin increases the concentrations of active incretin hormones, stimulating the release of insulin from pancreatic beta (β) cells in a glucose-dependent manner and decreasing the secretion of glucagon from pancreatic alpha (α) cells in the circulation.
Dosage Administration
Linagliptin 5 mg once daily. If added to metformin, the dose of metformin should be maintained and linagliptin administered concomitantly. When used in combination with a sulfonylurea, a lower dose of the sulphonylurea may be considered to reduce the risk of hypoglycaemia. Patients with renal impairment: No dose adjustment required. Linagliptin can be taken with or without a meal at any time of the day.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients.
Side Effects
There may be hypoglycaemia, nasopharyngitis, cough and pancreatitis in combination with metformin and sulfonylurea.
Pregnancy And Lactation
Pregnancy category B. There are no adequate and well controlled studies in pregnant women. So, Linagliptin tablets should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. It is not known whether Linagliptin passes into breast milk or not.
Therapeutic
Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor
Storage Conditions
Keep in a dry place away from light and heat. Keep out of the reach of children.
Over The Counter Products
