Brand Names: Tradjenta

Generic Name: linagliptin (Pronunciation: LIN a GLIP tin)

• What is linagliptin (Tradjenta)?
• What are the possible side effects of linagliptin (Tradjenta)?
• What is the most important information I should know about linagliptin (Tradjenta)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking linagliptin (Tradjenta)?
• How should I take linagliptin (Tradjenta)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Tradjenta)?
• What happens if I overdose (Tradjenta)?
• What should I avoid while taking linagliptin (Tradjenta)?
• What other drugs will affect linagliptin (Tradjenta)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is linagliptin (Tradjenta)?

Linagliptin is an oral diabetes medicine that helps control blood sugar levels. It works by regulating the levels of insulin your body produces after eating.

Linagliptin is used together with diet and exercise to treat type 2 diabetes (non-insulin-dependent). Linagliptin is not for treating type 1 diabetes.

Linagliptin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of linagliptin (Tradjenta)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop taking linagliptin and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• pancreatitis - severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, fast heart rate; or
• fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash.

Less serious side effects may include:

• runny or stuffy nose, sore throat;
• cough;
• weight gain;
• muscle or joint pain;
• headache; or
• back pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the Tradjenta (linagliptin) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about linagliptin (Tradjenta)?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to linagliptin or if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with insulin).

Before you take linagliptin, tell your doctor if you have high cholesterol or triglycerides, or a history of pancreatitis.

Stop taking linagliptin and call your doctor at once if you have severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, or fast heart rate.

Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can occur if you skip a meal, exercise too long, drink alcohol, or are under stress. Symptoms include headache, hunger, weakness, sweating, tremors, irritability, or trouble concentrating. Carry hard candy or glucose tablets with you in case you have low blood sugar. Other sugar sources include orange juice and milk. Be sure your family and close friends know how to help you in an emergency.

Linagliptin is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include diet, exercise, weight control, foot care, eye care, dental care, and testing your blood sugar. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely. Changing any of these factors can affect your blood sugar levels.

Your blood sugar will need to be checked often, and you may need other blood tests at your doctor's office. Visit your doctor regularly.