Tradjenta

The active ingredient in Tradjenta is linagliptin. Linagliptin is a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor that prevents incretin hormones from being broken down by the DPP-4 enzyme. Incretin hormones promote insulin secretion and decrease glucagon so that glucose can be moved out of the bloodstream into the surrounding tissues which effectively lowers high blood sugar levels. DPP-4 inhibitors like Tradjenta can be used as monotherapy but they are commonly used in combination with other diabetes medications like metformin, pioglitazone, glimepiride, or insulin to attain sufficient blood sugar management.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Tradjenta. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Tradjenta:

• Typically, you take it by mouth once a day with or without food.
• Use exactly as prescribed. Do not exceed the recommended dose or duration of use.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
• Tradjenta may be taken alongside other diabetes medications. There is an increased risk of hypoglycemia or low blood sugar if Tradjenta is taken with certain diabetes medications such as sulfonylureas. Consult your healthcare provider before use.

The most common side effects of Tradjenta seen in clinical trials as compared to placebo include:

• Stuffy or runny nose
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Diarrhea

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Tradjenta. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Symptoms of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) such as vomiting and severe and persistent stomach pain that radiates to the back.
• Signs of hypoglycemia or low blood sugar such as headache, dizziness, sweating, tremors, irritability, confusion, drowsiness, hunger, weakness, or a fast heartbeat. The incidence of hypoglycemia increases when Tradjenta is used with certain medications.
• Signs of a serious and sometimes life-threatening allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing, angioedema (swelling of the lips, face, or eyes), hives, or an itchy, flaky, or peeling skin rash.
• Severe joint pain.
• Signs of a serious skin reaction such as itchiness and large fluid-filled blisters.
• Signs of heart failure such as increasing shortness of breath and difficulty breathing especially when lying down, swelling of the feet, ankles, or legs, unexpected weight gain, or fatigue.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Tradjenta. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Tradjenta, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• A history of pancreatitis
• Heart failure
• A history of alcoholism
• Renal (kidney) impairment
• Gallstones
• High blood triglyceride levels

Do not use Tradjenta if you have:

• Type 1 diabetes mellitus or diabetic ketoacidosis
• An allergy or hypersensitivity to linagliptin or any of the other inactive ingredients found in Tradjenta (copovidone, corn starch, magnesium stearate, mannitol, pregelatinized starch, hypromellose, polyethylene glycol, red ferric oxide, talc, and titanium dioxide)

It takes a couple of hours for Tradjenta to reach peak levels in the body. With several days of consistent use, your blood sugars will begin to stabilize. Your doctor may order blood work to measure your HbA1C. This is the 3-month average of your glycemic control and can be used as a way of monitoring the effect of linagliptin.

When Tradjenta is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Rifampin
• Insulin or insulin secretagogues

Tradjenta tablets are available in the following strengths:

• 5 mg

Tradjenta should be stored at room temperature away from excess heat or cold and out of the reach of children.

Tradjenta is manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals.

A generic version of the brand name Tradjenta was approved by the FDA in September 2024.

Consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing medications while taking Tradjenta.

It is unknown if Tradjenta can cause harm to your unborn child. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

It is unknown if Tradjenta passes into the breastmilk. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.