How does linagliptin work?
Linagliptin belongs to a group of medicines called dipeptidylpeptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP-4 inhibitors) or gliptins.
It's used to treat type 2 diabetes, which is caused by problems with a hormone in your body called insulin.
Gliptins help your body make more insulin. They also stop your body releasing too much sugar (glucose) into your blood.
Both of these things help keep your blood sugar levels stable.
How long does it take to work?
Linagliptin starts to work within a few hours.
You need to take it every day to make sure your blood sugar stays as stable as possible.
Does linagliptin cause hypoglycaemia ("hypos")?
Linagliptin does not usually cause low blood sugar (known as hypoglycaemia, or "hypos") when taken on its own.
If you're taking other medicines for diabetes, your doctor may recommend reducing the dose of your other medicines when you start linagliptin. This will reduce the risk of hypos.
Are there any long-term side effects?
Linagliptin is safe to take for a long time.
There do not seem to be any lasting harmful effects from taking it for many months, or even years.
Are there other medicines that treat type 2 diabetes?
Linagliptin is a dipeptidylpeptidase-4 inhibitor (DPP-4 inhibitor).
Similar medicines include:
- alogliptin
- saxagliptin
- sitagliptin
- vidagliptin
There are other medicines that can also treat type 2 diabetes including:
- metformin
- sulfonylureas, like gliclazide and glimepiride
- pioglitazone
- SGLT2 inhibitors, like dapagliflozin
- GLP-1 agonists like exenatide (given by injection)
- insulin (given by injection)
Your doctor might recommend taking more than 1 type of diabetes medicine at the same time.
Can I get diabetes medicines for free?
If you have diabetes, you're entitled to free prescriptions for all of your medicines, not just your diabetes ones.
To claim your free prescriptions, you'll need to have a medical exemption certificate (FP92A).
You can get an application form at your doctor's surgery.
Can I take linagliptin before surgery?
Yes, you can take linagliptin before surgery.
Tell your surgeon that you're taking linagliptin and any other medicines.
Will it affect my contraception?
Linagliptin does not affect any type of contraception, including the combined pill and emergency contraception.
Can I drive or ride a bike?
If your blood sugar levels are stable, then taking linagliptin should not affect your ability to drive, cycle or use machinery or tools.
If your blood sugar levels become too low, this can reduce your concentration. If this happens to you, do not drive, cycle or use machines or tools until you feel better.
It's an offence to drive a car if your ability to drive safely is affected. It's your responsibility to decide if it's safe to drive. If you're in any doubt, do not drive.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you're unsure whether it's safe for you to drive while taking linagliptin. GOV.UK has more information on the law on drugs and driving.
Can I drink alcohol while taking linagliptin?
Yes, you can drink alcohol while taking linagliptin.
But it's best to drink no more than 2 units a day. Drinking more than this can increase your risk of low blood sugar.
Try to keep to the recommended guidelines of no more than 14 units of alcohol a week.
Is there any food or drink I need to avoid?
It's a good idea to cut down on foods with added sugar.
Check the nutrition labels as many foods and drinks are high in sugar, such as:
- sweets
- cakes
- biscuits
- chocolate
- some fizzy drinks
- juice drinks
However, it's important to always carry a fast-acting carbohydrate with you, like sugar cubes, fruit juice or some sweets, in case your blood sugar level gets low. Artificial sweeteners will not help.
You may also need to eat a starchy carbohydrate, like a sandwich or a biscuit, to maintain your blood sugar for longer.
Will it make me lose or gain weight?
Linagliptin does not usually make people lose weight or put on any weight.
Can lifestyle changes help to control diabetes?
There are some lifestyle changes you can make to help control the symptoms of type 2 diabetes.
These include:
- eating a healthy diet
- losing any excess weight
- not smoking
- cutting down on alcohol – try to keep to the recommended guidelines of no more than 14 units of alcohol a week. A standard glass of wine (175ml) is 2 units. A pint of lager or beer is usually 2 to 3 units of alcohol
- exercising – 30 minutes a day, 5 times a week is ideal
Linagliptin is usually prescribed when diet and exercise alone has not been enough to control your blood sugar levels.