What linagliptin is for

Linagliptin is used to treat type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes happens when your body does not make enough of a hormone called insulin, or the insulin it makes does not work properly (insulin resistance). Without enough insulin, your blood sugar (glucose) can get too high.

Linagliptin works by increasing the amount of insulin your body produces and lowering your blood sugar level.

How to take linagliptin

Linagliptin comes as tablets you take once a day.

You'll usually need to take it long term. Do not stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to.

When taking linagliptin:

swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water (do not crush or chew them)
it's best to take it at the same time each day
you can take it with or without food

Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you’re not sure how to take it or have any problems taking it.

If you miss a dose of linagliptin

If you forget to take a dose of linagliptin, take it as soon as you remember unless it's nearly time for your next dose.

If it's nearly time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose at the usual time.

Do not take 2 doses to make up for a missed dose.

If you take too much linagliptin

Taking an extra dose of linagliptin can be dangerous.

Urgent advice: Call NHS 111 if:

you've taken more than your prescribed dose of linagliptin

If you're told to go to A&E, do not drive. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Bring the linagliptin packet or leaflet inside it, any remaining medicine, and any other medicines you take.

Side effects of linagliptin

Like all medicines, linagliptin can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Side effects of linagliptin include:

cold-like symptoms, such as a blocked nose
a cough
constipation

If you take linagliptin alongside another diabetic medicine, it may cause low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia, or a hypo). This can make you feel dizzy, feel sick (nausea), be sick (vomit), feel very hungry or feel very tired.

If you get symptoms of a hypo, eat or drink something sugary to raise your blood sugar level quickly. If this happens often, see your GP.

Linagliptin should not affect your ability to drive but if you have symptoms of a hypo – such as feeling sleepy, dizziness or blurred vision – do not drive, ride a bike or use machinery until you no longer have these symptoms.

Non-urgent advice: Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if:

you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away

They may be able to give you advice about how to reduce any side effects. Keep taking your medicine unless you're advised to stop.

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Serious side effects

Linagliptin can sometimes cause serious side effects, although most of them are rare.

Possible serious side effects of linagliptin include:

an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) – causing symptoms such as a swollen throat or tongue, a raised, itchy rash or difficulty breathing
severe skin reactions – causing symptoms such as a sore, itchy, raised rash, blisters or peeling skin
swelling of your pancreas (pancreatitis) – causing symptoms such as severe pain in your stomach or your back that does not go away

Urgent advice: Call 999 if:

you're taking linagliptin and think you might be having anaphylaxis, pancreatitis or serious skin reactions

If you think you're having any other serious side effect, call NHS 111.

More about side effects

These are not all the side effects of linagliptin.

For a full list, see the leaflet that comes with your medicine or search for your medicine on the electronic medicines compendium website.

You can report any side effects you get on the Yellow Card website

Who can and cannot take linagliptin

Most adults can take linagliptin, but it's not suitable for everyone.

For example, it may not be not suitable for you if:

you've had an allergic reaction or serious side effect from linagliptin or a similar medicine before
you've had pancreatitis or other problems with your pancreas

Before taking linagliptin, tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions.

Breastfeeding and linagliptin

Tell your doctor if you're breastfeeding.

Linagliptin is usually not used if you're breastfeeding. Your doctor may suggest stopping linagliptin or switching to a different medicine.

Pregnancy and linagliptin

Tell your doctor if you're pregnant or get pregnant while taking linagliptin.

Linagliptin is not used during pregnancy. Your doctor may suggest stopping linagliptin or switching to a different medicine.

Find out more about taking antidiabetic drugs such as linagliptin during pregnancy on the Bumps (Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy) website

Taking linagliptin with other medicines, food and drink

There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with linagliptin.

These include:

medicines to treat epilepsy or nerve pain, such as carbamazepine
rifampicin, a type of antibiotic
other medicines for high blood sugar, such as insulin, metformin or gliclazide – your doctor may want to change your dose of these medicines

Before taking linagliptin, tell your doctor if you're taking any other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.

Food and alcohol with linagliptin

Follow your doctor's advice about diet while taking linagliptin as part of your diabetes treatment to reduce the chances of your blood sugar level getting too low. This may include eating a healthy diet and not skipping or delaying meals.

It's best not to drink alcohol while taking linagliptin because it can affect your blood sugar level.

Find out more about your medicine

To find out more about your medicine, you can:

check the leaflet that comes with it
search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website
speak to a pharmacist or doctor for advice – if you recently started taking it, you can get help with newly prescribed medicines from a pharmacist as part of the New Medicine Service