Linagliptin
NHS information about linagliptin, including what it's used for, who can take it, how to take it and side effects.
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.
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.
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.
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
