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Linagliptin

Linagliptin

Where is Linagliptin used?

Linagliptin is a medication used for the treatment of people with type 2 diabetes. This medicine is used along with a proper diet, exercise, and possibly other medicines to help control high blood sugar. Monitoring high blood sugar helps avoid blindness, kidney damage, loss of limbs, and nerve problems. Proper control of diabetes may also decrease your risk of stroke or heart attack.

How does Linagliptin work?

Linagliptin is a type of medicine called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor. This works by increasing the quantity of two incretin hormones establish in the body called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP). These hormones are usually produced naturally by the body in response to food intake. Their function is to help control blood sugar levels. GLP-1 and GIP have two main actions that help to control blood sugar. 

Firstly, they stimulate the pancreas to produce insulin in response to increasing levels of glucose in the blood. Insulin is the central hormone accountable for directing sugar levels in the blood. It causes cells in the body to eliminate sugar from the blood. GLP-1 also lessens the making of glucagon. Glucagon is a hormone that usually increases glucose creation by the liver. GLP-1 and GIP are usually broken down by an enzyme in the body called dipeptidyl peptidase-4. 

Secondly, this medicine binds to this enzyme and prevents it from breaking down the GLP-1 and GIP. This increases the levels of these hormones in the body and so increases their effect on controlling blood sugar.

How is Linagliptin taken?

The prescribed dosage is based on your medical condition and response to the treatment. You must take this medication exactly as it is given by your doctor. Your doctor may direct you to start at a lower dose and eventually increase it.

Linagliptin is to be taken by mouth usually once a day or as directed by your doctor. This medication is may be taken with or without a meal. Follow carefully the meal plan, medication treatment plan, and exercise program your doctor has recommended. Do not suddenly stop taking Linagliptin without the consent of your doctor. It is important to continue taking this even if you feel well. To help you remember, take it at the same time and in the same way each day.

What are the possible side effects of Linagliptin?

  • Back pain
  • Headache
  • Muscle or joint pain
  • Weight gain
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Runny nose
  • Stuffy nose 

What are the precautions in using Linagliptin?

  • Limit alcohol while having this treatment. It may increase your risk of developing low blood sugar. 
  • While you are taking this drug, your doctor may want to check your blood sugar level from time to time. 
  • This is not recommended for use in pregnant or breastfeeding women. If you are planning to become pregnant, consult your doctor first before taking Linagliptin. 
  • You must continue to follow the diet and exercise advice given to you by your doctor while you are taking Linagliptin. This medicine only helps to control your blood sugar levels and should not be used as a substitute for eating healthily and taking regular exercise.
  • You should not take this if you ever had an allergic reaction to this drug. Tell your doctor if you have any allergies. This drug may have an ingredient that causes an allergic reaction.