Linatab 5mg Tablet

Description

Indications:
Linatab is indicated for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus to improve glycemic control in adults. It is used:

As monotherapy for patients who are inadequately controlled by diet and exercise alone, and for whom metformin is inappropriate due to intolerance or contraindicated due to renal impairment.
In combination with other antidiabetic agents, including metformin or sulfonylureas, as per the physician’s recommendation.
Consult a registered healthcare professional before using this medication.

Pharmacology:
Linagliptin works by inhibiting DPP-4 (dipeptidyl peptidase-4), an enzyme that degrades the incretin hormones GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide). By increasing the concentrations of these active incretin hormones, Linagliptin stimulates the release of insulin from pancreatic beta (β) cells in a glucose-dependent manner and decreases the secretion of glucagon from pancreatic alpha (α) cells, improving blood sugar control.

Dosage & Administration:
The recommended dose of Linagliptin is 5 mg once daily. If Linagliptin is added to metformin, the dose of metformin should be maintained, and Linagliptin should be taken concurrently.
When used in combination with a sulfonylurea, a lower dose of the sulfonylurea may be considered to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia.

For patients with renal impairment, no dose adjustment is required. Linagliptin can be taken with or without food at any time of the day.

Consult a registered healthcare professional before using this medication.

Interaction:
Linagliptin is a weak competitive and weak-to-moderate mechanism-based inhibitor of the CYP3A4 isozyme, but does not inhibit other CYP isozymes. The risk for clinically meaningful interactions with other medications is low. In clinical studies, Linagliptin had no clinically significant effect on the pharmacokinetics of metformin, glyburide, simvastatin, warfarin, digoxin, or oral contraceptives.

Contraindications:
Linagliptin is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to the active substance or any of the excipients.

Side Effects:
Common side effects may include hypoglycemia, nasopharyngitis, cough, and pancreatitis when used in combination with metformin or sulfonylureas.

Pregnancy & Lactation:
Pregnancy Category B. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women, so Linagliptin should only be used during pregnancy if clearly needed. It is not known whether Linagliptin passes into breast milk.

Precautions & Warnings:
Hypersensitivity to the active substance or any excipients should be monitored. Regular medical supervision is recommended during use.

Therapeutic Class:
Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (DPP-4) Inhibitor

Storage Conditions:
Store in a cool, dry place away from light and heat. Keep out of reach of children.