Linagliptin/metformin (By mouth)

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to linagliptin or metformin.

Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
It is best to take this medicine with food or milk.
Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
If you take the extended-release tablet, part of the tablet may pass into your stools. This is normal and is nothing to worry about.
This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
Drink plenty of fluids to help prevent dehydration.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Some foods and medicines can affect how linagliptin/metformin works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
- Acetazolamide, amiloride, cimetidine, dichlorphenamide, digoxin, isoniazid, morphine, phenytoin, procainamide, quinidine, quinine, ranitidine, rifampin, topiramate, triamterene, trimethoprim, vancomycin, zonisamide
- Blood pressure medicine
- Insulin or other diabetes medicine
Some medicines may affect your blood sugar level, including a diuretic (water pill), birth control pills, corticosteroid (including dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone, prednisone), phenothiazine medicine (including chlorpromazine, perphenazine, prochlorperazine, promethazine, thioridazine), thyroid medicine, some cold and allergy medicines, niacin, and isoniazid.
Limit the amount of alcohol you drink while you are using this medicine. Too much alcohol increases your risk of lactic acidosis.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart failure, adrenal or pituitary gland disease, vitamin B12 deficiency, or a history of pancreas problems.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
- Lactic acidosis (rare problem with too much acid in the blood, which can be life-threatening)
- Pancreatitis
- Low blood sugar levels
- Low levels of vitamin B12
Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. This medicine may interact with the dye used for an x-ray or a CT scan.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
Fast or trouble breathing, paleness, severe weakness, tiredness, or confusion
Severe joint pain
Shaking, trembling, sweating, fast or pounding heartbeat, faintness, hunger
Sudden and severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, lightheadedness

Last Updated: 1/27/2017