Tradjenta (Linagliptin) is used along with diet and exercise to lower blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes (condition in which blood sugar is too high because the body does not produce or use insulin normally). Linagliptin is in a class of medications called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. It works by increasing the amounts of certain natural substances that lower blood sugar when it is high. Linagliptin is not used to treat type 1 diabetes (condition in which the body does not produce insulin and, therefore, cannot control the amount of sugar in the blood) or diabetic ketoacidosis (a serious condition that may develop if high blood sugar is not treated). Linagliptin used in combination with insulin to treat diabetes has not been studied to date. Taking medication(s), making lifestyle changes (e.g., diet, exercise, quitting smoking), and regularly checking your blood sugar may help to manage your diabetes and improve your health.

Linagliptin comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day with or without food. Take Linagliptin at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Linagliptin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Linagliptin helps to control high blood sugar but does not cure diabetes. Tradjenta is only part of a treatment program that may also include diet, exercise, weight control, blood sugar testing, and special medical care. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely. Your doctor or pharmacist will give you the manufacturer's patient information sheet (Medication Guide) when you begin treatment with Linagliptin and each time you refill your prescription. Read the information carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Before you take Tradjenta, tell your doctor if you have high cholesterol or triglycerides, or a history of pancreatitis. Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, or fast heart rate. Tradjenta is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include diet, exercise, weight control, foot care, eye care, dental care, and testing your blood sugar. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely. Changing any of these factors can affect your blood sugar levels. You should not use Tradjenta if:

• you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to linagliptin (breathing problems, swelling, severe skin rash); or
• you have diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment)

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Tradjenta: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop taking Tradjenta and call your doctor right away if you have symptoms of pancreatitis: severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, or fast heartbeats.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• a severe autoimmune reaction - itching, blisters, breakdown of the outer layer of skin

• symptoms of heart failure - shortness of breath (even while lying down), swelling in your legs or feet, rapid weight gain

• severe or ongoing pain in your joints

• severe skin reaction - fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

Common Tradjenta side effects may include:

• runny or stuffy nose, sore throat

• cough

• diarrhea.

What other drugs will affect Tradjenta?

Other drugs may increase or decrease the effects of Tradjenta on lowering your blood sugar. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially: • rifampin (to treat tuberculosis)

• insulin or other oral diabetes medications.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with linagliptin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

What is the dosage information for the medication?

Usual Adult Dose for Diabetes Type 2:

Recommended dose: 5 mg orally once a day

When used in combination with insulin or an insulin secretagogue, a lower dose of the insulin secretagogue or insulin may be necessary to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia. As an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus