From the Guidelines
Tradjenta (linagliptin) is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus, primarily by increasing levels of incretin hormones to stimulate insulin release and reduce glucose production in the liver. According to the most recent and highest quality study available, 1, Tradjenta belongs to a class of drugs called DPP-4 inhibitors (dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors), which have been shown to be effective in lowering blood sugar levels. The standard dose of Tradjenta is 5 mg taken once daily, with or without food.
Some key benefits of Tradjenta include:
- It does not require dose adjustments for patients with kidney or liver problems, making it a convenient option for patients with these conditions.
- It can be used alone (monotherapy) or in combination with other diabetes medications such as metformin, sulfonylureas, or insulin.
- It helps lower blood sugar levels without causing weight gain and has a low risk of hypoglycemia when used alone.
- Common side effects may include upper respiratory infections, headache, and occasional stomach discomfort.
As noted in 1, patients should continue monitoring their blood glucose levels while taking this medication and maintain healthy lifestyle habits, including proper diet and exercise. Additionally, emerging data suggest that combination therapy with an SGLT2 inhibitor and a GLP-1 RA may be considered to provide complementary outcomes benefits associated with these classes of medication. However, Tradjenta's primary use remains the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, and its effectiveness in this context is well-supported by the available evidence, including studies such as 1 and 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
TRADJENTA is a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (1) TRADJENTA is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Tradjenta is used to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus as an adjunct to diet and exercise 2, 2, 2.
From the Research
Tradjenta Usage
- Tradjenta, also known as Linagliptin, is a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor used for the treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus 3, 4, 5.
- It is used to improve glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes, and can be used as monotherapy or in combination with other antidiabetic agents, such as metformin, sulfonylurea, or insulin 3, 4, 5.
- Tradjenta is available in a fixed-dose combination with metformin, known as Jentadueto 3, 4.
- The medication is generally well tolerated and has a low risk of hypoglycaemia, making it a suitable option for patients with type 2 diabetes, including those with renal impairment 3, 4, 5.
Key Benefits
- Improves glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes 3, 4, 5.
- Can be used without dosage adjustment in patients with any degree of renal impairment 3, 4.
- Has a low risk of hypoglycaemia and no effect on bodyweight 3, 4, 5.
- May have beneficial effects on cardiovascular and renal safety profiles in patients with type 2 diabetes 3.
Comparison with Other Treatments
- Tradjenta has been compared to other antidiabetic agents, such as voglibose and glimepiride, and has been shown to be effective in improving glycaemic control 4, 5.
- While other treatments, such as SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists, may have additional benefits, such as weight loss and blood pressure reduction, Tradjenta remains a viable option for patients with type 2 diabetes 6, 7.