Trajenta

Trajenta or linagliptin belongs to the class of medicines known as DPP-4 inhibitors, which are used to treat type 2 diabetes. Trajenta works by increasing the amount of incretin produced by the intestine. Incretin is a natural hormone that increases insulin levels when blood sugars are high - after a meal for example - and reduces the amount of sugar made by the body. Trajenta is usually taken in conjunction with other medications to control the blood sugar levels of adults with type 2 diabetes. It is designed to be used as part of a holistic diabetes management plan that also includes a diet and exercise regime.

Trajenta or linagliptin belongs to the class of medicines known as DPP-4 inhibitors, which are used to treat type 2 diabetes. Trajenta works by increasing the amount of incretin produced by the intestine. Incretin is a natural hormone that increases insulin levels when blood sugars are high - after a meal for example - and reduces the amount of sugar made by the body. Trajenta is usually taken in conjunction with other medications to control the blood sugar levels of adults with type 2 diabetes. It is designed to be used as part of a holistic diabetes management plan that also includes a diet and exercise regime.

Trajenta comes in the form of a small light brown tablet with D5 on one side and a company symbol on the other. Each tablet contains 5mg of the active ingredient linagliptin.

The dosage is usually 5 mg a day for adults, but this can vary considerably according to various factors. Your doctor will prescribe the correct dosage to best manage your symptoms. It can be taken with or without food but it is important to follow the instructions given by your doctor, which might state taking it at the same time each day, for example.

If you forget to take a tablet, do not be tempted to take two at once to compensate for the missing dose. The best thing to do is to skip the missing dose and take the next one at the scheduled time. If you are unsure what to do in the event of a missed dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Do not suddenly stop taking Trajenta.

Store Trajenta in a dry safe place at room temperature and keep it out of reach of children.

Approximately 1 percent of people taking the Trajenta have experienced the following side-effects:

• Back pain;
• Diarrhoea;
• A sore throat;
• A cough;
• A headache;
• Runny or blocked nose;
• Mouth ulcers;
• Skin rash;
• Symptoms of low blood sugar (dizziness, fatigue, weakness, confusion, irritability ...)

Consult your doctor or pharmacist if any of these symptoms are bothering you.

• Allergic reaction;
• Symptoms of pancreatitis.

Stop taking Trajenta immediately and seek urgent medical advice if you experience any of the above or any other concerning symptoms not mentioned.

Trajenta interacts with a long list of medications, and also many substances such as caffeine, alcohol and street drugs. It is vitally important that you take to your doctor about your lifestyle and thoroughly disclose all medications that you take so your doctor can advise you. This does not necessarily mean that Trajenta is unsuitable, but you may need to take a reduced dose or try an alternative medicine.

If you have any of the following conditions, it may be unsafe to take Trajenta:

• Heart disease;
• Reduced kidney or liver function;
• Pancreatitis.

Trajenta should not be taken during pregnancy. Consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding