Tradjenta (Linagliptin) is used along with diet and exercise and sometimes with other medications 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. Over time, people who have diabetes and high blood sugar can develop serious or life-threatening complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney problems, nerve damage, and eye problems. 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. This therapy may also decrease your chances of having a heart attack, stroke, or other diabetes-related complications such as kidney failure, nerve damage (numb, cold legs or feet; decreased sexual ability in men and women), eye problems, including changes or loss of vision, or gum disease. Your doctor and other healthcare providers will talk to you about the best way to manage your diabetes.

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. Continue to take linagliptin even if you feel well. Do not stop taking linagliptin without talking to your doctor.

Before taking linagliptin,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to linagliptin, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in linagliptin tablets. Ask your pharmacist or check the manufacturer's patient information for a list of the ingredients.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, and nutritional supplements you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: carbamazepine (Tegretol); insulin; oral medications for diabetes such as acetohexamide, chlorpropamide (Diabinese), glimepiride (Amaryl, in Avandaryl), glipizide (Glucotrol, in Metaglip), glyburide (Diabeta, Glynase, Micronase, in Glucovance), nateglinide (Starlix), and many others not listed. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what herbal products you are taking or plan to take, especially St. John's wort.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had pancreatitis (inflammation of your pancreas), gallstones (stones in your gallbladder), or high triglycerides (a fatty substance in the blood), or if you drink or have ever drunk large amounts of alcohol.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking linagliptin, call your doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking linagliptin.
• talk to your doctor about what you should do if you get hurt or if you develop a fever or infection. These conditions may affect your blood sugar and the amount of linagliptin you may need for treatment.

Q: Why is Tradjenta prescribed?

A: Tradjenta controls blood sugar levels. It is used together with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with Type 2 diabetes.

Q: Does Tradjenta have a generic alternative?

A: Currently there is no generic for Tradjenta available