Trajenta is prescribed to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus in addition to diet and exercise. In clinical trials, this medication was found to significantly lower glucose levels when used alone, or in combination with metformin and/or sulfonylureas.
Trajenta belongs to a class of medications known as dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. DPP-4 is a naturally occurring enzyme in the body that is responsible for the rapid breakdown of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). GLP-1 functions to control blood glucose levels by increasing insulin secretion from the pancreas, decreasing the release of glucagon (a hormone which controls the release of glucose from the liver after meals), promoting a feeling of fullness after eating a meal, and slowing the emptying of the stomach’s contents to allow more time for food absorption. GLP-1 is deficient in individuals with diabetes. Therefore, blocking the actions of DPP-4 in the body with medications such as Trajenta increases levels of GLP-1, which helps lower blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
Trajenta lowers blood sugar levels in a glucose dependent manner. This means that Trajenta works to increase insulin secretion from the pancreas only when glucose levels are high. This medication therefore has a minimal risk of causing low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
Trajenta is the first medication of its class that is approved at one dosage strength. Therefore, no dose adjustment is required for individuals with kidney or liver impairment. This is because Trajenta is primarily excreted from the body in bile, as opposed to urine.
Dosage forms:
Each Trajenta tablet contains 5mg of linagliptin. The recommended dose of Trajenta is one 5mg tablet taken orally once daily. This medication may be taken with or without food.
Before Taking Trajenta
Before taking Trajenta, be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you are currently taking, including prescription and non-prescription medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding.
Proper Use of Trajenta
- Take Trajenta exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If you do not remember until it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses of Trajenta at the same time.
- Check your blood sugar levels as directed by your doctor.
- Stay on your prescribed diet and exercise program while taking Trajenta.
- Talk to your doctor about how to prevent, recognize and manage low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), and complications of diabetes while taking Trajenta.
- Do not take Trajenta for a condition for which it was not prescribed.
- If you take too much Trajenta, call your doctor or Poison Control Center or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away.
Warnings and Precautions
- Although Trajenta is associated with a low risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), the use of Trajenta in combination with sulfonylureas has been found to increase the risk of hypoglycemia. Make sure that you are aware of the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia before taking this medication. These symptoms may include: headache, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, confusion, irritability, hunger, fast heart beat, sweating, or feeling jittery
- Trajenta should not be used in patients with type 1 diabetes or for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis (increased levels of ketones in the urine or blood).
- The safety and efficacy of Trajenta in individuals younger than 18 years of age has not been studied
- The efficacy of Trajenta may be reduced when administered with certain medications, such as rifampicin.
- Do not take Trajenta if you are allergic to linagliptin or any other ingredients in Trajenta. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to Trajenta may include: rash, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or throat, which may cause difficulty breathing. If you experience an allergic reaction to Trajenta, stop taking the medication and contact your doctor.
Side Effects
The most common side effects of Trajenta have been found to be stuffy/runny nose and sore throat.
Talk to your doctor if you experience any unwanted side effects while taking Trajenta.
Ingredients
Active ingredient: linagliptin
Inactive ingredients: mannitol, pregelatinized starch, corn starch, copovidone, and magnesium stearate.
The film coating contains the following inactive ingredients: hypromellose, titanium dioxide, talc, polyethylene glycol, and red ferric oxide.
Storage Information
Store Trajenta between 15°C-30°C and away from any moisture. Keep Trajenta, like all medications, out of the reach of children.
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