INTRODUCTION ABOUT LINAPIL M 2.5/1000 TABLET

LINAPIL M 2.5/1000 TABLET is a combination medicine (Metformin and Linagliptin) used to manage type II diabetes mellitus among adult patients when diet, exercise and management with other conventional medicines does not result in adequate sugar control. It is used as an adjunct therapy along with proper diet and exercise to achieve better results.    

Take LINAPIL M 2.5/1000 TABLET preferably with meals. During therapy with LINAPIL M 2.5/1000 TABLET, your doctor might regularly monitor your blood sugar levels and kidney function to avoid the risk of unwanted side effects. Before taking LINAPIL M 2.5/1000 TABLET inform your doctor if you have any liver, kidney or heart problems. You must also inform your doctor if you have problems in blood circulation or are severely dehydrated due to excessive vomiting or diarrhea recently.

LINAPIL M 2.5/1000 TABLET is not recommended for use in patients with severe uncontrollable diabetes. It is also not suitable for use in patients with alcoholism and in patients with severe systemic infections. Consult your doctor before taking LINAPIL M 2.5/1000 TABLET if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. The most common side effects of taking LINAPIL M 2.5/1000 TABLET are nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, constipation, loss of appetite and metallic taste. Consult your doctor if any of these side effects trouble you.

USES OF LINAPIL M 2.5/1000 TABLET

• Type II diabetes mellitus

Benefits of LINAPIL M 2.5/1000 TABLET in Type II diabetes mellitus:

1. Improved Blood Sugar Control: LINAPIL M 2.5/1000 TABLET works by reducing glucose production in the liver and improving insulin sensitivity. It also helps increase insulin secretion in response to meals, effectively lowering blood sugar levels.
2. Reduced Risk of Hypoglycemia: Because LINAPIL M 2.5/1000 TABLET does not cause significant insulin release in the absence of food, the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) is lower compared to other diabetes medications.
3. Weight Neutrality: The Metformin present in the medicine often helps in weight management, and linagliptin present in the medicine typically has a neutral effect on weight, making this combination a better choice for individuals concerned about weight gain.
4. Cardiovascular Benefits: Linagliptin has shown to have potential cardiovascular protective benefits, which can be important for diabetic patients who are at an increased risk for heart-related issues.

HOW LINAPIL M 2.5/1000 TABLET WORKS

LINAPIL M 2.5/1000 TABLET is an antidiabetic medicine. It contains two medicines namely Metformin and Linagliptin. Metformin makes the body more sensitive to insulin (a hormone involved in glucose metabolism). This helps our body cells to utilize more amount of the circulating blood glucose. Additionally, it can stop glucose production by the liver and reduces its absoprtion in the body. Linagliptin controls blood sugar levels by blocking the actions of an enzyme called dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)-4 that reduces insulin secretion in the body. Collectively, LINAPIL M 2.5/1000 TABLET controls blood sugar levels and improve glycemic control in patients with type II diabetes.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Take LINAPIL M 2.5/1000 TABLET preferably after meals or as advised by your physician. Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine.

Dosage and Administration

• The typical dosage is one tablet twice daily.
• It is usually taken with meals to minimize gastrointestinal side effects like nausea and diarrhea caused by metformin.
• Consistency is key: Take it at the same time daily to maintain steady blood sugar levels.
• Always follow your healthcare provider's instructions.
• Your doctor may adjust the dosage based on your blood sugar levels, kidney function, and tolerance.

Missed Dosage instructions for LINAPIL M 2.5/1000 TABLET:

• If you forgot to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember.
• If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule.
• Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one, as this can increase the risk of side effects.

Overdosage instructions for LINAPIL M 2.5/1000 TABLET:

• Symptoms of overdose may include severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): Symptoms like dizziness, sweating, confusion, or fainting.
• Lactic acidosis (symptoms like muscle pain, difficulty breathing, fatigue, or abdominal discomfort)
• In such cases, seek immediate medical attention.

SIDE EFFECTS OF LINAPIL M 2.5/1000 TABLET

Like all medicines, LINAPIL M 2.5/1000 TABLET may cause certain side effects, although not everybody gets them.

The most common side effects of taking LINAPIL M 2.5/1000 TABLET are:

• Nausea and vomiting
• diarrhea, stomach pain
• changes in taste (metallic taste)
• increased lipase levels in blood
• Hypoglycemia

When to consult your doctor?

• signs of severe decrease in blood sugar levels (such as increased sweating, feeling shaky, anxiety, blurred vision, tingling sensation in the lips, pale skin, mood changes or confusion)
• serious allergic reaction (such as hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat causing difficulty in breathing or swallowing)
• severe skin rashes with redness and blistering of the skin
• signs of lactic acidosis (cold hands or feet, dizziness or light-headedness, slow or irregular heartbeat, weakness or tiredness, unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, sleepiness or drowsiness, stomach pains, nausea or vomiting)
• signs of liver damage (such as tiredness, loss of appetite, weight loss, with or without yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes)
• inflammation of the pancreas causing severe persistent stomach pain which radiates towards your back along with nausea and vomiting

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS

SAFETY ADVICE

Quick tips to maximize the effects of LINAPIL M 2.5/1000 TABLET:

• Take with Food: Always take LINAPIL M 2.5/1000 TABLET with a meal to minimize gastrointestinal side effects like nausea and abdominal discomfort.
• Follow Your Doctor's Advice: Use only as prescribed by your healthcare provider to achieve optimal blood sugar control.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to reduce the risk of dehydration and lactic acidosis, especially if taking metformin.
• Avoid Alcohol: Limit alcohol consumption as it can increase the risk of low blood sugar and lactic acidosis.
• Regular Monitoring: Check your blood sugar levels regularly to ensure the medication is effectively managing your diabetes.
• Renal Function Check: Get your kidney function tested periodically, as this medication may not be suitable for those with significant kidney impairment.
• Watch for Side Effects: Be alert to symptoms like fatigue, muscle pain, or difficulty breathing, which could indicate lactic acidosis. Seek medical attention if they occur.
• Manage Missed Doses: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, skip it if it's close to your next dose—never double up.
• Exercise Regularly: Combine the medication with a healthy diet and regular physical activity for the best results in managing type 2 diabetes.
• Inform About Other Medications: Always inform your doctor about all other medications or supplements you are taking to avoid potential drug interactions.
• Not for Type 1 Diabetes: LINAXA M 2.5/500 is not suitable for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.

INTERACTIONS

A, Drug-Drug interactions:

1. Other Antidiabetic Medications (Ex. Sulfonylureas and Insulin)

Interaction: Concurrent use with LINAPIL M 2.5/1000 TABLET can increase the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and other side effects

Effect: Enhanced blood sugar control but a higher risk of hypoglycemia.

2. Diuretics (Ex. furosemide)

Interaction: May potentiate the risk of lactic acidosis due to dehydration, particularly in metformin users.

Effect: Increased risk of dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and hypoglycemia.

3.ACE Inhibitors (Ex. enalapril)

Interaction: Can improve insulin sensitivity, altering blood sugar levels and increasing the risk of hypoglycemia.

Effect: Increased risk of dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and hypoglycemia.

3. Medications Affecting Renal Function

Interaction

• NSAIDs (Ex. ibuprofen) and contrast agents: May reduce kidney function, increasing the risk of metformin-induced lactic acidosis.
• Loop diuretics: Increase the risk of dehydration and subsequent kidney impairment.

Effect: Elevated levels of metformin due to reduced clearance.

4. Beta-Blockers (Ex. atenolol, propranolol)

Interaction: Can mask symptoms of hypoglycemia, such as rapid heartbeat or sweating, making it harder to detect low blood sugar.

Effect: Delayed recognition and management of hypoglycemia.

5. Rifampin (Rifampicin)

Interaction: Rifampin can reduce the effectiveness of linagliptin by inducing its metabolism, leading to suboptimal blood sugar control.

Effect: Reduced efficacy of Linaxa M in managing diabetes.

6. Medications Affecting Vitamin B12 Absorption

Interaction: Long-term use of metformin in Linaxa M can decrease vitamin B12 levels, potentially causing deficiency.

Effect: Anemia and neuropathy, which may worsen diabetes-related complications.

7. Thyroid Medications (Ex. Levothyroxine)

Interaction: Thyroid hormones can increase blood sugar levels, reducing the efficacy of Linaxa M.

Effect: Reduced glycemic control.

8. Corticosteroids (Ex. hydrocortisone) and Oral Contraceptives

Interaction: These medications can counteract the effects of Linaxa M by increasing blood sugar levels.

Effect: Hyperglycemia, reducing the effectiveness of diabetes management.

9. Anticoagulants (Ex. Warfarin)

Interaction: Altered blood glucose levels can impact the efficacy of anticoagulants.

Effect: Risk of blood sugar fluctuations interfering with anticoagulant management.

SYNOPSIS

MORE INFORMATION

Duration of Action: the medication provides extended blood sugar control for 12-24 hours, with Linagliptin contributing longer action, while Metformin works over a shorter but still effective duration.

Onset of Action: The onset of action for blood sugar reduction will typically be observed within 1 to 2 hours, with maximum effect occurring gradually over several hours to days.