Linagliptin
Also known as: Trajenta
What it's for
Linagliptin helps control blood sugar in type 2 diabetes. It works by increasing insulin release when your blood sugar is high. It is a DPP-4 inhibitor similar to sitagliptin.
Comes as: Tablets
How to take it
- Adults: Usually 5mg once daily.
- Take at the same time each day.
- You can take it with or without food.
- Often used with metformin.
Doses here are typical. Always follow the instructions from your prescriber or on the packet — they come first.
Common side effects
- Runny or blocked nose
- Cough
- Headache
- Joint pain
The leaflet inside the packet lists all known side effects.
Important safety points
- Low risk of causing low blood sugar on its own
- No dose adjustment needed for kidney problems
- Tell your doctor if you have had pancreatitis
- Report any severe stomach pain
Get medical help urgently if…
- You have severe stomach pain spreading to your back (possible pancreatitis)
- You have persistent vomiting
- You have signs of an allergic reaction
- You have severe joint pain
Call NHS 111 for urgent advice, or 999 if someone is seriously unwell.
Before you act on anything here
This page is general information, written to help you understand — it is not personal medical advice and it cannot tell you what is right for you. Talk to your own GP, pharmacist or nurse about your own health.
- Need help now but it's not an emergency? Call NHS 111 or use 111.nhs.uk.
- Emergency? Call 999 or go to A&E.