Do you also have diabetes, that is, Type 2 Diabetes? Then your doctor may have prescribed you a medicine called Linagliptin. Since many people in our country have this diabetes condition, it is very important to be well-informed about this kind of medicine. So today, let's talk about this medicine called Linagliptin, simply and everything, as if we were talking to a friend.
What kind of medicine is Linagliptin? How does it work?
Simply put, Linagliptin is a medicine that is used to control Type 2 Diabetes. It comes in the form of a pill. As you know, when we have diabetes, our blood sugar levels, or glucose levels, increase above the normal level.
Now, let's see how this medicine works. When we eat, our blood sugar levels rise. Then, this Linagliptin pill helps our body produce the necessary amount of a hormone called insulin. Insulin is what helps the cells take the sugar in the blood and make energy. Also, this medicine controls the unnecessary production of sugar by our liver and adds it to the blood. In this way, it works in both directions and helps control your blood sugar levels.
But remember one thing. This is not a magic pill. You can get the most out of this medicine only when combined with a good diet and exercise.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before your doctor prescribes this medicine, he or she will need to know your complete medical history. Therefore, if you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell your doctor about it.
- If you have Type 1 Diabetes: This medicine is only given for type 2 diabetes.
- If you have an emergency condition called Diabetic Ketoacidosis: This is a serious complication of diabetes. It requires special treatment.
- If you have an allergy to linagliptin or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant or hoping to become pregnant.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother.
- If you have any kidney or liver disease.
It is very important for your own safety to say these things without hiding them.
How to use the medicine correctly?
This is very easy. Follow these things exactly as the doctor prescribed.
- Swallow the pill with a glass of water.
- You can take this before or after meals . That's okay.
- The most important thing is to take the medicine at the same time every day . If it's at 8 am, get into the habit of taking it at 8 am every day.
- Do not take more medicine than the doctor tells you to.
- Even if you feel better, do not stop taking the medication without asking your doctor.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you suddenly think you have taken an overdose, do not panic. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Alternatively, go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
Yes, it can happen. Take the medicine as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
Other things that may interact with Linagliptin
Some medications and other things can interact with Linagliptin. Therefore, if you are taking any of the following, you should tell your doctor.
- Alcohol
- Bosentan (a medicine for pulmonary hypertension)
- Some medications used to treat seizures . For example: Carbamazepine, Phenobarbital, Phenytoin
- Rifabutin and Rifampin (antibiotics for tuberculosis)
- St. John's Wort (an herb used for mental health)
- Sulfonylureas (e.g. Glimepiride, Glipizide, Glyburide)
Important: This list is not complete. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins, herbal products, and herbal supplements) . Also tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
- HbA1C test: Your doctor will do a blood test called HbA1C (A1C) every 3 to 6 months. This will give you a good idea of how well your blood sugar has been controlled over the past 2-3 months.
- Test your blood sugar: Learn how to test your blood sugar at home. Be aware of the symptoms of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, and what to do about them.
- If your blood sugar drops: Always keep something with a little sugar (a candy bar, glucose tablet, sugar packet) with you. If your blood sugar drops too low and you experience fainting or seizures, tell your family members not to put anything in the mouth of an unconscious person. If this happens, you should take them to the hospital immediately.
- Don't skip meals: Eat at the right time.
- Other illnesses: If you have another illness, such as a cold or flu, or if you exercise more than usual, your blood sugar levels may change. In such cases, talk to your doctor for advice.
Possible side effects of this medicine
Like any medicine, Linagliptin can cause side effects in some people. Don't worry, most of them are minor. But there are some things you should be aware of.
| Side effect | Description and what to do |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing. |
| Heart Failure Symptoms | Difficulty breathing, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands, sudden weight gain, feeling unusually tired. |
| Pancreatitis | Severe stomach pain that spreads to the back, pain that worsens after eating, fever, nausea, and vomiting. |
| Skin blisters or sores | Redness, blistering, and peeling of the skin, including in the mouth. |
| Severe joint pain | Unbearable pain in the joints. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Cough | A general cough may occur. |
| Indigestion/diarrhea | Flatulence. |
| Cold | Runny nose or stuffy nose. |
| Sore throat | Feeling of pain or discomfort in the throat. |
If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned on this list, talk to your doctor about them as well.
Take-Home Message
- Linagliptin is a medicine that helps control Type 2 Diabetes. It should not be used alone, but in conjunction with a good diet and exercise.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking and any other illnesses you may have .
- Do not stop taking the medication or change the dosage for any reason without your doctor's advice.
- Be aware of the symptoms of low blood sugar (fainting, sweating, shakiness) and high blood sugar (dry mouth, frequent urination) .
- If you experience severe stomach pain, difficulty breathing, or a severe skin reaction, seek medical advice immediately.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න