Key takeaways
Tradjenta (linagliptin) and Glumetza (metformin extended-release) are both prescription medications used to manage blood sugar levels in adults with Type 2 diabetes. However, they belong to different medication classes. Tradjenta is a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor, while Glumetza is a biguanide. Tradjenta is taken as a 5 mg tablet once daily, whereas Glumetza is typically started at 500 mg once daily with the evening meal, and can be increased up to 2,000 mg per day. Tradjenta is only available as a brand-name medication, while Glumetza is available in both brand-name and generic forms. Common side effects of Tradjenta include cold symptoms and diarrhea, while Glumetza can cause diarrhea and nausea. Taking Tradjenta with medications like insulin and sulfonylureas increases the risk of low blood sugar. Glumetza can increase your risk for lactic acidosis, especially if taken with contrast dyes used for some imaging procedures.
