Key takeaways
Tradjenta (linagliptin) and acarbose are both medications used to treat Type 2 diabetes, but they work in different ways and have different usage guidelines. Tradjenta (linagliptin) is a DPP-4 inhibitor that helps your body produce more insulin and reduce sugar production, and it is taken once daily without regard to meals. In contrast, acarbose is an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor that slows down the digestion of carbohydrates, and it must be taken with the first bite of each main meal, three times a day. Tradjenta (linagliptin) is known for having fewer side effects, with common ones being runny nose and diarrhea, while acarbose often causes excessive gas and diarrhea. Tradjenta (linagliptin) can be used with other diabetes medications but may increase the risk of low blood sugar when combined with insulin. Acarbose, on the other hand, is less likely to cause low blood sugar when used alone but can do so when combined with insulin or sulfonylureas. Additionally, Tradjenta (linagliptin) is available only as a brand-name medication, whereas acarbose is available as a lower-cost generic.
