8 Types of Oral Diabetes Medications and How They Work
Oral diabetes medications help manage blood sugar levels in those with diabetes. Learn the types of oral medications and how they keep glucose levels stable.
Tradjenta
Used for Diabetes Type 2
Used for Diabetes Type 2
Tradjenta (linagliptin) is a prescription medication that's used along with a balanced diet and exercise to manage blood sugar levels in adults with Type 2 diabetes. It's a type of diabetes medication called a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor. The dose is 5 mg (1 tablet) that's taken by mouth once per day. Tradjenta (linagliptin) doesn't cause many side effects but can sometimes include runny nose, sneezing, and diarrhea. As of 2024, Tradjenta (linagliptin) is available as a brand-name medication only; there's no generic version yet.
What is Tradjenta (linagliptin)?
What is Tradjenta (linagliptin) used for?
- Improve blood sugar levels in adults with Type 2 diabetes (as an add-on to a nutritious diet and exercise routine)
How Tradjenta (linagliptin) works
Tradjenta (linagliptin) is a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor. It's also called a "gliptin."
Tradjenta (linagliptin) stops DPP-4 from working. DPP-4 is a protein that breaks down certain hormones important for balancing the sugar levels in the body.
By stopping DPP-4 from working, Tradjenta (linagliptin), your body can make more insulin. This insulin helps your body use the sugar in your blood for energy. Blocking DPP-4 also stops your body from releasing glucagon, a hormone that tells the liver to make sugar. Tradjenta (linagliptin) helps lower blood sugar levels in these two ways.
When does Tradjenta (linagliptin) start working?Time passed since treatment started:
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Tradjenta |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | DDP-4 inhibitor |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
More on Tradjenta (linagliptin) essentials
Side effects of Tradjenta (linagliptin)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Common cold symptoms (runny nose, sneezing, coughing; 7%)
- Diarrhea (3%)
- Cough (2%)
Note: Side effects were reported by people who took Tradjenta (linagliptin) by itself or people who took Tradjenta (linagliptin) with other diabetes.
Tradjenta (linagliptin) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis): severe stomach pain that spreads to your back, nausea, vomiting
- Severe allergic reaction: rash; hives; peeling skin; swelling of face, tongue, or throat; trouble breathing
- Severe skin reaction: itchy skin, rash with blisters, sores
The following Tradjenta (linagliptin) side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
blurred vision
chills
cold sweats
confusion
cool, pale skin
dizziness
fast heartbeat
headache
increased hunger
loss of consciousness
nightmares
seizures
shakiness
slurred speech
unusual tiredness or weakness
Incidence not known
hives, welts, itching, or skin rash
large, hard skin blisters
large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
loss of appetite
pains in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back
puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
redness of the skin
severe joint pain
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Less common
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Get your GoodRx coupon
$631.44
Manufacturer exclusive discount
$277.80
Pros and cons of Tradjenta (linagliptin)
Pros
- Only taken once a day
- Can take with or without food
- Has little to no effect on weight
Cons
- Not approved for people with Type 1 diabetes
- Lowers A1C (average blood sugar level over a 3-month period) by less than 1%
- Not approved for protecting the heart or kidneys
Pharmacist tips for Tradjenta (linagliptin)
- You can take Tradjenta (linagliptin) with or without food. If it's hurting your stomach, taking it with food might help.
- Ask your prescriber how often you should check your blood sugar levels while you're taking Tradjenta (linagliptin). Keep track of your readings and share them with your care team. Your prescriber can adjust your treatment plan based on the pattern of your blood sugar levels.
- It's recommended to avoid drinking alcohol while you're taking Tradjenta (linagliptin). Alcohol can raise your risk for having dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
- Learn to spot symptoms of low blood sugar, like sweating, shaking, anxiety, and hunger, and know how to treat it. Having low blood sugar is more likely if you're taking Tradjenta (linagliptin) with certain other diabetes medications, especially insulin or sulfonylureas like glipizide.
- To get the most out of your medication, talk to your care team about coming up with a plan for prepping nutritious meals and exercising regularly. They can suggest a wide range of options that you can choose from.
Risks and warnings for Tradjenta (linagliptin)
Tradjenta (linagliptin) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
Although rare, some people who took Tradjenta (linagliptin) have developed inflammation in their pancreas (pancreatitis). It's not clear whether people who've had pancreatitis before are at higher risk of this problem happening again while they're taking Tradjenta (linagliptin). To be safe, let your prescriber know if you've had pancreatitis in the past.
Stop taking Tradjenta (linagliptin) and get medical help right away if you have severe and persistent stomach pain that spreads to your back, with or without nausea or vomiting. These can be signs of pancreatitis.
Risk for low blood sugar when taken with certain other diabetes medications
- Risk factors: Using insulin | Taking a sulfonylurea like glipizide
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) is more likely to happen if you take Tradjenta (linagliptin) together with certain other diabetes medications. Particular examples include insulin and sulfonylureas like glipizide. Very low blood sugar can be life-threatening.
Symptoms of low blood sugar include feeling shaky, very hungry, confused, or weak; being nervous or anxious; having a fast heartbeat; or sweating. Be sure you know how to recognize and treat low blood sugar. Talk to your healthcare team if you're concerned about having low blood sugar levels while you're taking Tradjenta (linagliptin).
Heart failure
- Risk factors: Heart failure | Heart disease | Kidney problems
If you currently have or have had heart failure or a kidney problem, let your prescriber know before you start taking Tradjenta (linagliptin). Although rare, people who took medications similar to Tradjenta (linagliptin) have developed heart failure. But it's not clear whether Tradjenta (linagliptin) carries this same risk. More research is needed in this area.
To be safe, it's important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of heart failure. Let your prescriber know right away if you have trouble breathing, tiredness, swelling in your body, or sudden weight gain while you're taking Tradjenta (linagliptin). Your prescriber might recommend that you go to the hospital and that you stop taking the medication.
Severe joint pain
Some people who've taken Tradjenta (linagliptin) have had severe joint pain. This can happen anytime from a day to many years after starting the medication. For most people, the pain goes away after they stop the medication. Speak to your prescriber right away if you experience any discomfort in your joints.
Serious allergic reactions
- Risk factor: History of allergy to DPP-4 inhibitors (also called "gliptins")
Tradjenta (linagliptin) can cause severe allergic reactions, including life-threatening anaphylaxis. Most times, an allergic reaction can happen within the first 3 months after starting treatment. But it can also happen at any time. Stop taking Tradjenta (linagliptin) and get medical care right away if you have an allergic reaction to the medication. Watch out for a widespread skin rash, skin peeling, facial swelling, or trouble breathing.
Let your prescriber know if you've had an allergic reaction to other DPP-4 inhibitors or "gliptins", such as Januvia (sitagliptin) or alogliptin (Nesina). Although unclear, it's possible that you might have another allergic reaction when you take Tradjenta (linagliptin).
Severe skin reaction
Some people taking Tradjenta (linagliptin) have developed an itchy, blistering rash called bullous pemphigoid. Typically, the blisters or sores go away once you stop taking the medication and get appropriate treatment. Talk to a healthcare professional if you get itchy skin, rash with blisters, or sores while you're taking Tradjenta (linagliptin). You might have to stop the medication and get referred to a dermatologist.
Tradjenta (linagliptin) dosage
The average cost for 30 tablets of 5mg of Tradjenta (linagliptin) is $277.80 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 56.01% off the average retail price of $631.44. 
Tablet
Tablet| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5mg | 30 tablets | $277.80 | $9.26 |
Typical dosage for Tradjenta (linagliptin)
The typical dose is 5 mg by mouth once daily.
Interactions between Tradjenta (linagliptin) and other drugs
Tradjenta (linagliptin) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Tradjenta (linagliptin). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Balofloxacin
- Besifloxacin
- Carbamazepine
- Chloroquine
- Ciprofloxacin
- Efavirenz
- Enoxacin
- Enzalutamide
- Fleroxacin
- Flumequine
- Fosphenytoin
- Gatifloxacin
- Gemifloxacin
- Hydroxychloroquine
- Lanreotide
- Levofloxacin
- Lomefloxacin
- Mitotane
- Moxifloxacin
- Nadifloxacin
- Norfloxacin
- Octreotide
- Ofloxacin
- Oxcarbazepine
- Pasireotide
- Pazufloxacin
- Pefloxacin
- Phenytoin
- Primidone
- Prulifloxacin
- Rifabutin
- Rifampin
- Rifapentine
- Rufloxacin
- Sparfloxacin
- St John's Wort
- Thioctic Acid
- Tipranavir
- Tosufloxacin
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Acebutolol
- Atenolol
- Betaxolol
- Bisoprolol
- Carteolol
- Carvedilol
- Celiprolol
- Esmolol
- Labetalol
- Levobunolol
- Metipranolol
- Metoprolol
- Nadolol
- Nebivolol
- Oxprenolol
- Penbutolol
- Pindolol
- Practolol
- Propranolol
- Sotalol
- Timolol
How much does Tradjenta (linagliptin) cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
Tradjenta (brand)
$277.80
What are alternatives to Tradjenta (linagliptin)?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Tradjenta (linagliptin). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
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