empagliflozin + linagliptin at a glance
Medicine class
A fixed-dose combination of an SGLT2 inhibitor and a DPP-4 inhibitor.
Main licensed role
Improving blood glucose control in selected adults with type 2 diabetes.
Food
May be taken with or without food.
Administration
Swallow the film-coated tablet whole with water.
What is empagliflozin + linagliptin used for?
Licensed uses are limited to adults with type 2 diabetes.
To improve blood glucose control when metformin and/or a sulfonylurea plus either empagliflozin or linagliptin has not provided adequate control.
To replace separate empagliflozin and linagliptin tablets in someone already taking both.
It is not licensed for type 1 diabetes, heart failure or chronic kidney disease as standalone indications.
How does empagliflozin + linagliptin work?
Empagliflozin blocks SGLT2 in the kidneys, causing more glucose to leave in urine. Linagliptin blocks DPP-4, prolonging incretin activity so insulin release increases and glucagon falls when glucose is present.
empagliflozin + linagliptin preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 10 mg + 5 mg, 25 mg + 5 mg
How to take empagliflozin + linagliptin
Follow the dispensing label and prescriber's instructions. The tablet may be taken with or without food.
Swallow it whole with water; do not chew it.
Do not stop it without discussing this with the prescriber, except when urgent safety advice directs otherwise.
empagliflozin + linagliptin side effects
Common or expected effects
- Urinary tract infection symptoms, such as discomfort when urinating
- Genital fungal infection or thrush
- Increased urination or thirst
- Constipation, cough or itching
- Low blood glucose when also used with insulin or a sulfonylurea
Get urgent medical advice
- Possible diabetic ketoacidosis, even without markedly raised blood glucose
- Severe, persistent abdominal pain suggesting pancreatitis
- Serious allergic reaction, including facial or throat swelling
- Blistering skin that may indicate bullous pemphigoid
- Genital or perineal pain, redness or swelling with fever or malaise
- Severe urinary infection, dehydration or fainting
empagliflozin + linagliptin in pregnancy
The combination should preferably be avoided during pregnancy. Anyone pregnant or planning pregnancy should have their diabetes treatment reviewed promptly by the prescriber.
empagliflozin + linagliptin while breastfeeding
The product should not be used while breastfeeding because a risk to the infant cannot be excluded. The prescriber should review treatment and discuss an appropriate alternative.
empagliflozin + linagliptin interactions
Check all prescription, non-prescription and herbal products with a pharmacist or prescriber. Important examples include:
Insulin or sulfonylureas
May increase the risk of low blood glucose, so existing diabetes treatment may need clinical review.
Thiazide or loop diuretics
Their fluid-losing effect may increase dehydration and low-blood-pressure risk.
Lithium
Empagliflozin may lower lithium concentrations by increasing its kidney excretion, so additional monitoring may be needed.
Common questions about empagliflozin + linagliptin
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is empagliflozin + linagliptin used for?
It is a fixed combination for selected adults with type 2 diabetes whose blood glucose is not adequately controlled on specified existing treatments, or who already take the ingredients separately.
Is it licensed for heart failure or kidney disease?
No. This combination product is licensed specifically for blood glucose control in type 2 diabetes.
Can it be taken with food?
Yes. It can be taken with or without food and should be swallowed whole with water.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.