Indications
Jentadueto is used in adults with type 2 diabetes to improve the control of blood glucose (sugar) levels, as an adjunct to diet and exercise. It is a combination therapy that contains two diabetes medicines, linagliptin and metformin. The two active substances work together to control blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes by helping the body to produce more insulin and reducing glucose production in the liver.
Linagliptin belongs to a class of medicines called DPP-4 (dipeptidyl peptidase 4) inhibitors, which work by increasing the levels of incretin hormones in the body. Incretin hormones help stimulate insulin production and reduce the amount of glucose (sugar) produced by the liver.
Meanwhile, metformin works by decreasing glucose production by the liver and helps reduce glucose absorption in the gastrointestinal tract.
Uses and Dosage
JENTADUETO comes in the form of tablets for oral use, typically taken twice daily with meals as directed by a healthcare provider. Patients are advised to drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication, unless otherwise directed by their doctor.
To minimize side effects such as upset stomach, patients may be directed to start with a low dose and increase gradually, following the doctor's instructions carefully. Take the tablet at the same time each day to get the most benefit from it.
The strength of the tablet to use depends on the dose of other diabetes medicines that the patient was taking before. If JENTADUETO is taken with a sulphonylurea or insulin, the dose of these medicines may need to be lowered to avoid low blood sugar levels. The maximum recommended daily dose of JENTADUETO is 5 mg of linagliptin and 2,000 mg of metformin, and it is advised to take it with food to reduce stomach-related side effects caused by metformin.
Side Effect
Common Side Effects of Jentadueto (Linagliptin/Metformin):
- Diarrhea
- Sinus pain
- Sore throat
- Stuffy nose
Serious Side Effects of Jentadueto (Linagliptin/Metformin):
- Blisters
- Breakdown of the outer layer of skin
- Burning eyes
- Difficulty breathing
- Dizziness
- Fast heartbeats
- Feeling cold
- Fever
- Hives
- Itching
- Lightheadedness
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Rapid weight gain
- Red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling
- Severe or ongoing pain in your joint
- Severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back
- Shortness of breath
- Skin pain
- Slow or irregular heart rate
- Sore throat
- Stomach pain
- Swelling in your legs or feet
- Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Tiredness
- Unusual muscle pain
- Vomiting
- Weakness
Form and Strength
Jentadueto (Linagliptin/Metformin) is available in the following forms and strength:
Jentadueto: Tablet
- 2.5/500 mg
- 2.5/850 mg
- 2.5/1000 mg
Caution
- Jentadueto contains metformin, which can increase the risk of lactic acidosis, a rare but serious complication that can be fatal. Symptoms of lactic acidosis include weakness, tiredness, unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and a slow or irregular heartbeat.
- Jentadueto should be used with caution in patients with renal impairment due to the risk of lactic acidosis.
- Jentadueto can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), especially when used in combination with insulin or sulfonylurea. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include sweating, dizziness, shakiness, confusion, and blurred vision.
- There have been reports of acute pancreatitis in patients taking linagliptin (one of the active ingredients in Jentadueto). Symptoms of pancreatitis include severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
- There have been reports of severe joint pain in patients taking DPP-4 inhibitors (class of drugs that includes linagliptin). Patients should be instructed to seek medical attention if they develop severe joint pain.
- Jentadueto may cause allergic reactions in some people. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, and difficulty breathing.
- Jentadueto may cause vitamin B12 deficiency in some people, especially those who have been taking the medication for a long time. Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency may include weakness, tiredness, tingling or numbness in the hands and feet, and difficulty with balance and coordination.
- Jentadueto should be discontinued at least 48 hours before scheduled surgery under general anesthesia and should not be restarted until the patient's oral intake has resumed and renal function has been evaluated as normal.
- Jentadueto should be used with caution in elderly patients, as they may be more susceptible to hypoglycemia and lactic acidosis.
- The safety and effectiveness of Jentadueto in pediatric patients have not been established.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can Jentadueto be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Jentadueto should not be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Be sure to discuss any pregnancy or breastfeeding concerns with your doctor.
Can Jentadueto cause weight gain?
Weight gain is not a known side effect of Jentadueto.
How long does it typically take to see results from Jentadueto?
It can take several weeks to see the full effects of Jentadueto. Your doctor will monitor your blood sugar levels and adjust your treatment as needed to achieve the best results.
Is Jentadueto safe for everyone with type 2 diabetes?
Jentadueto may not be safe for everyone with type 2 diabetes. People with kidney problems, liver problems, or a history of pancreatitis should not take Jentadueto. Be sure to discuss your medical history and any concerns with your doctor.
Resources
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-159449/jentadueto-oral/details
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2016/201281S014S018lbl.pdf
- https://www.drugs.com/jentadueto.html
- https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=f6dd9b86-0d18-95d4-2bc7-05591bfdd597
- https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/jentadueto
- https://www.rxlist.com/jentadueto-drug.htm
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