Trajenta 5 mg

Active Ingredient	Linagliptin
Type	Type 2 Diabetes

How does Trajenta 5 mg Work

Type 2 Diabetes occurs when either insulin production is not sufficient or not effective to control the levels of blood sugar in the body. Trajenta 5 mg is a dipeptidyl peptide-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor that blocks the action of the DPP-4 enzyme. This, 

• Hinders the deterioration of insulinotropic hormone, resulting in better control over blood glucose levels. 
• Reduces overall glucose output by the liver.
• Boosts the release of insulin.

Uses of Trajenta 5 mg

Trajenta 5 mg is used for the treatment of diabetes mellitus type 2 in adults for better blood glycemic control. It reduces the risks of severe complications – glaucoma, blindness, kidney damage, loss of limbs, cardiovascular disease, or stroke.

Recommended Dosage

For effective dosage depending on your situation, follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.

• Usually, one tablet is taken orally, with or without food, per day.
• Do not break or crush the tablet, swallow it whole with a glass of water.
• Taking it around the same time every day will ensure that the levels of linagliptin are maintained in the body for better results.
• It may be administered on its own or in combination with other anti-diabetic medications.

Missed Dosage

In case you miss a dose of Trajenta 5 mg, take it when you remember. It can be taken at any time during the day. Do not consume double dose during 24 hours as it may drastically lower the blood sugar levels.

Overdose

Consuming more than the recommended dosage may result in a serious impact on health. In case you have overdosed on Trajenta 5 mg and feel any discomfort in breathing, staying awake, contact your doctor immediately.

Important Advisory

Cautionary use of Trajenta 5 mg is advised in certain situations that may affect its working or increase the intensity of the side effects. In such cases, the dosage is required to be adjusted to gain the benefits. Inform your doctor about the following conditions: 

• If you have known allergies to linagliptin, or any other drug.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• If you have or have had any pancreatic issues, kidney disease, or cardiovascular disease.
• If you have a medical history of gallstones or any present condition.
• If your body is under any stress due to infection, fever, surgery, or injury.

Side Effects

When you start a new medication regime, your body would exhibit certain effects which, most of the time, resolve on their own once the body adjusts. However, in case you feel they persist, or worsen over time, consult your doctor.

• Hypoglycemia – lowering of blood sugar levels below the average levels may result in certain symptoms such as weakness, sweating, drowsiness, headache, shivering, increased heartbeat, bouts of hunger, dizziness, blurring of vision, or tingling sensation in lips.
• Nasopharyngitis – throat and nasal tract’s inflammation, stuffy nose, sore throat. 
• Increase in blood levels of lipase.

Rare side effects associated with the use of Trajenta 5 mg are as follow:

• Hypersensitivity Reaction – Hives, difficulty in breathing, swelling of throat, tongue, face, lip.
• The appearance of blisters on the skin.
• Pancreatitis.

Note: In case you experience the symptoms of hypoglycemia, consult your doctor about adjusting your dosage.

Interactions With Other Drugs

Trajenta 5 mg may interact with other medications to result in adverse effects, or the efficacy of the medicines involved may get affected. Notify your doctor, or pharmacist about all the medications you may be taking, including the over-the-counter, herbal, or non-herbal supplements. The doctor may adjust your dose or replace the medicines to develop a safe and appropriate treatment regime.

• Rifampicin
• Phenytoin
• Carbamazepine
• Phenobarbital
• Metoprolol
• Propranolol
• Amiloride
• Timolol
• Betamethasone
• Chlorthalidone
• Beclometasone
• Digoxin

Interaction with Alcohol

Alcohol causes dizziness and decreases blood sugar levels. Use of alcohol with Trajenta 5 mg may increase the dizziness effect and cause hypoglycemia. Therefore, the use of alcohol when on Trajenta tablets should be avoided. 

Storage Instructions

Trajenta tablets should be kept in their original packaging in a cool and dry place.

• Keep safely out of the reach of children. 
• Store the tablets at an ambient temperature away from moisture and heat.
• Dispose of the expired tablets following the guidelines of the waste collection department. Do not consume expired tablets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

1. What is Trajenta 5 mg prescribed for?

• The oral Trajenta 5 mg tablet is used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus type 2 in adults. It is most effective when used with a healthier diet and regular physical exercise to decrease the levels of blood sugar. 

2. Is Trajenta safe for use in pregnant and breastfeeding women?

• It is considered safe if prescribed by your doctor. Animal studies show little to no effects on the fetus and the breastfeeding baby. However, there are limited human studies available.

3. What can I do to manage hypoglycemia associated with the use of Trajenta tablets?

• Regularly monitor your blood glucose levels, and carry a sugary food to consume when you experience the symptoms of hypoglycemia such as dizziness, drowsiness, headache, shivering, sweating, weakness, and increased heartbeat.

4. How can I modify my lifestyle to get better results with the use of Trajenta?

• You can start by giving up smoking or drinking, and then adding healthier food options to your diet along with the increased physical activity. Add more fruits, fiber-rich starchy vegetables to your meals. Cook with omega-3 fatty acid-rich oil. Reduce or eliminate the intake of processed foods. Choose low-fat dairy options. And take care of your mental well-being as well because stress may elevate your blood sugar levels.

5. Is Trajenta safe for long-term treatment?

• Yes, Trajenta 5 mg tablets are considered safe as a long-term treatment regime.

6. Is Trajenta safe for use in patients with kidney disorders?

• Trajenta 5 mg tablets should be used with caution in case of kidney disorders as it may aggravate the ailment.

7. Is it safe to discontinue the Trajenta medication when my blood sugar levels are stable?

• It is advised not to modify the dosage or stop taking the medication without consulting your doctor. Discontinuation of medication may result in destabilization of the Trajenta levels in the bloodstream causing the blood sugar level to shoot up.

8. Can the use of Trajenta affect the ability to drive?

• As Trajenta 5 mg tablets may cause drowsiness or dizziness in some people, it is recommended to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you are sure how the medication affects you.

References:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3278179/
2. https://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/36/2/237
3. https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/medicine/25000#gref
4. https://www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/type-2-diabetes-mellitus-a-to-z