Trajenta

This content has been written and checked for quality and accuracy by

Mohamed Imran Lakhi Content Administrator GPhC: 2060586 Updated on: 08/06/2020 Next review: 08/12/2020

This content has been written by

Mohamed Imran Lakhi Content Administrator Updated on: 08/06/2020 Next review: 08/12/2020

What is Trajenta?

Trajenta is an oral antidiabetic tablet used to lower blood sugar (or glucose) levels in people with Type 2 diabetes. It contains the active ingredient linagliptin and can be used as an additional treatment when blood sugar levels are not effectively controlled by using a single antidiabetic medicine.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a medical condition that occurs when the body doesn’t control blood sugar levels adequately, leading to high blood sugar levels. People who are very overweight or have a family history are particularly at risk of developing diabetes. 

The body uses glucose obtained from food as a primary energy source. The pancreas produces a hormone called insulin which helps to move glucose from the bloodstream into the body’s cells. When insulin levels are low or are not working properly, glucose levels increase in the blood, causing diabetes.

Treating Diabetes

If diabetes is not spotted and treated in time, other medical complications may develop such as problems with vision (retinopathy), hearing, nerve (neuropathy), kidney damage, and heart disease.

It is imperative to your health that you speak with your doctor about treatment options. Your doctor will be able to assess your condition and prescribe the most suitable treatment for you.

How does Trajenta work?

The active ingredient in Trajenta, known as linagliptin, works as a dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitor. A DPP-4 inhibitor drug works to increase the amount of two vital hormones in the body, which stimulates the pancreas to produce insulin. With more insulin available, more glucose can be absorbed into the body’s cells, causing a decrease in the levels of glucose in the bloodstream.

How do I take Trajenta?

One tablet of Trajenta should be taken with a glass of water daily, with or without food. You should always take the exact dose as prescribed by your doctor.

Side effects and cautions

All medicines carry the risk of side effects, though not everybody who takes the medicine will experience them. It's important to be aware of the side effects associated with Trajenta, and to inform your healthcare provider if any occur.

Side effects of Trajenta may include:

• Severe stomach pains
• Yellowing of your skin or whites of your eyes (jaundice)

Contact your doctor if you experience any of the symptoms listed above.

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects. Further information regarding the safety of this medicine can be found within the patient information leaflet which comes enclosed with your medicine.

You can view the patient information leaflet for Trajenta online.

While taking Trajenta on its own is unlikely to cause low blood sugar levels (hypoglycaemia), you may be at an increased risk if you are taking Trajenta alongside other diabetes medicines, such as insulin.

Allergic reaction

Do not take Trajenta if you are allergic to Trajenta or any of the other ingredients of this medicine.

If you experience an allergic reaction to Trajenta, cease taking the medicine and seek emergency medical attention.

Signs of an allergic reaction include:

• Chest tightening
• Dry, red and cracked skin
• Itchy, red watery eyes
• Raised, itchy, red rash (hives)
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, eyes or face
• Tummy pain, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
• Wheezing

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Do not take Trajenta if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking Trajenta, speak to your doctor for further advice.

Do not take Trajenta while breastfeeding.

Other safety information

Always seek your doctor's advice before you buy Trajenta online.

Do not take Trajenta past the expiry date printed on the packaging. The date refers to the last day of that month - for example, "EXP: 03/20" means the 31st of March 2020.

Do not throw unused medicine away via water waste. Take any unwanted or expired medicine to your pharmacy for them to dispose of safely.

Always keep medicine out the sight and reach from children and pets.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do if I forget to take Trajenta when I should?

If you miss your daily dose of Trajenta, you can still take it if you remember later in the day. However, if you remember the next day, you should take Trajenta as usual and forget about the missed dose. You should never take a double dose to make up for a previously missed dose.

What should I do if I take too much Trajenta?

Seek immediate medical attention if you mistakenly take more than one tablet of Trajenta in a day.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Trajenta?

Avoid drinking alcohol excessively when taking Trajenta as it may increase your risk of developing low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia).

Will Trajenta impact my ability to drive or operate machinery?

Taking Trajenta alone should not influence driving or operating tools and machinery. However, if you are also taking other antidiabetic medicines, you may develop symptoms of very low blood sugar such as dizziness, fatigue, trembling, poor concentration and vision, which may affect your ability to drive and use machinery.

Is Trajenta the same as metformin?

No, Trajenta is not the same as metformin. However, both linagliptin and metformin belong to the same class of antidiabetic drugs known as DPP-4 inhibitors.

Is Trajenta bad for your kidneys?

Clinical trials of Trajenta demonstrated that the drug did not impair renal (kidney) function. High glucose levels, however, can damage the kidneys if not treated.

Is it safe to buy Trajenta online?

As long as you use a registered online pharmacy, such as Prescription Doctor, it is safe to buy Trajenta online safely.

Table of contents

What is Trajenta?

How does Trajenta work?

How do I take Trajenta?

Side effects and cautions

Frequently asked questions