Jentadueto (Linagliptin/Metformin)

Jentadueto (Linagliptin and Metformin) Medication Information

Uses

Jentadueto is a prescription medication for type 2 diabetes that contains two medicines in one pill: linagliptin (Tradjenta) and metformin (Glucophage). 

Jentadueto is prescribed, along with a healthy diet and exercise, to reduce blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes.

In type 2 diabetes, your blood sugar (glucose) becomes too high.  Insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas, normally helps sugar get into your cells. But, if your body doesn’t recognize insulin properly, too much sugar stays in your blood.  Over time, high blood sugar can lead to many health problems and increase your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. 

The good news is you can take control of your diabetes by eating healthy foods, exercising, and taking your medications as prescribed.

Dosage

Jentadueto (linagliptin/metformin) oral tablets are available in three combination strengths: 2.5 mg/500 mg, 2.5 mg/850 mg, and 2.5 mg/1,000 mg.

Jentadueto is usually taken twice daily with meals.  

Your doctor may prescribe a low starting dose, then gradually increase it.  This gradual approach helps to reduce stomach upset, which is a common side effect in the first couple of weeks after starting or increasing metformin.

Your doctor will decide the dosage that is best for you.

Precautions

Jentadueto may not be safe for people with the following medical history or conditions:

• Kidney or liver problems
• Heart disease
• Pancreas problems
• Drink alcohol often, or occasionally drink large amounts of alcohol (“binge drink”)
• Pregnant or plan to become pregnant
• Breastfeeding
• Type 1 diabetes
• History of an allergic reaction to Jentadueto, linagliptin (Tradjenta), or metformin

Side Effects

Like all medications, Jentadueto may cause side effects.  The most common side effects of Jentadueto are mild, but severe side effects are also possible.  

The most common side effects of Jentadueto are usually mild and go away after one to two weeks.  These side effects may include:

• Diarrhea
• Cold-like symptoms (runny nose, stuffy nose, or sore throat)

Serious side effects can rarely occur with Jentadueto.  These side effects require emergency medical care and may include:

• Lactic acidosis (build-up of acid in the blood)
• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
• Heart failure (heart doesn’t pump blood well)
• Kidney damage
• Dehydration
• Joint pain
• Low blood levels of vitamin B12
• Skin reaction involving skin blisters 
• Allergic reaction

Your doctor will prescribe Jentadueto if the benefits of treatment outweigh your risks for serious side effects.  For more information about the side effects of Jentadueto, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Interactions

Some potentially harmful drug interactions can happen with Jentadueto. A few examples include:

• Acetazolamide
• Cimetidine
• Digoxin
• Diuretics (water pills)
• Insulin or other medicines that lower blood sugar
• Ranolazine 
• Topiramate
• Zonisamide

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any other medications or herbal supplements with Jentadueto.

Storage

Store Jentadueto at room temperature between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C).

Pharmacist Tips

• Take each dose of Jentadueto with a meal to reduce stomach upset.  
• If you miss a dose, take it with food as soon as possible.  If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose.  Don’t take two doses of Jentadueto at the same time.

Jentadueto FAQs

Can I drink alcohol with Jentadueto?

Drinking alcohol can increase the risk of dangerous side effects of Jentadueto.  Talk with your doctor to decide if modest alcohol use is safe for you while taking Jentadueto.   

Is it true that Jentadueto can increase the chance of pregnancy?

Jentadueto may cause ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary) in women who have not gone through menopause.  Discuss birth control options with your doctor, and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant while taking Jentadueto.  

Do I have to stop Jentadueto before medical procedures?

Jentadueto should be stopped before certain medical procedures that require the injection of contrast dyes.  Talk with your doctor about when you should stop and restart Jentadueto.

Related Medication

• Farxiga
• Glyxambi
• Janumet
• Janumet XR
• Kombiglyze XR
• Synjardy

References

1. Jentadueto Prescribing Information.  Ridgefield, CT: Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; 2020. https://docs.boehringer-ingelheim.com/Prescribing%20Information/PIs/Jentadueto/Jentadueto.pdf Accessed November 19, 2020.
2. Goyal R, Jialal I. Diabetes Mellitus Type 2. Treasure Island, FL: StatPearls Publishing; 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513253/ Accessed November 19, 2020.