What is Tradjenta Prescribed For?

Author Scott

Posted on June 19, 2022

Scott is passionate about health and wellness, and enjoys writing on various topic surrounding these fields. Scott lives in Seattle and spends his free time restoring old furniture and playing pickleball with his friends.

Nearly 31% of the global population does not participate in sufficient physical activity. Lack of physical activity and healthy living results in 3.2 million deaths annually.

Poor dieting, lack of exercise, and increasing body fat can place a person at risk for chronic illnesses such as diabetes. When your doctor talks to you about lifestyle changes, they may also recommend medication management.

Medication like Tradjenta helps keep your blood sugar values within normal limits, avoiding health complications and hospitalizations. Are you interested in learning more about Tradjenta? Luckily, we have you covered.

In our complete guide, we will go over what Tradjenta is and how it can benefit you. We will also include some simple cost-savings tools you can start using today, so keep reading for more information!

What Is Diabetes?

Diabetes falls under two categories: type 1 and type 2. Both are metabolic conditions where the body cannot produce or utilize insulin effectively. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder where the body doesn't produce insulin, and the onset is typically at a much younger age than type 2.

Type 2 diabetes can be caused by genetics, obesity, diet, or lifestyle. Other chronic illnesses may predispose you to diabetes.

Unfortunately, since it is a chronic condition, it typically requires close medical management, changes in lifestyle, and medications. When used together, you can lower your blood sugar levels to safe values and live a healthier life!

When diabetes is left unmanaged, blood sugar levels elevate (e.g., hyperglycemia), and you can experience several adverse side effects like:

Vision loss
Ulcers
Cardiovascular disease
Stroke
Never damage
And more

Studies found that patients diagnosed with diabetes at a younger age may experience an increased likelihood of developing dementia. Patients are also more at risk for higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression.

What Is Tradjenta?

Tradjenta is a prescription medication used for patients with type 2 diabetes. How does Tradjenta work? It belongs to a class of prescription drugs known as dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors.

DPP4 inhibitors, or gliptins, is an oral medication that promotes insulin secretion while reducing glucagon amounts. Typically, you will take this medication once daily and time it before or after a major meal. Tradjenta affects incretin hormones, which are metabolic hormones that help reduce blood sugar levels.

Mostly, these gut hormones play a critical role in glucagon homeostasis after eating a meal. Along with lower blood sugar levels, Tradjenta also helps with:

Lowering blood pressure
Reducing inflammation
Reducing cellular death

By managing your blood sugars and increasing insulin availability, Tradjenta indirectly reduces your risk for coronary artery disease, heart failure, stroke, and more.

Tradjenta Side Effects

Since Tradjenta increases insulin production, there is a chance that you could experience a hypoglycemic event. When this happens, blood sugar levels drop, and you will experience various side effects, such as:

Hunger
Dizziness
Blurred vision
Confusion

Talk to your doctor about some foods or drinks that you can keep on hand that will quickly raise your blood sugars if this were ever to occur. Here are some other common Tradjenta side effects:

Nasopharyngitis
Cough
Diarrhea
Hyperlipasemia

Rarer instances result in severe side effects that require immediate medical attention. These include symptoms such as:

Anaphylaxis or allergic reaction
Rapid weight gain
Sharp pain in upper stomach
Severe joint pain

These signs could indicate problems with your heart or pancreas. For the best results, follow your physician's prescription and never take more than your prescribed dosage.

How Much Does Tradjenta Cost?

Cost plays a significant role in managing prescriptions for type 2 diabetes since monthly medications quickly eat into your wallet. In the United States, the price of Tradjenta is $433 for 30 tablets. At PricePro Pharmacy, you can find affordable prices for Tradjenta, starting at $68 for 30 tablets.

Is There a Generic Option Available?

Unfortunately, Tradjenta does not have a generic prescription medication available. The generic version of Tradjenta will be the same name as its primary active ingredient: linagliptin. One of the primary reasons Tradjenta is so expensive is it doesn't have market competition with generic versions.

The United States has ten patents that Tradjenta holds, and once those expire, generic medications will be able to enter the marketplace.

Tradjenta vs Alternative Medications

Are there other alternatives to Tradjenta on the market? Yes, you can ask your doctor about alternatives and how they compare in pricing to Tradjenta. Here are some other alternative medications:

Nesina
Januvia
Onglyza
Jentadueto

Januvia and Tradjenta belong to the same class of medications used to lower blood sugar levels. The main difference is Januvia contains a different active ingredient called sitagliptin.

Januvia comes with more dosage options, while Tradjenta is only offered as a 5 mg tablet. Side effects may also differ slightly, with headaches a more prominent adverse effect when taking Januvia.

Compared to Tradjenta, Januvia has more severe side effects like kidney failure. Unfortunately, Januvia also does not have a generic option available.

Januvia costs around $603.94 for 30 tablets in the United States. At PricePro Pharmacy, you can order 30 tablets for $45.

Shopping Through an Online Pharmacy

By shopping through an online pharmacy, you can save money on costly prescriptions. Tradjenta is an effective medication that many people with type 2 diabetes have success with. Since it is only offered as a brand-name drug, you may find yourself struggling to afford it.

Rather than risk going off your medication entirely, PricePro Pharmacy helps you save money and receive quality medications. Simply upload your prescription and select your dosage!

Are you ready to get started? Check out our medications product list for more information!