Linapil-M 2.5/500 Tablet


Product Info

Prescription required Yes
Marketer Alkem Laboratories Ltd
Active Ingredient Metformin (500mg) + Linagliptin (2.5mg)
Storage Store below 30°C
Habit FormingNo
Therapeutic ClassANTI DIABETIC
User Rating4.4
User Reviews314

FAQ

Question
What are the possible side effects of Linapil-M 2.5/500?
The use of Linapil-M 2.5/500 may cause some common side effects like hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level), altered taste, nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, and headache. It can also lead to a serious but rare side effect known as lactic acidosis. Additionally, its long-term use can also lead to vitamin B12 deficiency.
Answer

Question
Are there any specific conditions in which Linapil-M 2.5/500 should not be taken?
The use of Linapil-M 2.5/500 should be avoided in patients with known allergy to any of the components of this medicine. The use of this medicine should be avoided in patients with severe kidney impairment, liver impairment, congestive heart failure, lactic acidosis or diabetic ketoacidosis. Therefore, consult your doctor before using Linapil-M 2.5/500.
Answer

Question
Can the use of Linapil-M 2.5/500 cause hypoglycemia?
The use of Linapil-M 2.5/500 does not usually cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level) on its own. But, it could occur if there is insufficient supplementation of calories while taking this medicine. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include nausea, headache, irritability, hunger, sweating, dizziness, fast heart rate, and feeling anxious or shaky. The symptoms are more likely to be noticed if you miss or delay your food, drink alcohol, over-exercise or take any other antidiabetic medicine along with it. Hence, regular monitoring of blood sugar level is important. It is recommended to always carry glucose tablets, honey or fruit juice with you.
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Question
What are the instructions for the storage and disposal of Linapil-M 2.5/500?
Keep this medicine in the packet or the container it came in, tightly closed. Store it according to the instructions mentioned on the pack or label. Dispose of the unused medicine. Make sure it is not consumed by pets, children and other people.
Answer

Question
Can the use of Linapil-M 2.5/500 lead to vitamin B12 deficiency?
Yes, long-term use of Linapil-M 2.5/500 can cause vitamin B12 deficiency as it interferes with absorption of vitamin B12 in the stomach. If untreated, it may cause anemia and nerve problems. These may further cause a tingling sensation and numbness in hands and feet, weakness, urinary problems, change in mental status and difficulty in maintaining balance (ataxia). Consult your doctor if you experience these symptoms. Your doctor may advise monitoring of B12 levels and prescribe a vitamin B12 supplement if required.
Answer

Question
Is it safe to take alcohol while I am also taking Linapil-M 2.5/500?
No, it is not safe to take Linapil-M 2.5/500 along with alcohol. Doing so can increase the chances of lactic acidosis, particularly in cases of fasting, malnutrition or kidney dysfunction. However, if you are not sure, consult your doctor.
Answer

Question
Can the use of Linapil-M 2.5/500 cause lactic acidosis?
Yes, the use of Linapil-M 2.5/500 can lead to lactic acidosis which is also known as MALA (Metformin-associated lactic acidosis). It is caused by increased levels of lactic acid in the blood. It is a very rare side effect associated with the use of metformin and therefore it is avoided in patients with underlying kidney disease, old age patients or who take large amounts of alcohol. Symptoms of lactic acidosis may include muscle pain or weakness, dizziness, tiredness, feeling of cold in arms and legs, difficulty in breathing, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain or slow heart rate. If you have these symptoms, stop taking Linapil-M 2.5/500 and immediately consult your doctor.
Answer
Question
What if you forget to take Linapil-M Tablet?
If you miss a dose of Linapil-M 2.5/500, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Answer

Linapil-M 2.5/500 Tablet Reviews

Linapil-M 2.5/500 is a combination of two medicines that control high blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This helps prevent serious complications of diabetes such as kidney damage and blindness and may reduce your chance of having a heart attack or stroke.

Linapil-M 2.5/500 can be prescribed alone or together with other diabetes medications. All diabetes medicines work best when used along with a healthy diet and regular exercise. The dose you are given will depend on your condition, blood sugar levels and what other medicines you are taking. Taking it with meals helps to reduce the chances of developing an upset stomach.

You should take it regularly, at the same time each day, to get the most benefit and you should not stop unless your doctor recommends it. It is controlling your blood sugar levels and helping to prevent serious complications in the future. It is important to stay on the diet and exercise program recommended by your doctor while taking this medicine. Your lifestyle plays a big part in controlling diabetes.

The most common side effects of taking this medicine include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, headache, blocked nose, and sore throat. Low blood sugar level (hypoglycemia) is a possible side effect if you are also taking other diabetes medicines like insulin or sulphonylurea, so you need to know how to recognize and deal with it.

This medicine is not suitable for everyone. Before taking it, you should let your doctor know if you have ever had kidney, liver or heart disease, problems with your pancreas, or if you drink a lot of alcohol. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also consult their doctor before taking this medicine. Some other medicines can affect this one so tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking to make sure you are safe. You should try to avoid drinking alcohol as it lowers blood glucose. Your doctor will check your kidney function and blood sugar levels before and during treatment.

How Linapil-M 2.5/500 Tablet Works

Linapil-M 2.5/500 is a combination of two antidiabetic medicines:.

How to Use Linapil-M 2.5/500 Tablet

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Linapil-M 2.5/500 is to be taken with food.

Benefits of Linapil-M 2.5/500 Tablet

  • In Treatment of Type 2 diabetes mellitus: Linapil-M 2.5/500 has two active substances in it i.e. metformin and linagliptin. Metformin belongs to a class of medicines called biguanides. Linagliptin belongs to a group called DPP-4 inhibitors. They work together in different ways to lower your blood glucose levels. Lowering blood glucose levels is an essential part of managing diabetes. If you can control your blood glucose level, your risk of getting any of the serious complications of diabetes such as kidney damage, eye damage, nerve problems, and loss of limbs is also lowered. Additionally, proper control of diabetes can also reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Taking this medicine regularly along with a proper program of diet and exercise will help you live a normal, healthy life. You should keep using this medicine for as long as it is prescribed because it is protecting your future health.

Uses of Linapil-M 2.5/500 Tablet

  • Treatment of Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Linapil-M 2.5/500 Tablet Side Effects

Item form

Safety Tips

Breast feeding  UNSAFE
Linapil-M 2.5/500 is unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Data suggests that the drug may cause toxicity to the baby.
Driving  CAUTION
Your ability to drive may be affected if your blood sugar is too low or too high. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
Kidney  UNSAFE
Linapil-M 2.5/500 is probably unsafe to use in patients with kidney disease and should be avoided. Please consult your doctor.
Alcohol  UNSAFE
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Linapil-M 2.5/500.
Liver  UNSAFE
Linapil-M 2.5/500 is probably unsafe to use in patients with liver disease and should be avoided. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy  CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Linapil-M 2.5/500 is unsafe to use during pregnancy as there is definite evidence of risk to the developing baby. However, the doctor may rarely prescribe it in some life-threatening situations if the benefits are more than the potential risks. Please consult your doctor.

Quick Tips

  • Take it in addition to regular exercise and a healthy diet to lower the levels of blood sugar.
  • Monitor your blood sugar level regularly while you are taking this medicine. 
  • Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level) may occur when taken along with other antidiabetic medicines, alcohol or on delaying/skipping a meal. Carry a sugar source with you for immediate relief.
  • Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any deep or rapid breathing, persistent nausea, vomiting or stomach pain as Linapil-M 2.5/500 may cause a rare but serious condition called lactic acidosis, which is an excess of lactic acid in the blood.
  • Inform your doctor about your diabetes treatment if you are due to have any surgery under a general anaesthetic.
  • Linapil-M 2.5/500 should be taken with food to lower the chances of having an upset stomach.
  • Chances of weight gain and low blood sugar are lesser as compared to other diabetes medicines. 

References

  1. Linagliptin and metformin hydrochloride. Ridgefield, Connecticut: Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; 2012.
  2. Linagliptin. Ridgefield, Connecticut: Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; 2014. (online)
  3. Linagliptin/Metformin hydrochloride tablets [Product monograph]. Ontario, Canada: Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd.; 2019.
  4. Linagliptin/Metformin hydrochloride tablets [Product monograph]. Ontario, Canada: Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd.; 2021.
  5. Linagliptin and Metformin Hydrochloride tablets [patient Information Sheet]. Gangtok, Sikkim: TORRENT PHARMACEUTICALS LTD.; 2022.
  6. Linagliptin/metformin hydrochloride. Koropi, Greece: Boehringer Ingelheim Ellas A.E.; 2018.
  7. Metformin hydrochloride. Princeton, New Jersey: Bristol-Myers Squibb Company.

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