Linax Plus 2.5/1000
Rx2.5 mg • Tablet
Indications & Uses
Linax Plus 2.5/1000 is indicated for:
Pharmacology
Linagliptin is used to improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It blocks DPP-4 (dipeptidyl peptidase-4), an enzyme that breaks down the incretin hormones GLP-1 (glucagon like peptide-1) and GIP (glucose dependent insulinotropic polypeptide). With the enzyme blocked, linagliptin raises the level of active incretin hormones. These hormones stimulate the pancreatic beta (β) cells to release insulin, and they do so in a glucose-dependent manner. They also reduce the amount of glucagon that the pancreatic alpha (α) cells release into the circulation.
Metformin Hydrochloride is a biguanide type of oral antihyperglycemic medicine, used in the management of type 2 diabetes. It lowers both basal and postprandial plasma glucose. Its mechanism of action is different from that of the sulfonylureas, and it does not produce hypoglycemia. Metformin Hydrochloride decreases hepatic glucose production and decreases intestinal absorption of glucose. It also improves insulin sensitivity by increasing peripheral glucose uptake and utilization.
Dosage Reference
Reference Information Only
Dosages shown are general references from official sources. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing.
Adults:
the dose should be set for each patient, based on how well it works and how well the patient tolerates it. The maximum recommended dose is 2.5 mg Linagliptin and 1000 mg Metformin Hydrochloride twice daily with meals. The dose should be increased gradually, to reduce the gastrointestinal (GI) side effects that come with Metformin Hydrochloride.
Recommended starting dose: in patients not currently treated with Metformin Hydrochloride, start with 2.5 mg Linagliptin and 500 mg Metformin Hydrochloride twice daily. In patients already treated with Metformin Hydrochloride, start with 2.5 mg Linagliptin and the current dose of Metformin Hydrochloride, twice daily. Patients already taking Linagliptin and Metformin Hydrochloride as separate medicines may be switched to this combination, with the same dose of each component.
the dose should be set for each patient, based on how well it works and how well the patient tolerates it. The total daily dose must not go above the maximum recommended, which is Linagliptin 5 mg and Metformin Hydrochloride 2000 mg. This combination should be given once daily with a meal.
Recommended starting dose: in patients not currently treated with Metformin, start with 5 mg Linagliptin and 1000 mg Metformin Hydrochloride extended-release once daily with a meal. In patients already treated with Metformin, start with a total daily dose of 5 mg Linagliptin and a similar total daily dose of Metformin, once daily with a meal. In patients already treated with the Linagliptin and Metformin immediate release tablet, switch to the extended release tablet that gives a total daily dose of 5 mg Linagliptin and a similar total daily dose of Metformin, once daily with a meal.
The 5 mg Linagliptin and 1000 mg Metformin Hydrochloride extended-release tablet is taken as a single tablet once daily. Patients using the 2.5 mg Linagliptin and 1000 mg Metformin extended release tablets should take two tablets together once daily.
Side Effects
The two side effects people report most often with Linagliptin + Metformin Hydrochloride are nasopharyngitis and diarrhea. Hypoglycemia is more common when the medicine is taken together with sulfonylureas.
Cautions & Contraindications
Warnings & Precautions
If a patient taking Metformin develops lactic acidosis, the medicine should be stopped immediately and supportive treatment started promptly. Acute pancreatitis has been reported after the medicine reached the market. If pancreatitis is suspected, stop Linagliptin & Metformin promptly. It should also be stopped temporarily in patients having radiologic studies with intravascular iodinated contrast materials, or any surgery that needs restricted food and fluids. Metformin may lower Vitamin B12 levels, so hematologic parameters should be monitored annually. Under certain conditions, too much metformin can cause lactic acidosis. The symptoms are severe and appear quickly. They usually occur when other health problems not related to the medicine are present and very severe, such as a heart attack or kidney failure. Symptoms of lactic acidosis include abdominal or stomach discomfort, decreased appetite, diarrhea, fast or shallow breathing, a general feeling of discomfort, muscle pain or cramping, and unusual sleepiness, tiredness or weakness. Drink extra fluids when you exercise or increase your activity, or if you have vomiting or diarrhea. Pancreatitis may occur while you are using this medicine. Check with your doctor right away if you have sudden and severe stomach pain, chills, constipation, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, a fever or lightheadedness. You need to stop taking the medicine temporarily before major surgery or diagnostic tests, including procedures that use contrast dye. Follow carefully any instructions from your health care team about the following. Alcohol: Drinking alcohol may cause severe low blood sugar. Other medicines: This especially includes nonprescription medicines such as aspirin, and medicines for appetite control, asthma, colds, cough, hay fever or sinus problems. Counseling: Other family members need to learn how to prevent side effects, or help with them if they occur. Travel: Keep a recent prescription and your medical history with you. Make allowances for changing time zones and keep your meal times as close as possible to your usual meal times. In case of emergency: There may be a time when you need emergency help for a problem caused by your diabetes, and you need to be prepared. It is a good idea to wear a medical identification (ID) bracelet or neck chain at all times. Also carry an ID card in your wallet or purse that says you have diabetes and lists all of your medicines. The linagliptin and metformin combination can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). It can also occur if you delay or miss a meal or snack, drink alcohol, exercise more than usual, cannot eat because of nausea or vomiting, take certain medicines, or take the combination with another type of diabetes medicine. The symptoms of low blood sugar must be treated before they lead to unconsciousness (passing out). Different people feel different symptoms of low blood sugar, so learn which ones you usually have and you can treat it quickly.
Contraindications
Linagliptin passes out through the kidneys only in very small amounts, but Metformin Hydrochloride is known to be excreted by the kidney to a large extent. As kidney function gets worse, the risk of Metformin Hydrochloride building up in the body and causing lactic acidosis goes up. For this reason, the Linagliptin and Metformin Hydrochloride combination must not be used in patients with renal impairment. It must also not be used in acute or chronic metabolic acidosis (diabetic ketoacidosis), or in patients who are hypersensitive to Linagliptin or Metformin Hydrochloride.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
No adequate and well-controlled studies have been done in pregnant women with linagliptin and metformin hydrochloride together, or with either medicine on its own. So the combination should be used during pregnancy only if it is clearly needed. Take care too when giving it to a breastfeeding mother.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Overdose
If someone takes too much Linagliptin + Metformin Hydrochloride, the usual supportive measures should be used. That means removing any unabsorbed material from the gastrointestinal tract, monitoring the patient clinically, and starting supportive treatment. Linagliptin is unlikely to be removed by hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, but Metformin Hydrochloride can be removed by dialysis.
In controlled clinical trials in healthy subjects, single doses of Linagliptin up to 600 mg (equal to 120 times the recommended daily dose) caused no dose-related clinical adverse drug reactions. Metformin Hydrochloride overdose has happened when people ingested more than 50 grams. Hypoglycemia was reported in about 10% of those cases, though no causal link with Metformin Hydrochloride has been established. Lactic acidosis was reported in about 32% of Metformin Hydrochloride overdose cases.
⚠️ In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Storage
Store Linagliptin + Metformin Hydrochloride in a cool, dry place below 30°C, and protect it from light and moisture. Keep it out of the reach of children.
Drug Interactions
Common questions about Linax Plus 2.5/1000 2.5 mg
What is Linax Plus 2.5/1000 2.5 mg Tablet?
Linax Plus 2.5/1000 2.5 mg Tablet is a medicine that contains Linagliptin + Metformin Hydrochloride. It is made by Ibn Sina Pharmaceutical Ind. Ltd. It belongs to the Combination Oral hypoglycemic preparations group of medicines.
What is Linax Plus 2.5/1000 used for?
Linax Plus 2.5/1000 is used for: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Diabetes Mellitus.
What are the side effects of Linax Plus 2.5/1000?
The two side effects people report most often with Linagliptin + Metformin Hydrochloride are nasopharyngitis and diarrhea. Hypoglycemia is more common when the medicine is taken together with sulfonylureas.
Can I take Linax Plus 2.5/1000 during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
No adequate and well-controlled studies have been done in pregnant women with linagliptin and metformin hydrochloride together, or with either medicine on its own. So the combination should be used during pregnancy only if it is clearly needed. Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
What happens if I take too much Linax Plus 2.5/1000?
If someone takes too much Linagliptin + Metformin Hydrochloride, the usual supportive measures should be used. That means removing any unabsorbed material from the gastrointestinal tract, monitoring the patient clinically, and starting supportive treatment. In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
How should I store Linax Plus 2.5/1000?
Store Linagliptin + Metformin Hydrochloride in a cool, dry place below 30°C, and protect it from light and moisture. Keep it out of the reach of children.
Can I take other medicines with Linax Plus 2.5/1000?
Some medicines can interact with Linagliptin + Metformin Hydrochloride, for example: Isoniazid, Digoxin, Vancomycin, Cimetidine, Trimethoprim, Linagliptin. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medicine you take.
Do I need a prescription for Linax Plus 2.5/1000?
Linax Plus 2.5/1000 is a prescription (Rx) medicine. Take it as your doctor advises.