Dipeta plus® (Linagliptin/Metformin)

What is this drug used for?

• It is used to lower blood sugar in patients with high blood sugar (diabetes).

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take this drug?

• If you are allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have type 1 diabetes. Do not use this drug to treat type 1 diabetes.
• If you have any of these health problems: Acidic blood problem, kidney disease, or liver disease.
• If you have had a recent heart attack or stroke.
• If you are not able to eat or drink like normal, including before certain procedures or surgery.
• If you are having an exam or test with contrast or have had one within the past 48 hours, talk with your doctor.
• If you are taking rifampin.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this drug with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take this drug?

• Tell all of your healthcare providers that you take this drug. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Talk with your doctor before you drink alcohol. Do not drink alcohol very often or drink a lot of alcohol in a short time.
• Do not drive if your blood sugar has been low. There is a greater chance of you having a crash.
• Check your blood sugar as you have been told by your doctor.
• Have your blood work and other lab tests checked as you have been told by your doctor.
• It may be harder to control blood sugar during times of stress such as fever, infection, injury, or surgery. A change in physical activity, exercise, or diet may also affect blood sugar.
• Long-term treatment with metformin may lead to low vitamin B-12 levels. If you have ever had low vitamin B-12 levels, talk with your doctor.
• Be careful in hot weather or while being active. Drink lots of fluids to stop fluid loss.
• If diarrhea or throwing up happens, talk with the doctor. You will need to make sure to avoid dehydration and electrolyte problems.
• Follow the diet and workout plan that your doctor told you about.
• A skin reaction called bullous pemphigoid has happened with drugs like this one. Sometimes, people have had to go to the hospital. Call your doctor right away if you have blisters or if your skin starts to break down.
• A severe and sometimes deadly pancreas problem (pancreatitis) has happened with other drugs like this one.
• If you are 65 or older, use this drug with care. You could have more side effects.
• There is a chance of pregnancy in people of childbearing age who have not been ovulating. If you want to avoid pregnancy, use birth control while taking this drug.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breastfeeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of a pancreas problem (pancreatitis) like very bad stomach pain, very bad back pain, or very bad upset stomach or throwing up.
• Low blood sugar can happen. The chance may be raised when this drug is used with other drugs for diabetes. Signs may be dizziness, headache, feeling sleepy or weak, shaking, fast heartbeat, confusion, hunger, or sweating. Call your doctor right away if you have any of these signs. Follow what you have been told to do for low blood sugar. This may include taking glucose tablets, liquid glucose, or some fruit juices.
• It is common to have stomach problems like upset stomach, throwing up, or diarrhea when you start taking this drug. If you have stomach problems later during treatment, call your doctor right away. This may be a sign of an acid health problem in the blood (lactic acidosis).
• Drugs like this one may cause joint pain that can be very bad and disabling. Call your doctor immediately if you have very bad joint pain or joint pain that does not go away.
• Heart failure has happened in people taking drugs like this one. Tell your doctor if you have ever had heart failure or kidney problems. Call your doctor immediately if you feel very tired or have shortness of breath, a big weight gain, or swelling in the arms or legs.

What are some other side effects of this drug?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Stomach pain.
• Diarrhea, upset stomach, or throwing up.
• Gas.
• Feeling tired or weak.
• Headache.
• Sore throat.
• Runny or stuffy nose.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to your national health agency.

How is this drug best taken?

Use this drug as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

All products:

• Take with a meal.
• Keep taking this drug as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

• Store at room temperature in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush a toilet or pour down a drain unless told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.