Glyxambi (empagliflozin and linagliptin) is prescribed together with a proper diet and exercise program to control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
Empagliflozin is an SGLT2 (sodium-glucose co-transporter 2) inhibitor. It works by increasing the removal of sugar by the kidneys. Linagliptin is a DPP-4 (dipeptidyl peptidase-4) inhibitor. It works by increasing levels of incretins, which help to control blood sugar by increasing insulin release, especially after a meal. They also decrease the amount of sugar the liver produces.
Dosage
The prescribing doctor will determine the dosage and regimen. The usual recommended dosage is one tablet once a day in the morning, with or without food. Do not stop taking this medicine without consulting the doctor. Do not crush, split, or chew the tablets.
If a higher dosage has been taken accidentally, or if a child has accidentally swallowed the medicine, go
immediately to a doctor or a hospital emergency room and take the medicine with.
If a scheduled dose was forgotten, take it as soon as possible, but if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses at the same time.
This text is for informational purposes only. Please consult your doctor or pharmacist before using any medication.
The most common side effects coming from Glyxambi include:
- Urinary tract infection
- Vaginal yeast infection with symptoms that can include a vaginal odor, white or yellowish vaginal
discharge, vaginal itching
- Yeast infection of the penis with infection of the glans penis alone or of the glans
penis and foreskin. Symptoms can include redness, itching, swelling or a rash on the penis, foul-smelling discharge from the penis, and pain in the skin around the penis.
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Stuffy or runny nose and sore throat
- Increased urination
- Joint pain
- Nausea
- Thirst
- Low blood pressure and fainting caused by dehydration
- Diarrhea
- Cough
If these persist or worsen, consult with a doctor or pharmacist.
Glyxambi may cause the following severe side effects:
- Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) which may require hospitalization.
- Ketoacidosis (increased levels of ketones in the blood or urine). Ketoacidosis is a serious medical condition that can require treatment in a hospital.
- Dehydration caused by the loss of body fluids and salts may cause dizziness, fainting, or weakness, especially when standing up after sitting down or lying down.
- Low blood sugar level (hypoglycemia) is a common side effect when Glyxambi is being taken along with an additional medicine that can cause low blood sugar levels, such as medicines from the sulfonylurea class or insulin; there is a higher risk of low blood sugar levels.
Stop taking Glyxambi and contact a doctor immediately or go to the nearest emergency room if vomiting, abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, tiredness, or other serious side effects are experienced.
Glyxambi combines empagliflozin and linagliptin to treat type 2 diabetes in adults. Diabetes is diagnosed with a blood test. The main symptoms of type 2 diabetes are:
- Feeling thirsty and needing to urinate frequently; When there is an excess of sugar in the bloodstream, it can cause fluid to be drawn from tissues, leading to increased thirst. This might result in drinking more fluids and urinating more often than usual.
- Increased hunger; In type 2 diabetes, the cells in the body do not respond effectively to insulin, a hormone that helps sugar enter cells for energy. This condition, known as insulin resistance, can create feelings of hunger more often than normal as the body struggles to utilize the energy from food.
- Weight loss; Despite consuming more food to ease hunger pangs, weight loss may occur. Without the ability to use glucose efficiently, the body turns to alternative fuel sources stored in muscles and fat. As a result, excess glucose is eliminated through urine, causing a loss of calories.
- Fatigue; Deprivation of sugar for cells can lead to feelings of tiredness and irritability.
- Blurred vision; Elevated levels of blood sugar can cause swelling in the eye lenses, affecting focus and resulting in blurred vision.
- Delayed wound healing and susceptibility to infections; Type 2 diabetes can impact the body’s ability to heal wounds and fight off infections, particularly affecting areas like gums, skin health and, for women, vaginal infections.
The progression of these symptoms can be gradual, spanning over several years, often making them difficult to detect. It’s not uncommon for individuals with type 2 diabetes to have these symptoms for an extended period without being aware of them.