Tradjenta (Linagliptin) Tablets

Tradjenta is a prescription tablet used for blood sugar control in adults with Type 2 Diabetes. Ships from Canada to US through a prescription-referral process that may help support cash-pay access without insurance when documentation is complete. This page summarizes how the medicine works, dosage basics from labeling, key safety considerations, and practical storage guidance.

What Tradjenta Is and How It Works

This medicine contains linagliptin, an oral DPP-4 inhibitor (dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor). DPP-4 inhibitors affect incretin hormones, which help the body increase insulin release after meals and reduce excess glucagon (a hormone that raises glucose). The overall effect can support steadier glucose levels when paired with a diabetes care plan. Prescription details may be verified with the prescriber when required.

Linagliptin works in a glucose-dependent way, meaning its activity is stronger when glucose is elevated. This feature helps explain why DPP-4 inhibitors are often described as having a lower intrinsic risk of hypoglycemia than medicines that directly stimulate insulin release. Even so, low blood sugar can still occur, especially when combined with other glucose-lowering therapies. For class background, the DPP-4 Inhibitors Guide provides additional context.

Who It’s For

This therapy is used for adults with type 2 diabetes alongside diet and physical activity. It may be considered when A1C goals are not being met with lifestyle measures alone or when another agent is not a good fit. Clinicians also consider kidney function, other medicines, and a person’s history of pancreatitis or severe allergic reactions before selecting a DPP-4 inhibitor.

Tradjenta is not used for type 1 diabetes or for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). It is also not appropriate for anyone with a known hypersensitivity to linagliptin or product components. People who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy should review options with a qualified clinician using current labeling and individual risk factors.

Why it matters: Using the correct diabetes drug class helps avoid undertreatment of urgent conditions.

Dosage and Usage

Labeling commonly describes a once-daily regimen, taken at the same time each day, with or without food. Tablets are swallowed whole with water. If a dose is missed, standard instructions usually advise taking it when remembered unless it is close to the next dose, and avoiding double dosing. The prescriber’s directions and the product label should be the reference for any dosing questions.

The usual adult dose listed in prescribing information is linagliptin 5 mg once daily. Kidney impairment does not generally require a dosage adjustment for linagliptin, which can simplify regimen planning compared with some other agents. For a label-aligned overview of scheduling considerations, see Tradjenta Dose in the site’s resource library.

Strengths and Forms

Linagliptin is supplied as an oral tablet. In many markets, it is most commonly presented as a 5 mg tablet. Some combination products pair a DPP-4 inhibitor with metformin or other agents, but those are distinct prescriptions with their own directions and safety considerations.

Tradjenta 5 mg tablets are typically the primary presentation, and the active ingredient may be referenced as Linagliptin 5 mg tablets in clinical records. Availability of specific manufacturers or tablet markings can vary by dispensing pharmacy and jurisdiction. To browse related options within the non-insulin category, see Non Insulin Medications and the DPP 4 Inhibitors hub.

Storage and Travel Basics

Tablets are usually stored at controlled room temperature in a dry place, protected from excess heat and moisture. Keep the medicine in its original packaging until use if that packaging provides moisture protection. Bathrooms and kitchen areas near sinks can expose tablets to humidity that shortens shelf life.

For travel, keep tablets in a carry-on bag to avoid temperature extremes in checked luggage. Bring the prescription label or pharmacy paperwork to support identification during transit.

Quick tip: Set a recurring reminder to support consistent daily dosing.

For broader day-to-day diabetes planning topics, the Diabetes Articles collection may be helpful.

Side Effects and Safety

Common side effects reported with DPP-4 inhibitors can include upper respiratory symptoms (such as a runny nose or sore throat) and gastrointestinal discomfort, though symptoms vary by person and by combination therapy. Some reactions may be hard to distinguish from routine viral illness. New or persistent symptoms should be evaluated, especially when they affect hydration or appetite.

Serious safety concerns for Tradjenta can include pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), severe allergic reactions, blistering skin conditions such as bullous pemphigoid, and severe joint pain. Low blood sugar is more likely when this medicine is used with insulin or sulfonylureas. Partner pharmacies in Canada dispense medications for approved requests. Any warning signs such as severe abdominal pain, facial swelling, trouble breathing, or widespread rash require urgent medical assessment.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Medication lists should be reviewed for interactions before starting a DPP-4 inhibitor. Strong enzyme inducers such as rifampin can lower linagliptin exposure and may reduce glucose-lowering effect. Clinicians may also consider interaction potential when multiple diabetes agents are used together or when a person takes medicines with narrow therapeutic windows.

Alcohol does not have a direct, labeled interaction with linagliptin, but it can affect glucose and appetite and complicate symptom interpretation. Other cautions include a prior history of pancreatitis, severe hypersensitivity reactions, or blistering skin disorders. For class comparisons that may help guide discussion with a prescriber, see Linagliptin Vs Sitagliptin.

Compare With Alternatives

DPP-4 inhibitors are one option among several oral and injectable approaches for type 2 diabetes. Alternatives may include metformin, SGLT2 inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor agonists, sulfonylureas, or insulin, depending on clinical goals and comorbidities. Within the DPP-4 class, sitagliptin, saxagliptin, and alogliptin are commonly referenced options, each with its own labeling and dosing considerations.

For a focused comparison within the same class, Tradjenta Vs Januvia Differences summarizes practical distinctions discussed in clinical use. Combination products (for example, DPP-4 inhibitor plus metformin) can reduce pill burden for some people; the article Janumet Vs Jentadueto provides background. Product references for context include Januvia Tablets and Metformin.

Pricing and Access

Out-of-pocket costs for diabetes medicines depend on the dispensed quantity, the dispensing pharmacy, and whether a brand or generic listing is available in a given market. People often compare Tradjenta cost without insurance across retail pharmacies and discount-card sites, but listed amounts may not reflect cross-border dispensing models or the exact package size provided.

CanadianInsulin operates as a prescription referral service; once documentation is reviewed, a licensed pharmacy dispenses the medication when appropriate. The service can support cash-pay access when coverage is limited. US delivery from Canada may affect how prescriptions and records are handled, so accurate prescriber details are important during intake. For non-promotional updates that may apply to eligible requests, see Current Promotions.

Authoritative Sources

For the most reliable details on indications, dosing, warnings, and contraindications, consult the current product label and a qualified healthcare professional. The links below are offered as official or high-quality references that align with how DPP-4 inhibitors are described in clinical use.

Neutral references for prescribing and patient education include:

• FDA Tradjenta application and labeling overview
• MedlinePlus patient medication information for linagliptin

To request a refill through the site account, choose prompt, express, cold-chain shipping if it is presented at checkout.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.