Jentadueto (Linagliptin/Metformin) Tablets

This prescription oral combination medicine contains linagliptin and metformin for blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes. This page summarizes how it works, typical label-based use patterns, and practical handling topics like storage and missed doses. It also outlines safety considerations and what information is usually needed to submit a prescription request through CanadianInsulin.

What Jentadueto Is and How It Works

This medicine combines two non-insulin agents used to improve glycemic (blood sugar) control in adults with type 2 diabetes, alongside diet and physical activity. The metformin component is a biguanide that lowers glucose made by the liver and helps the body use insulin more effectively. The linagliptin component is a DPP-4 inhibitor (dipeptidyl peptidase-4 blocker) that raises incretin hormones, which can increase insulin release after meals and reduce glucagon (a hormone that raises glucose) when glucose is elevated. Ships from Canada to US access is available for cash-pay requests, including those without insurance.

Licensed Canadian pharmacies dispense medications for CanadianInsulin referrals.

Because this treatment contains metformin, some risks and precautions relate to kidney function and conditions that can reduce oxygen delivery to tissues (such as severe dehydration or acute illness). The DPP-4 inhibitor portion has its own cautions, including rare immune-mediated skin reactions and inflammation of the pancreas. The goal of this page is to clarify the basics that are typically found in prescribing information, so the key points are easier to review and track.

Who It’s For

Jentadueto is generally used for adults with type 2 diabetes when a prescriber determines that both components are appropriate. It may be considered when metformin alone is not enough, or when a person is already taking both medicines separately and a fixed-dose combination could simplify the regimen. For background on the condition, the Type 2 Diabetes hub is a browsable overview of related therapies and supplies.

This medicine is not used for type 1 diabetes or for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which require different management. It is also not appropriate for everyone with type 2 diabetes. Metformin-containing products have specific contraindications, including metabolic acidosis (too much acid in the blood) and situations where kidney function is significantly reduced. A clinician may also avoid or pause therapy around certain procedures or acute illnesses, depending on risk factors.

Before starting, prescribers commonly review kidney health, liver disease history, alcohol use patterns, and other conditions that can raise the risk of lactic acidosis (a rare but serious metformin-associated complication). Pregnancy and breastfeeding considerations should also be discussed, since diabetes management often changes in these situations. Medication lists matter as well, because drug interactions can influence safety or effectiveness.

Dosage and Usage

Dosing is individualized by the prescriber and should follow the product label and clinical plan. Immediate-release combination tablets are commonly taken with meals to reduce stomach side effects from metformin. Extended-release (XR) versions, when prescribed, are often taken once daily with a meal, but the exact schedule depends on the specific product selected. Swallow tablets with water, and do not split or crush XR tablets unless the label explicitly allows it.

Prescriptions are confirmed with the prescriber when required.

Typical label-based administration notes

Many metformin-related effects are dose-dependent, so clinicians often start at a lower metformin dose and increase gradually, using follow-up glucose data and tolerability to guide adjustments. If a dose is missed, the usual label approach is to take the next dose at the regular time rather than doubling up, since taking extra metformin may worsen gastrointestinal symptoms. If blood sugar readings are being tracked at home, recording the timing of doses and meals can help a prescriber interpret patterns. For broader context on non-injectable options, see the Oral Diabetes Medication guide.

Alcohol can worsen certain risks associated with metformin, so prescribers may recommend limits based on individual history. If an imaging test with iodinated contrast is planned, a clinician may provide temporary stop/restart instructions for metformin-containing medicines. Because personal factors drive these decisions, the safest source for timing and procedure-related directions is the prescribing team and the official monograph.

Strengths and Forms

Jentadueto is supplied as an oral tablet that contains a fixed dose of linagliptin plus a fixed dose of metformin. The linagliptin component is commonly 2.5 mg per tablet in many combinations, while the metformin component may vary (for example 500 mg, 850 mg, or 1000 mg). Some markets also have extended-release presentations that pair linagliptin with metformin in an XR matrix, such as combinations that include metformin 1000 mg, but availability can differ by country and dispensing pharmacy.

When reviewing strengths, it helps to look at both numbers on the label, since “1000 mg” refers to the metformin portion only. A prescriber selects a strength to match current therapy, kidney function, and tolerability. If a tablet’s appearance changes, use imprint codes and the dispensing label to confirm identity rather than relying on color or shape alone.

For browsing similar fixed-dose options, the Combination Tablets category lists other non-insulin combinations used in type 2 diabetes.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store tablets at controlled room temperature and keep them in the original container when possible, especially if the bottle includes a desiccant to reduce moisture exposure. Avoid high humidity areas such as bathrooms and keep the cap tightly closed. Do not use tablets past the expiration date, and keep all medicines out of reach of children and pets. If the pharmacy label provides a narrower storage range, follow that label.

For travel, carry doses in hand luggage to reduce the chance of temperature extremes or lost bags. Keep a current medication list and an extra copy of the prescription, which can be useful if care is needed away from home. Time zone changes can affect meal timing and dose schedules, so clinicians may recommend a transition plan for longer trips. The Diabetes Category can also be used to browse related monitoring supplies that people often pack when traveling.

Quick tip: Keep the pharmacy label visible for strength verification.

Side Effects and Safety

Side effects can come from either active ingredient. Metformin commonly causes gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, gas, or stomach discomfort, especially when starting therapy or after dose increases. Taking doses with food may reduce these effects. Linagliptin can be associated with cold-like symptoms, headache, or cough in some people, although many tolerate DPP-4 inhibitors well.

Serious reactions are uncommon but important to recognize. Metformin has a rare risk of lactic acidosis, which is more likely with significant kidney impairment, severe dehydration, heavy alcohol intake, or conditions that reduce oxygen delivery. DPP-4 inhibitors have been associated with pancreatitis (pancreas inflammation) and rare immune-related skin reactions, including bullous pemphigoid (a blistering skin condition). For a deeper discussion of common and serious reactions, see Jentadueto Side Effects.

Why it matters: New severe fatigue, fast breathing, or persistent vomiting needs urgent medical evaluation.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Interactions can involve either component. Some medicines can affect blood sugar, such as systemic corticosteroids, certain antipsychotics, and some diuretics, which may prompt monitoring or regimen changes. Strong enzyme-inducing drugs may reduce the effect of linagliptin; prescribers may choose an alternative if an inducer is required long term. Alcohol use is also relevant because it can increase the likelihood of metformin-related complications in susceptible people.

Procedure-related cautions matter with metformin-containing therapies. Iodinated contrast used in some imaging studies can temporarily worsen kidney function, so a clinician may give stop/restart instructions around the test. Acute illnesses that cause dehydration, low blood pressure, or reduced oral intake can also increase risk. For a plain-language explanation of DPP-4 inhibitor class cautions, see DPP 4 Inhibitors Overview.

Vitamin B12 levels may decline with long-term metformin use in some people, and clinicians sometimes check levels if anemia or neuropathy symptoms develop. Kidney function monitoring is also common, because dosing decisions for metformin-containing medicines depend on renal performance over time.

Compare With Alternatives

Fixed-dose combinations are one option among several non-insulin approaches. Another DPP-4 inhibitor/metformin combination is sitagliptin/metformin, available in immediate-release and extended-release forms. Some people instead use metformin plus a separate DPP-4 inhibitor tablet, depending on dose flexibility and tolerability needs. Other combination products pair metformin with different classes, such as SGLT2 inhibitors, but selection depends on clinical factors and comorbidities.

On CanadianInsulin, related products in this category include Janumet XR and Metformin. A clinician may also compare with other DPP-4 options (such as saxagliptin or alogliptin combinations) when reviewing kidney status, heart failure history, and other medication risks. For a structured discussion of class-to-class considerations, see Janumet Vs Jentadueto.

Switching between therapies should be planned and monitored by a prescriber. Dose equivalence is not always straightforward, since fixed-dose products lock two ingredients together. Treatment goals, side effects, and lab trends typically guide the choice more than convenience alone.

Pricing and Access

Searches such as jentadueto price without insurance usually reflect two variables: the selected strength and the days’ supply. Dispensing fees, required documentation, and whether a fixed-dose combination is used versus separate tablets can also affect overall costs. If a prescriber changes the metformin dose for tolerability, the combination strength may need to change as well, which can influence how many tablets are used per month.

CanadianInsulin supports cash-pay access and can be used when a patient is without insurance. US shipping from Canada requests typically require a valid prescription and patient details that match the prescription label. Optional savings programs are listed on Promotions, when available.

For people comparing non-insulin options, the Diabetes Medications and Non Insulin Medications categories can be used to browse related therapies by class.

Authoritative Sources

For full prescribing details, always rely on the official product monograph and your clinician’s instructions. The sources below provide regulator- or institution-maintained references that align with how combination diabetes medicines are described, including contraindications, interaction warnings, and monitoring considerations.

• FDA product page and labeling details: Drugs@FDA application overview
• NIH MedlinePlus information for metformin: Metformin drug information
• NIH MedlinePlus information for linagliptin: Linagliptin drug information

To submit a prescription request through the site, provide the prescription and shipping details; prompt, express, cold-chain shipping may be used when appropriate.

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