Table of Contents
II. Taking Tradjenta with Metformin
III. Tradjenta in Patients with Renal Impairment
IV. Is Tradjenta Right for You?
Tradjenta (linagliptin) is an effective treatment for type 2 diabetes.
According to an online database operated by the U.S. National Library of Medicine, a number of clinical studies have proven the safety and efficacy of Tradjenta medication in patients with type 2 diabetes, including those with chronic renal impairment. [1]
Tradjenta Alone
In two double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, researchers studied Tradjenta's efficacy as a monotherapy (the only form of antidiabetic treatment). A total of 730 patients participated in the studies. One of the studies lasted 18 weeks, while the other lasted 24 weeks.
In the 18-week study, 76 patients were given a placebo and 151 were given Tradjenta 5mg. In the 24-week study, 167 patients were given a placebo and 336 were given Tradjenta 5mg.
Across both studies, Tradjenta 5mg resulted in statistically significant improvements in A1C (blood sugar levels). These results were not affected by gender, age, race, baseline body mass index (BMI), baseline insulin resistance or prior antihyperglycemic treatment.
In both studies, patients taking Tradjenta 5mg experienced a 0.4 percent reduction in A1C. By contrast, patients taking a placebo experienced an A1C increase of 0.1 percent in the 18-week study and 0.3 percent in the 24-week study. [2]
Tradjenta With Metformin
To learn about Tradjenta's efficacy and safety when used in combination with the antidiabetic medication metformin, researchers conducted a 24-week, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study.
A total of 701 patients participated in the study, of which 513 were given Tradjenta 5mg in combination with metformin. The other 175 patients were given a placebo in combination with metformin.
As with the studies mentioned previously, patients taking Tradjenta and metformin showed statistically significant A1C improvements compared to those taking a placebo and metformin.
Patients taking Tradjenta 5 mg in combination with metformin experienced a 0.5 percent reduction in A1C. By contrast, those taking a placebo in combination with metformin experienced a 0.15 percent increase in A1C.
It's also worth noting that 18.9 percent of patients taking a placebo and metformin required rescue glycemic therapy at some point during the study, compared to 7.8 percent of those taking Tradjenta and metformin.[3]
Tradjenta in Patients With Renal Impairment
One 52-week, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Tradjenta in patients with both type 2 diabetes and severe chronic renal impairment.
The study was performed on 133 patients. For the first 12 weeks of the study, patients' background antidiabetic therapy (including insulin, sulfonylurea, glinides and pioglitazone) was kept stable. For the last 52 weeks of the study, dose adjustments in background therapy were permitted.
After the first 12 weeks of the study, patients taking Tradjenta showed statistically significant improvement in A1C (reduction of 0.6 percent) compared to those taking a placebo.
Tradjenta's efficacy was maintained for the last 52 weeks of the study, too, with patients who took it showing a 0.7 percent A1C reduction. [4]
Thus, Tradjenta is effective for type 2 diabetes patients with severe chronic renal impairment as well as those without.
Is Tradjenta Right for You?
As with any other medication, you should always consult with your doctor to find out if Tradjenta is a suitable drug for you.
You shouldn't take Tradjenta if you are allergic to linagliptin or any of Tradjenta's other ingredients.
Before taking Tradjenta, be sure to tell your doctor if you:
- Have a history of pancreatitis
- Are taking medications that lower your blood sugar
- Are taking an antibiotic called rifampin (often used to treat tuberculosis)
- Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
- Are breastfeeding
- Take any other medications that may interact with Tradjenta
If your doctor determines that Tradjenta is right for treating your type 2 diabetes, you can save money on your prescription by purchasing it from a trustworthy online pharmacy or pharmacy referral service like My Drug Center.
DISCLAIMER: The information in the article is not meant to be used for treatment or diagnosis. It is designed for general awareness and for information purposes only. Always consult a medical professional for your specific healthcare needs.