Linagliptin And Metformin Hydrochloride
Pronunciation: jen-ta-DOO-eh-toh (lin-uh-GLIP-tin + met-FOR-min).
- Generic name
- linagliptin and metformin hydrochloride
- Brand names
- Jentadueto, Glycomet Plus, Jentadueto XR, Formet Plus, Obimet Plus
- Drug class
- Oral Antidiabetic Combination (DPP-4 inhibitor + Biguanide)
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country: United States
Australia: · Full directory
What linagliptin and metformin hydrochloride is and how it works
Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.
Mechanism of action: how linagliptin and metformin hydrochloride works
Linagliptin is a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor that increases incretin levels, which in turn increases insulin secretion and decreases glucagon secretion in a glucose-dependent manner. Metformin is a biguanide that decreases hepatic glucose production, decreases intestinal absorption of glucose, and improves insulin sensitivity by increasing peripheral glucose uptake and utilization. (1) (2)
What linagliptin and metformin hydrochloride is used for
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (2)
Glycemic Control
Glycemic Control (2)
Blood Sugar Regulation
Blood Sugar Regulation (2)
Before taking linagliptin and metformin hydrochloride
Do not take / not appropriate for
- Contraindicated in patients with severe renal impairment (eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m²), metabolic acidosis (including diabetic ketoacidosis), or hypersensitivity to components. (Contraindication) (2)
- Temporarily discontinue in patients undergoing radiologic studies with iodinated contrast. (Contraindication) (2)
Tell your clinician about
(2)How to take linagliptin and metformin hydrochloride
- General Instructions: Take Jentadueto exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. It is usually taken twice daily with meals to reduce stomach upset.. Adult Dosing: The typical starting dose is linagliptin 2.5 mg/metformin 500 mg twice daily. Dosage may be adjusted based on blood glucose response and tolerability, up to a maximum of linagliptin 2.5 mg/metformin 1000 mg twice daily.. Pediatric Dosing: Safety and efficacy in children under 18 years have not been established; use is not recommended in pediatric patients.. Administration: Swallow tablets whole with a glass of water. Take with food to minimize gastrointestinal side effects. Do not crush or chew the tablets.. When To Stop: Seek emergency medical attention promptly if you develop symptoms of lactic acidosis or a severe allergic reaction; let the clinician managing your care advise on continuing or stopping Jentadueto, including before lab tests, imaging with contrast dye, or surgery.. Storage: Store at room temperature (20°C to 25°C/68°F to 77°F), away from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children.
- This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (2)
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember with food. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once.
Overdose
In case of overdose, seek emergency medical attention. Overdose may cause lactic acidosis, which is a medical emergency. Symptoms include rapid breathing, severe weakness, abdominal pain, and confusion. (2)
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Diarrhea
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Nausea
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Vomiting
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Abdominal pain
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Hypoglycemia
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Pancreatitis
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Lactic acidosis
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Joint pain
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Serious warnings
FDA BOXED WARNING (ELEVATED — an earlier draft of this record had lactic-acidosis risk only as an ordinary warning line) — serious
Symptoms: FDA BOXED WARNING (ELEVATED — an earlier draft of this record had lactic-acidosis risk only as an ordinary warning line): postmarketing cases of metformin-associated lactic acidosis have resulted in death, hypothermia, hypotension, and resistant slow heart rhythms (bradyarrhythmias). Symptoms include malaise, muscle pain, respiratory distress, unusual sleepiness, and abdominal pain. Risk factors include kidney impairment, age 65 or older, imaging procedures using contrast dye, surgery, low-oxygen states, excess alcohol intake, and liver impairment. If metformin-associated lactic acidosis is suspected, treatment is stopped immediately by the care team and the patient is treated in a hospital, with prompt dialysis often recommended.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Not for use in type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis — serious
Symptoms: Not for use in type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. May cause hypoglycemia when combined with other antidiabetic agents. Monitor kidney function regularly. Temporary discontinuation of Jentadueto before certain imaging procedures using contrast dye is managed by the prescribing clinician and the radiology team — always tell the imaging team you take Jentadueto.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Contraindications recorded in the clinician database — serious
Symptoms: Contraindications recorded in the clinician database: Contraindicated in patients with severe renal impairment (eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m²), metabolic acidosis (including diabetic ketoacidosis), or hypersensitivity to components. Use caution in patients with hepatic impairment, heart failure, or risk factors for lactic acidosis. Temporary discontinuation before radiologic studies with iodinated contrast is managed by the prescribing clinician. Not recommended to START in patients with eGFR 30-45 mL/min/1.73m²; if eGFR falls below 45 during treatment, the prescriber reassesses risk/benefit, and treatment is discontinued if eGFR falls below 30.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded interactions | Jentadueto may interact with other medications, including insulin, sulfonylureas (increasing risk of hypoglycemia), diuretics, corticosteroids, and drugs that impair kidney function. Some contrast agents used in imaging procedures can increase the risk of lactic acidosis. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medicines and supplements you are taking. | (1) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
Data are limited. Published studies of metformin have not shown a clear association with birth defects, and animal studies at clinically relevant doses showed no adverse developmental effects. Poorly controlled diabetes during pregnancy carries its own maternal and fetal risks (e.g., preeclampsia, a larger-than-average baby) — whether to continue or change treatment during pregnancy is a decision for the clinician managing the pregnancy and diabetes together. (2)
Breastfeeding
Limited published studies report that metformin is present in human milk at roughly 0.11%-1% of the maternal weight-adjusted dose. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be weighed against any potential infant exposure — a decision to make with the clinician managing your or your baby's care. (2)
Children
Frequency: Not applicable.. Weight Based: Not recommended for pediatric use.. Max Daily Dose: Not applicable.. Max Single Dose: Not applicable.. Age Restrictions: Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established. (2)
Renal_impairment
Renal impairment: contraindicated below eGFR 30 mL/min/1.73m²; not recommended to start in patients with eGFR 30-45 mL/min/1.73m²; if eGFR falls below 45 during treatment, the prescriber reassesses risks and benefits; discontinued if eGFR falls below 30. Use with caution in hepatic impairment per the clinician database's general caution — a specific graded hepatic-impairment dosing schedule was not established in the sources reviewed for this record. (2)
Hepatic_impairment
Renal impairment: contraindicated below eGFR 30 mL/min/1.73m²; not recommended to start in patients with eGFR 30-45 mL/min/1.73m²; if eGFR falls below 45 during treatment, the prescriber reassesses risks and benefits; discontinued if eGFR falls below 30. Use with caution in hepatic impairment per the clinician database's general caution — a specific graded hepatic-impairment dosing schedule was not established in the sources reviewed for this record. (2)
Monitoring
(2)Storage
Store at room temperature (20°C to 25°C/68°F to 77°F), away from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children.
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
General
Indication: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Dose summary: CORRECTED — an earlier draft of this record's top-level dosing field said "5 mg linagliptin and 1000 mg metformin hydrochloride taken orally once daily," which contradicted the record's own administration section and the FDA label. The FDA-confirmed regimen is TWICE daily: starting dose 2.5 mg linagliptin/500 mg metformin HCl twice daily for metformin-naive patients (individualized if switching from an existing regimen), titratable to a maximum of 2.5 mg linagliptin/1,000 mg metformin HCl twice daily, taken with meals.
Renal context: Contraindicated below eGFR 30 mL/min/1.73m²; not recommended to start in patients with eGFR 30-45 mL/min/1.73m². The prescriber reassesses risk/benefit if eGFR falls below 45 during treatment and, as directed by your prescriber, treatment is stopped if eGFR falls below 30. (1) (2)
Frequently asked questions
What is Jentadueto used for?
Jentadueto is used to help control blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes when diet, exercise, and single diabetes medicines are not enough.
How does Jentadueto work?
It combines linagliptin, which increases insulin release and decreases glucagon, with metformin, which reduces glucose production by the liver and improves insulin sensitivity.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember with food. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take an extra dose to make up for it.
Can Jentadueto cause low blood sugar?
Jentadueto alone rarely causes low blood sugar, but the risk increases if used with insulin or sulfonylureas. Monitor your blood sugar regularly.
Is Jentadueto safe in pregnancy?
There is limited data on use in pregnancy. Discuss with your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
What are the signs of lactic acidosis?
Symptoms include rapid breathing, severe weakness, unusual muscle pain, stomach pain, and drowsiness. Seek emergency care if these occur.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Jentadueto?
Limit alcohol intake, as it increases the risk of lactic acidosis with metformin-containing medicines.
What happens if I take too much Jentadueto (Linagliptin + Metformin)?
Taking too much Jentadueto can lead to severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), lactic acidosis (a serious buildup of lactic acid in the blood), and gastrointestinal upset. Symptoms may include extreme weakness, confusion, sweating, rapid breathing, and muscle pain. If you suspect an overdose, seek emergency medical attention immediately. Do not attempt to self-treat.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Jentadueto (Linagliptin + Metformin)?
Drinking alcohol while taking Jentadueto is generally not recommended. Alcohol can increase the risk of lactic acidosis, a rare but serious side effect associated with metformin. It can also affect blood sugar levels, potentially leading to hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. Discuss your alcohol consumption with your healthcare provider to understand the specific risks for your condition.
Is Jentadueto (Linagliptin + Metformin) safe during pregnancy?
Jentadueto's safety during pregnancy has not been definitively established. It falls under a pregnancy category that advises caution. It is crucial to consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Your healthcare provider will assess the potential risks and benefits and determine the most appropriate treatment plan for managing your diabetes during this period.
What is the mechanism of action of linagliptin and metformin hydrochloride?
Linagliptin is a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor that increases incretin levels, which in turn increases insulin secretion and decreases glucagon secretion in a glucose-dependent manner. Metformin is a biguanide that decreases hepatic glucose production, decreases intestinal absorption of glucose, and improves insulin sensitivity by increasing peripheral glucose uptake and utilization. (1) (2)
What is the generic name of Linagliptin And Metformin Hydrochloride?
The generic name is linagliptin and metformin hydrochloride. It is sold under brand names including Jentadueto, Glycomet Plus, Jentadueto XR, Formet Plus, Obimet Plus.
What class of drug is linagliptin and metformin hydrochloride?
Linagliptin And Metformin Hydrochloride is classed as: Oral Antidiabetic Combination (DPP-4 inhibitor + Biguanide).
References
- Jentadueto (Linagliptin + Metformin) clinician-authored medicine recordMedGuideGlobal internal clinician-authored medicine record · Multinational (provider reference) · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 1
- JENTADUETO (linagliptin and metformin hydrochloride) tablets — labelingU.S. Food and Drug Administration · United States · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 2
- LINAGLIPTIN AND METFORMIN HYDROCHLORIDE TABLET, FILM COATED [NOVADOZ PHARMACEUTICALS LLC] — US prescribing information (DailyMed SPL)U.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 3
- Linagliptin — patient drug information (MedlinePlus)U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 4
- Jentadueto XR — FDA approval record (Drugs@FDA NDA208026)U.S. Food and Drug Administration · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 5
- linagliptin and metformin — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 1243019)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 6
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient linagliptin and metformin hydrochloride names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.
Priority countries
United States
- Jentadueto
- Trijardy XR