Introduction

Linamet 850 is a combination of two medicines that control high blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This helps prevent serious complications of diabetes such as kidney damage and blindness and may reduce your chance of having a heart attack or stroke. Linamet 850 can be prescribed alone or together with other diabetes medications. All diabetes medicines work best when used along with a healthy diet and regular exercise. The dose you are given will depend on your condition, blood sugar levels and what other medicines you are taking. Taking this medicine with meals helps to reduce the chances of developing an upset stomach. You should take it regularly, at the same time each day, to get the most benefit. You should not stop this medicine unless your doctor recommends it. It is controlling your blood sugar levels and helping to prevent serious complications in the future. Your lifestyle plays a big part in controlling diabetes. Therefore, it is important to stay on the diet and exercise program recommended by your doctor while taking this medicine. The most common side effects of taking this medicine include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, headache, blocked nose (nasal congestion) and sore throat. Low blood sugar level (hypoglycemia) is a possible side effect if you are also taking other diabetes medicines like insulin, glimepiride, or sulphonylurea. So you need to know how to recognize and deal with it. This medicine is not suitable for everyone. Before taking it, you should let your doctor know if you have ever had kidney, liver or heart disease, problems with your pancreas, or if you drink a lot of alcohol. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also consult their doctor before taking this medicine. Some other medicines MAY affect the working of this medicine, so tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking to make sure you are safe. You should try to avoid drinking alcohol as it lowers blood sugar. Your doctor will check your kidney function and blood sugar levels before and during treatment.

Uses of Linamet 850

• Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Side effects of Linamet 850

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Upset stomach
• Headache
• Nasal congestion (stuffy nose)
• Sore throat
• Respiratory tract infection
• Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar level) in combination with insulin or sulphonylurea

How to use Linamet 850

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Linamet 850 is to be taken with food.

How Linamet 850 works

Linamet 850 is a combination of two antidiabetic medicines: Metformin and Linagliptin. Metformin is an antidiabetic medication (biguanide). It works by lowering the glucose production in the liver, delaying glucose absorption from the intestines and increasing the body's sensitivity to insulin. Linagliptin is a DPP-4 inhibitor which works by increasing the release of insulin from the pancreas and decreasing the hormones that raise blood sugar levels. This reduces both fasting and postmeal sugar levels. Together, they provide better control of blood sugar.

What if you forget to take Linamet 850?

If you miss a dose of Linamet 850, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.