Generic name: empagliflozin and linagliptin [ EM-pa-gli-FLOE-zin-and-LIN-a-GLIP-tin ]
Drug class: Antidiabetic combinations

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Nov 23, 2022.

What is Glyxambi?

Glyxambi contains a combination of empagliflozin and linagliptin. Empagliflozin and linagliptin are oral diabetes medicines that help control blood sugar levels. Empagliflozin works by helping the kidneys get rid of glucose from your bloodstream. Linagliptin works by regulating the levels of insulin your body produces after eating.

Glyxambi is used together with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Glyxambi is also used to lower the risk of death from heart attack, stroke, or heart failure in adults with type 2 diabetes who also have heart disease.

This medicine is not for treating type 1 diabetes.

Warnings

You should not use Glyxambi if you have severe kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis) or diabetic ketoacidosis, or if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to empagliflozin or linagliptin.

Call your doctor at once if you have signs of a serious side effect, such as severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, vomiting, fast heart rate, dizziness, feeling very thirsty or hot, decreased urination, heavy sweating, or hot and dry skin.

In rare cases, Glyxambi can cause serious infections in the penis or vagina. Get medical help right away if you have burning, itching, odor, discharge, pain, tenderness, redness or swelling of the genital or rectal area, fever, or if you don't feel well.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Glyxambi if you are allergic to empagliflozin or linagliptin, or if you have:

• severe kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);

• a history of severe allergic or skin reaction after taking empagliflozin or linagliptin; or

• diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment).

To make sure Glyxambi is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• liver or kidney disease;

• a bladder infection or urination problems;

• a pancreas disorder;

• heart failure;

• gallstones;

• a genital infection (penis or vagina);

• alcoholism, or if you currently drink large amounts of alcohol;

• if you are on a low salt diet;

• if you are 65 or older.

• if you have a planned surgery; or

• if you have high cholesterol or triglycerides.

Follow your doctor's instructions about using Glyxambi if you are pregnant or you become pregnant. Controlling diabetes is very important during pregnancy.

You should not use Glyxambi during the second or third trimester of pregnancy.

You should not breastfeed while using Glyxambi.

How should I take Glyxambi?

Take Glyxambi exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose..

Glyxambi is usually taken in the morning, with or without food.

Your blood sugar will need to be checked often, and you may also need to test the level of ketones in your urine. Empagliflozin can cause life-threatening ketoacidosis (too much acid in the blood). Even if your blood sugar is normal, contact your doctor if a urine test shows that you have high ketones in the urine.

Blood sugar can be affected by stress, illness, surgery, exercise, alcohol use, or skipping meals.

Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can make you feel very hungry, dizzy, irritable, or shaky. To quickly treat hypoglycemia, eat or drink hard candy, crackers, raisins, fruit juice, or non-diet soda. Your doctor may prescribe glucagon injection in case of severe hypoglycemia.

You may get dehydrated during prolonged illness. Call your doctor if you are sick with vomiting or diarrhea, or if you eat or drink less than usual.

Glyxambi can affect the results of certain lab tests for glucose (sugar) in the urine. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using Glyxambi.

Your treatment may also include diet, exercise, weight control, and special medical care.

Store Glyxambi.at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Dosing information

Usual Adult Dose of Glyxambi for Diabetes Type 2:

Initial dose: Empagliflozin 10 mg-linagliptin 5 mg orally once a day in the morning
-For patients tolerating therapy, may increase to empagliflozin 25 mg-linagliptin 5 mg once a day
Maximum dose: Empagliflozin 25 mg-linagliptin 5 mg per day

Comments:
-Not recommended in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus as it may increase the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis in these patients.
-Has not been studied in patients with a history of pancreatitis and it is not know whether patients with a history of pancreatitis are at increased risk for the development of pancreatitis during therapy.
-When used in combination with insulin or insulin secretagogues, a lower dose of the insulin secretagogues or insulin may be necessary to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia.

Uses:
-As an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
-Empagliflozin is indicated to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death in patients with diabetes mellitus and established cardiovascular disease.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking Glyxambi?

Avoid drinking alcohol.

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy.

Glyxambi side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Glyxambi: hives, itching, flaking or peeling skin; trouble swallowing, difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Seek medical attention right away if you have signs of a serious genital infection (penis or vagina): burning, itching, odor, discharge, pain, tenderness, redness or swelling of the genital or rectal area, fever, not feeling well. These symptoms may get worse quickly.

Stop taking Glyxambi and call your doctor at once if you have:

• pain and burning when you urinate, painful urination;

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

• low blood sugar - headache, hunger, sweating, irritability, dizziness, fast heart rate, and feeling anxious or shaky;

• heart problems - swelling, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath; or

• dehydration - dizziness, confusion, feeling very thirsty, less urination.

Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe or ongoing pain in your joints;

• serious skin reaction - itching, blisters, breakdown of the outer layer of skin;

• ketoacidosis (too much acid in the blood) - nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, confusion, unusual drowsiness, or trouble breathing; or

• pancreatitis - severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting.

Common Glyxambi side effects may include:

• a bladder infection; or

• cold symptoms such as runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Glyxambi?

Other drugs may increase or decrease the effects of Glyxambi on lowering your blood sugar. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:

• insulin, or other oral diabetes medicine;

• rifampin (to treat tuberculosis); or

• a diuretic or "water pill."

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with empagliflozin and linagliptin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Glyxambi only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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