Jentadueto is a treatment for type-2 diabetes manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim, and is a twice a day tablet. There are two functioning agents contained in it, which are linagliptin and metformin. Collectively, these work by increasing the efficiency of insulin in the body and helping to manage blood sugar levels. Jentadueto is only available to buy in the UK on prescription.
- Combination treatment
- Effective at managing blood sugar
- Basic two a day dose
Type-2 diabetes accounts for around nine tenths of all cases of the condition, of which there are thought to be over 3 million in the UK. The main difference between type-1 and type-2 diabetes is their nature of onset: while type-1 will usually present itself during a person’s early or teenage years; those who develop type-2 will usually do so from the age of 40 onwards. Additionally, persons with type-1 will usually produce no insulin at all, due to the immune system inhibiting pancreatic function. People with type-2 will usually produce some insulin, but not enough to properly manage glucose levels; or an amount which cannot be used adequately by cells to extract blood sugar.
Numerous risk factors can contribute towards type-2 diabetes. These include: being overweight; having a close relative with the condition; being over the age of 40; or being of South Asian or Chinese descent. Persons of Black African or Caribbean origin are also thought to be at increased risk.
Symptoms generally include feelings of being tired or lethargic, weight fluctuations, and a frequent need or increased urgency to urinate. Sight problems may also develop due to the presence of dryness in the eyes. Untreated, the condition can lead to a series of complications, such as heart disease, stroke, organ damage and nerve dysfunction, so it is vital to seek treatment as early as possible; particularly if you are experiencing symptoms and fall into one or more of the above high risk categories.
When treating the condition, a doctor will usually advise the patient to implement a programme of exercise and a special diet to get blood sugar levels under control. If these measures do not suffice, however, then they may advise prescription treatment. Jentadueto is an example of a combination antidiabetic, which may be administered in those cases where a single-agent treatment has provided less than adequate results.
In those with type-2 diabetes, blood sugar levels will be so high that insulin, a chemical which is crucial in the extraction of sugar from the blood, and its absorption into the cells and tissues in the body that need it, cannot keep up. Consistently high blood sugar then causes damage to the blood vessels, which can have a knock-on effect on the body’s organs.
The agents in Jentadueto work in a variety of ways to keep blood glucose down. Metformin, a biguanide, works by: lowering the amount of sugar naturally generated by the liver; increasing the sensitivity of cells in the muscles to insulin, allowing more sugar to be extracted; and slowing down in the gut the assimilation of sugars through food. The other agent, linagliptin, is a type of drug called a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor, and works by stopping the enzymatic disintegration of two incretin hormones. These hormones boost the insulin-producing function of the pancreas after the consumption of food, and lower the presence of glucagon, thus also reducing sugar production by the liver. Blood sugar levels are better controlled as a result.
Jentadueto is not available on our site. See your GP to renew your prescription for this medication.
Directions
Take care to adhere to the directions issued by your prescribing doctor when using this treatment, and familiarise yourself with the instructions provided in the patient information leaflet before use. Doing so will help you to get the best possible results from your medication, and reduce the risk of side effects.
- Administer this treatment according to your doctor’s instructions.
- For most, this will be one tablet twice a day.
- Take the tablet with food to reduce the likelihood of having stomach problems.
- Continue to follow the specified diet your practitioner has suggested for you.
- Do not exceed the prescribed amount.
- If you miss a dose, do not double up on your next one. Take it when you remember if you can, but if your next dose is due, skip the one you have missed and take your next administration at the scheduled time.
This is not a comprehensive list of directions. Please refer to the leaflet provided before using this treatment.
Side effects
If you notice any signs which could be indicative of hypoglycemia, angioedema, lactic acidosis, an allergic reaction, or pancreatitis let your doctor know as soon as possible. Information on what these look like can be found in the leaflet supplied.
For metformin or linagliptin alone:
Very common (1 in 10 people or more):
Abdominal pain.
Common (1 in 10 people or less):
Liver function disorders, metallic taste or constipation.
Uncommon (1 in 100 people or less):
Inflamed nose or throat, cough, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, feeling or being sick, blood enzyme increase, or itching.
Very rare (1 in 10,000 people or less):
Decreased vitamin B12 levels, hepatitis, skin reaction including redness of the skin and urticaria.
The list of side effects provided here is only a summary. For more detailed information, please refer to the leaflet or ask your prescriber.
Taking it with other medicines
Inform your prescriber if you are taking any other medications, as these may inhibit your capacity to take this treatment. The following in particular may affect how this product functions or vice versa: carbamazepine, phenobarbital or phenytoin; cimetidine; diuretics; rifampicin; corticosteroids; bronchodilators; iodinated contrast agents.
Conditions to look out for
Those who have or think they may have any of the following should not use this medication: kidney problems; a severe infection; dehydration; a diabetic coma or diabetic ketoacidosis; heart disease or had a recent heart attack, or severe circulatory problems; liver dysfunction; a drinking habit which causes them to drink to excess on an occasional or regular basis.
It may also not be suitable for those who have: type-1 diabetes or are taking insulin; one or more symptoms of lactic acidosis; been scheduled to have an operation under anaesthetic or an X-ray; or a history of pancreatitis.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Jentadueto should not be used during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor before using this medication if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to conceive.
Driving and using machinery
If you experience dizziness or anything which might affect your concentration when taking this medication, do not drive or use machines.
Food, drink and alcohol
Drinking excessive levels of alcohol while taking Jentadueto may increase the risk of lactic acidosis, and must be avoided.
This medicine should ideally be taken with or just after food, to reduce the likelihood of stomach upset.
Lactic acidosis
More information on lactic acidosis can be found in the leaflet.
Can I still drink alcohol?
Do not consume excessive levels of alcohol while taking this treatment, as it may increase the risk of harmful side effects.
Will I still be able to drive?
Yes, but only if you experience no side effects which may make doing so dangerous or unsafe. If you do, do not drive and let your doctor know.
Can I take the medicine while pregnant?
It is not suitable for use during pregnancy and may not be suitable during breastfeeding. In either case, talk to your doctor before taking this treatment, and they will advise you.
How should I store it?
Keep it in a safe place below 30°C and in the original pack.
Am I allergic to anything in the medicine?
This drug contains: linagliptin, metformin hydrochloride, arginine, copovidone, magnesium stearate, maize starch, silica, colloidal anhydrous, hypromellose, titanium dioxide (E171), talc, propylene glycol, iron oxide red (E172) and iron oxide yellow (E172).
Do not take it if you are allergic to any of these substances.
Is it available over-the-counter?
To buy Jentadueto online, you will need to have a prescription from a doctor.
Is it right for me?
The diabetes treatment you use will be decided upon by your regular GP or consultant. They will discuss the options with you, and issue a prescription for the most appropriate medication.
Please note this item is not available on our site. To be prescribed Jentadueto, we recommend you see your GP.
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