Tradjenta
It is the trade name of an oral diabetes medicine, called – linagliptin, a DPP-4 (dipeptidyl peptidase-4) inhibitor which works by preventing the hormone incretin (a hormone that raises insulin levels when blood sugar is high, particularly after a meal) from being degraded, hence, allowing insulin to be released from the pancreatic beta cells.
This drug should not be used for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis (which happens when the body produces high levels of ketones) or in people with type 1 diabetes, as it would not work for these conditions.
In 2011, it was approved by the FDA for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus and is being manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim and Lilly, a global healthcare company.
Uses
It is used to treat high blood sugar levels caused by type 2 diabetes mellitus. It may be used as monotherapy or in combination with other antidiabetic drugs, including sulfonylurea, metformin, or pioglitazone.
Note – it helps to control high blood sugar, however, it does not cure diabetes mellitus, a chronic disease caused by the ineffectiveness of the insulin produced or by the deficiency in the production of insulin by the pancreas.
When it’s not managed correctly, this condition can lead to many other health conditions including blindness, kidney disease, nerve damage, leg amputations, and even death.
Dosage
For type 2 diabetes mellitus, the usual recommended dose is 5 mg once per day. According to the manufacturer, it is the first type of DPP-4 inhibitor approved at one dosage strength per day.
Side Effects And Precautions Of Linagliptin
Common side effects may include:
- weight gain;
- stuffy nose;
- headaches;
- a runny nose;
- low blood sugar;
- back pain;
- muscle pain;
- a cough;
- a sore throat.
Rare side effects may include:
- red skin rash;
- severe blistering of the skin;
- fast heart rate;
- loss of appetite;
- vomiting;
- nausea;
- severe pain in your upper stomach;
- inflammation of the pancreas.
To make sure that this medication is safe for you, tell your healthcare professional if you have ever had:
- inflammation of your pancreas;
- kidney disease;
- heart problems;
- abuse of alcoholic beverages;
- high triglycerides (a form of fat in the blood);
- stones in your gallbladder;
- if you are taking other oral diabetes drugs;
- if you are using insulin;
- if you take herbal products, particularly St. John’s Wort;
- if you have diabetic ketoacidosis;
- if you are pregnant or breastfeeding a baby (since there are no conclusive studies regarding the safe use during these periods);
- a severe allergic reaction to any medicine.
Januvia
It is the brand name of the drug sitagliptin, which belongs to the group of type 2 diabetes drugs called DPP-4 inhibitors. This medication works by regulating the levels of insulin the body produces after eating, hence, it helps in controlling blood sugar levels.
The FDA first approved it in 2006 and is produced by Merck & Co, one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world.
In 2011, the FDA approved an oral combination of simvastatin and sitagliptin (marketed as Juvisync) and in 2007, the Food and Drug Administration approved an oral combination of metformin and sitagliptin (marketed as Janumet).
Uses
It is typically used for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Also, it may be taken in combination with diabetes drugs.
Dosage
It is essential to take this drug exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. The usual recommended dose is 100 mg orally and is taken once a day, with or without food.
Side Effects And Precautions Of Sitagliptin
Common side effects may include:
- constipation;
- diarrhea;
- stomach pain;
- nausea;
- muscle pain;
- back pain;
- headaches;
- a sore throat;
- a stuffy nose.
Rare side effects may include:
- feeling short of breath;
- unexplained weight gain;
- urinating less than usual;
- fast heart rate;
- loss of appetite;
- vomiting;
- nausea;
- severe pain in your upper stomach that is usually spreading to the back.
Some patients may experience an allergic reaction. Symptoms include:
- purple skin rash which spreads on the face;
- burning in your eyes;
- swelling of your face or tongue;
- a sore throat;
- fever.
Before using this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have or have had:
- an allergic reaction to any medication;
- past or present kidney problems;
- type 1 diabetes;
- diabetic ketoacidosis (it happens when ketones build up in the body);
- very high levels of triglycerides;
- alcohol abuse;
- gallstones;
- pancreatitis.
Although this medicine by itself commonly does not cause hypoglycemia, this condition may happen if this drug is taken along with other diabetic drugs. Signs and symptoms of low blood sugar may include:
- tingling in the hands;
- dizziness;
- blurred vision;
- hunger;
- fast heartbeat;
- shaking;
- sudden sweating.
Tradjenta vs Januvia – Differences
Tradjenta is a prescription drug used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults. It belongs to a group of drugs called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, that help lower blood sugar levels. The usual recommended dose is 5 mg once a day. Because of the way this medication works, it is likely to cause low blood sugar levels, compared with some other type 2 diabetes drugs.
Januvia is another drug that is a DPP-4 inhibitor that helps lower blood sugar levels. The usual dose is 100 mg orally once per day.
In conclusion, both these medicines are DPP-4 inhibitors but have different main active ingredients. Both have to be taken once per day but in a different quantity. Both have plenty of side effects and don’t cure diabetes mellitus.
5 Natural Remedies For Type 2 Diabetes
#1 Garlic
According to a 2005 study issued in the journal Phytomedicine, garlic considerably decreased total cholesterol, serum glucose, and triglycerides.
#2 Omega 3
Reduce your intake of omega 6 fatty acids (all oils with the exception of olive, fish, and flax oil are omega 6) and increase omega-3 fats. Healthy sources of omega 3 essential fatty acids include – flaxseeds (the best source), chia seeds, walnuts, almonds, broccoli, cabbage, and hazelnuts.
#3 Cinnamon
Research shows that this spice has a positive effect on the glycemic control in sufferers with diabetes mellitus.
#4 Physical Exercise
Moderate physical exercise stimulates GLUT4 transporter (the insulin-regulated glucose transporter) that signals cells to open and receive energy, allowing sugar to enter the cells.
#5 Foods Rich In Chromium
Chromium is a trace mineral that is involved in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. Foods rich in chromium can improve the glucose tolerance factor in the body. They include – broccoli, sweet potatoes, oats, grapes, bananas, garlic, lettuce, black pepper, radish, and cauliflower.
Images credit – Shutterstock & Getty
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References https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3278179/ https://www.merckconnect.com/januvia/efficacy-in-patients-renal-insufficiency.html https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/press-release/recruitment-complete- http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1501352#t=article