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linagliptin vs metformin

Side-by-side comparison of linagliptin and metformin. Data from FDA drug databases (Orange Book, NDC Directory, recalls, shortages) covering 20,000+ approved drugs, plus CMS pricing; see our methodology.

moderate Known Drug Interaction

Drugs that Reduce Metformin Clearance Clinical Impact Concomitant use of drugs that interfere with common renal tubular transport systems involved in the renal elimination of metformin (e.g., organic cationic transporter-2 [OCT2] / multidrug and toxin extrusion [MATE] inhibitors such as ranolazine, vandetanib, dolutegravir, and cimetidine) could increase systemic exposure to metformin and may increase the risk for lactic acidosis [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Alcohol Clinical Impact Alcohol is known to potentiate the effect of metformin on lactate metabolism. ( 7 ) Drugs that...

Recommendation: Your doctor may need to monitor your kidney function and adjust your dosages. Seek medical care if you experience unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, or extreme weakness.

Drug Class
linagliptin DPP-4 Inhibitor
metformin Biguanide
Type
linagliptin Prescription
metformin Prescription
Summary
linagliptin

No summary available.

metformin

No summary available.

What It Treats
linagliptin

Information not available.

metformin

Information not available.

How It Works
linagliptin

Information not available.

metformin

Information not available.

Common Side Effects
linagliptin
  • Runny nose or sore throat
  • Diarrhea
metformin
  • Diarrhea
  • Upper respiratory tract infection (like a cold)
  • Headache
FAERS Reports
linagliptin
  • High blood sugar 1,326
  • Diarrhea 1,196
  • Nausea 1,138
  • Tiredness 1,028
  • Difficulty breathing 998
metformin
  • Feeling sick to your stomach 21,946
  • Loose or watery stools 21,887
  • High blood sugar 18,329
  • Feeling tired 17,252
  • Sudden kidney damage 16,440
Serious Warnings
linagliptin

No specific warnings noted.

metformin

No specific warnings noted.

Pregnancy
linagliptin

No pregnancy information available.

metformin

No pregnancy information available.

Also Compare, Nearby Drugs

How to Read This linagliptin vs metformin Comparison

linagliptin is classified in the DPP-4 Inhibitor drug class, while metformin sits within the Biguanide class. Drugs from different classes work through distinct mechanisms, so a head-to-head comparison illustrates trade-offs rather than equivalence. Both drugs are prescription-only, so a licensed provider must authorize use.

Adverse event totals above are pulled from the FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). For these top-ranked reactions alone, linagliptin has 5,686 submissions while metformin has 95,854. Those figures reflect cumulative reporting volume, not per-patient risk, so older, widely dispensed drugs typically look worse on count alone. These two drugs have a known moderate interaction flagged in FDA labeling, attributed to one drug may slow down how fast the other is removed from your body through your kidneys. this can cause a dangerous buildup of medicine and lead to a serious condition called lactic acidosis.. Serious warnings, pregnancy guidance, and contraindications can differ even when indications overlap.

A table cannot substitute for clinical judgment. Effectiveness, tolerability, drug-drug interactions with your other medications, kidney and liver function, pregnancy status, insurance formulary, and price all feed into a decision that only a licensed prescriber can make responsibly. Data here is sourced from FDA Structured Product Labels (SPL) and FAERS, both of which update as manufacturers and clinicians submit new information. This page is for educational purposes only, is not medical advice, and should not be used to self-switch between linagliptin and metformin - always consult your physician or pharmacist first.

Important: This comparison is for informational purposes only. Drug effects vary between individuals. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized medical advice.