Glyxambi (Linagliptin, Empagliflozin)

Glyxambi is indicated for adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus when additional glycemic control is needed alongside diet and exercise.

• As monotherapy in patients who have not achieved target HbA1c with lifestyle measures alone.
• In combination with metformin when metformin alone does not provide adequate glycemic control.
• As an add‑on to basal insulin for patients requiring further reduction in fasting glucose.
• For patients who benefit from dual mechanisms that increase insulin secretion and promote urinary glucose excretion.
• When a once‑daily oral regimen is preferred over multiple separate agents.

The safety profile of Glyxambi reflects the combined actions of linagliptin and empagliflozin. Clinical trials have identified adverse events that occur frequently (common) and those that are less frequent but potentially serious. Patients should be aware of typical symptoms and signs that may require medical attention.

Common

• Upper respiratory tract infection (sore throat, cough, or nasal congestion)
• Nasopharyngitis (inflammation of the nasal passages and throat)
• Headache (mild to moderate intensity)

Serious

• Ketoacidosis, including euglycemic presentations (nausea, abdominal pain, rapid breathing)
• Severe hypoglycemia, particularly when combined with insulin or sulfonylureas (confusion, sweating, loss of consciousness)
• Acute kidney injury (reduced urine output, swelling, fatigue)

Glyxambi should be used with caution in specific clinical situations, and certain conditions may contraindicate its use. The following precautions are recommended to minimize risk.

• Assess renal function before initiating therapy and monitor periodically, as empagliflozin is less effective with severe renal impairment.
• Avoid use in patients with a history of recurrent genital or urinary tract infections.
• Do not initiate in individuals with type 1 diabetes or for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis.
• Consider cardiovascular status, especially in patients with established heart failure, as empagliflozin may affect fluid balance.
• Review concomitant use of insulin or sulfonylureas to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding status should be evaluated, as safety data are limited.

Glyxambi can interact with other medicines, altering its efficacy or increasing adverse effects. Interactions are grouped by those that should generally be avoided and those that may require dose adjustment or close monitoring.

Avoid

• Concurrent use with other SGLT2 inhibitors, as additive effects on glucose excretion may increase risk of dehydration and ketoacidosis.
• Combination with strong diuretics without careful monitoring of volume status.

Use with caution

• Insulin or sulfonylureas, which can heighten the risk of hypoglycemia; dose adjustments may be needed.
• Rifampin and other potent CYP3A4 inducers, which may reduce empagliflozin plasma concentrations.
• Drugs that affect renal function (e.g., NSAIDs, ACE inhibitors) requiring monitoring of kidney parameters.