Glympa 25/5mg Tablets contain two oral antidiabetic medicines: empagliflozin 25 mg and linagliptin 5 mg per tablet. The combination uses two complementary mechanisms to improve blood glucose control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Glympa is supplied as a tablet and is used alongside appropriate diet and exercise.

What is Glympa used for?

Glympa is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycaemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It may be prescribed when treatment with one medicine alone is not providing adequate blood glucose control or when combination therapy is considered appropriate.

The combination contains two medicines from different classes:

• Empagliflozin – an SGLT2 inhibitor
• Linagliptin – a DPP-4 inhibitor

Using these medicines together provides complementary effects on blood glucose regulation.

How does empagliflozin work?

Empagliflozin blocks sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) in the kidneys. SGLT2 normally reabsorbs filtered glucose back into the bloodstream.

By inhibiting SGLT2, empagliflozin reduces glucose reabsorption and increases the amount of glucose passed out of the body in urine. This helps lower blood glucose levels. It also increases urinary sodium and fluid excretion.

Empagliflozin is also associated with cardiovascular benefits in certain appropriate patients, including reduction in cardiovascular death in adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease.

How does linagliptin work?

Linagliptin is a DPP-4 inhibitor. DPP-4 normally breaks down incretin hormones such as GLP-1 and GIP.

By inhibiting DPP-4, linagliptin increases the activity of these incretin hormones. This promotes glucose-dependent insulin release and reduces glucagon secretion when blood glucose levels are elevated.

Because its effect is glucose-dependent, linagliptin on its own generally has a low risk of causing hypoglycaemia.

PRECAUTIONS & WARNINGS

Tell your doctor if you have:

• Kidney disease or reduced kidney function
• A history of diabetic ketoacidosis
• Recurrent urinary or genital infections
• Low blood pressure or dehydration
• Severe vomiting or diarrhoea
• Upcoming major surgery or prolonged fasting
• A history of pancreatitis

Glympa is contraindicated in patients on dialysis.

Seek urgent medical attention for symptoms suggestive of diabetic ketoacidosis, severe dehydration, pancreatitis or a serious infection.

Common side effects

Possible side effects may include:

• Increased urination
• Increased thirst
• Genital fungal infections
• Urinary tract infections
• Dehydration
• Dizziness
• Low blood pressure
• Symptoms of hypoglycaemia when used with insulin or certain other diabetes medicines

Seek urgent medical attention for symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis, severe dehydration, severe allergic reaction or serious genital infection.