Initial Combination Therapy with Linagliptin + Metformin

Statistically significant a1c reductions in a fixed-dose combination

Placebo-Adjusted mean difference in A1C at 24 weeks in patients receiving Linagliptin and Metformin, alone or in combination (%)1*†‡§

Placebo-adjusted mean difference in A1C at 24 weeks
View Study Designs

* Study Design: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study of drug-naïve or previously treated (4 weeks washout and 2 weeks placebo run-in) patients with type 2 diabetes with insufficient glycemic control (aged 18 to 80 years) who were randomized to placebo (n=72), linagliptin 5 mg once daily (n=142), metformin 500 mg twice daily (n=144), linagliptin 2.5 mg twice daily + metformin 500 mg twice daily (n=143), metformin 1000 mg twice daily (n=147), or linagliptin 2.5 mg twice daily + metformin 1000 mg twice daily (n=143). Primary endpoint was change from baseline A1C after 24 weeks of treatment. Secondary endpoints included change from baseline in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) 2 hour postprandial glucose (2hPPG) after 24 weeks of treatment. 29.2% of patients in the placebo group required use of rescue therapy vs 11.1% of patients receiving linagliptin 5 mg once daily, 13.5% of patients receiving metformin 500 mg twice daily, 8.0% of patients receiving metformin 1000 mg twice daily, 7.3% of patients receiving linagliptin 2.5 mg twice daily + metformin 500 mg twice daily, and 4.3% of patients receiving linagliptin 2.5 mg twice daily + metformin 1000 mg twice daily. Full analysis population using last observation on study.1

† Superiority of both free combination therapies, consisting of the twice-daily administration of linagliptin 2.5 mg and metformin (500 mg or 1000 mg), was shown over the individual metformin components (500 mg and 1000 mg, both twice daily) and over linagliptin 5 mg once daily for the change in A1C from baseline at week 24. Linagliptin 2.5 mg twice daily + metformin 1000 mg twice daily was superior to metformin 1000 mg twice daily (P<0.0001); linagliptin 2.5 mg twice daily + metformin 1000 mg twice daily was superior to linagliptin 5 mg once daily (P<0.0001); linagliptin 2.5 mg twice daily + metformin 500 mg twice daily was superior to metformin 500 mg twice daily (P<0.0001); linagliptin 2.5 mg twice daily + metformin 500 mg twice daily was superior to linagliptin 5 mg once daily (P<0.0001).

‡ Results are adjusted for a 0.1% mean A1C increase for placebo (n=65).

§ Full analysis population using last observation on study. ANCOVA model included treatment and number of prior oral antihyperglycemic drugs (OADs) as class effects, as well as baseline A1C as continuous covariates.

|| Linagliptin and metformin were studied as coadministered tablets; total daily dose of linagliptin was equal to 5 mg.

1.6% mean A1C reduction from baseline in patients treated with twice-daily linagliptin 2.5 mg and metformin 1000 mg (mean baseline A1C 8.7%) compared with 0.1% increase from baseline with placebo.

Reference: 1. Haak T, Meinicke T, Jones R, Weber S, von Eynatten M, Woerle H-J. Initial combination of linagliptin and metformin improves glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2012;14(6):565-574.

 

In patients receiving coadministered Linagliptin 2.5 mg/ Metformin 1000 mg twice daily as initial therapy 1*†

Secondary endpoint:
percent of patients who achieved A1C <7%‡

Percent of Patients Who Achieved A1C
View Study Designs

* Study Design: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study of drug-naïve or previously treated (4 weeks washout and 2 weeks placebo run-in) patients with type 2 diabetes with insufficient glycemic control (aged 18 to 80 years) who were randomized to placebo (n=72), linagliptin 5 mg once daily (n=142), metformin 500 mg twice daily (n=144), linagliptin 2.5 mg twice daily + metformin 500 mg twice daily (n=143), metformin 1000 mg twice daily (n=147), or linagliptin 2.5 mg twice daily + metformin 1000 mg twice daily (n=143). Primary endpoint was change from baseline A1C after 24 weeks of treatment. Secondary endpoints included change from baseline in FPG 2hPPG after 24 weeks of treatment. 29.2% of patients in the placebo group required use of rescue therapy vs 11.1% of patients receiving linagliptin 5 mg once daily, 13.5% of patients receiving metformin 500 mg twice daily, 8.0% of patients receiving metformin 1000 mg twice daily, 7.3% of patients receiving linagliptin 2.5 mg twice daily + metformin 500 mg twice daily, and 4.3% of patients receiving linagliptin 2.5 mg twice daily + metformin 1000 mg twice daily. Full analysis population using last observation on study.1

† Superiority of both free combination therapies, consisting of the twice-daily administration of linagliptin 2.5 mg and metformin (500 mg or 1000 mg), was shown over the individual metformin components (500 mg and 1000 mg, both twice daily) and over linagliptin 5 mg once daily for the change in A1C from baseline at week 24. Linagliptin 2.5 mg twice daily + metformin 1000 mg twice daily was superior to metformin 1000 mg twice daily (P<0.0001); linagliptin 2.5 mg twice daily + metformin 1000 mg twice daily was superior to linagliptin 5 mg once daily (P<0.0001); linagliptin 2.5 mg twice daily + metformin 500 mg twice daily was superior to metformin 500 mg twice daily (P<0.0001); linagliptin 2.5 mg twice daily + metformin 500 mg twice daily was superior to linagliptin 5 mg once daily (P<0.0001).

‡ Among patients with a baseline A1C of ≥7%.

Reference: 1. Haak T, Meinicke T, Jones R, Weber S, von Eynatten M, Woerle H-J. Initial combination of linagliptin and metformin improves glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2012;14(6):565-574.

Study in Patients with High Baseline A1C

A1C reduction with Lingliption + Metformin vs Linagliptin alone

Primary endpoint: Adjusted mean difference in A1C from baseline at 24 weeks in treatment-Naïve Patients with high baseline A1C (≥8.5% TO ≤12.0%)

Adjusted Mean Difference in A1C from Baseline at 24 Weeks
View Study Designs

*MMRM model included treatment, continuous baseline A1C, baseline A1C by visit interaction, visit by treatment interaction, baseline renal impairment by treatment interaction, and baseline renal impairment by treatment by visit interaction.

†Full analysis set (FAS) population.

 

A1C Reductions Over Time in Treatment-Naïve Patients with a High Baseline A1C

Secondary endpoint: adjusted mean change in A1C from baseline (≥8.5% TO ≤12.0%) over 24 weeks in an fas completers analysis1*

Adjusted Mean Change in A1C from Baseline Over 24 Weeks
View Study Designs

*FAS, Completers (Observed Cases). Mixed Model Measurement Analysis includes treatment, continuous baseline A1C in addition to week repeated within patient, week by baseline A1C interaction, and week by treatment interaction.1

The adjusted mean changes for A1C (%) from baseline over time for linagliptin and metformin as compared with linagliptin alone were maintained throughout the 24-week treatment period. Using the completers analysis, the respective adjusted means for A1C (%) changes from baseline for linagliptin and metformin as compared with linagliptin alone were –1.9 and –1.3 at week 6, –2.7 and –1.8 at week 12, –2.8 and –1.9 at week 18, and –2.8 and –2.0 at week 24.1

Reference: 1. Data on file. Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Once- and Twice-Daily Dosing Options

Once- and twice-daily
dosing options

See Dosing
Safety Profile Data

Safety profile data

View Now

Important Safety Information

WARNING: LACTIC ACIDOSIS

Postmarketing cases of metformin-associated lactic acidosis have resulted in death, hypothermia, hypotension, and resistant bradyarrhythmias. Symptoms included malaise, myalgias, respiratory distress, somnolence, and abdominal pain. Laboratory abnormalities included elevated blood lactate levels, anion gap acidosis, increased lactate/pyruvate ratio; and metformin plasma levels generally >5 mcg/mL.

Risk factors include renal impairment, concomitant use of certain drugs, age ≥ 65 years old, radiological studies with contrast, surgery and other procedures, hypoxic states, excessive alcohol intake, and hepatic impairment. Steps to reduce the risk of and manage metformin-associated lactic acidosis in these high risk groups are provided in the full Prescribing Information.

If lactic acidosis is suspected, discontinue JENTADUETO or JENTADUETO XR and institute general supportive measures in a hospital setting. Prompt hemodialysis is recommended.

Indication and Limitations of Use

JENTADUETO and JENTADUETO XR tablets are indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

JENTADUETO and JENTADUETO XR should not be used in patients with type 1 diabetes, JENTADUETO is not for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis.

JENTADUETO and JENTADUETO XR have not been studied in patients with a history of pancreatitis, and it is unknown if using JENTADUETO or JENTADUETO XR increases the risk of developing pancreatitis in these patients.

CONTRAINDICATIONS: Severe renal impairment (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] <30 mL/min/1.73 m2); acute or chronic metabolic acidosis, including diabetic ketoacidosis; hypersensitivity to linagliptin, metformin, or any of the excipients in JENTADUETO or JENTADUETO XR, reactions such as anaphylaxis, angioedema, exfoliative skin conditions, urticaria, or bronchial hyperreactivity have occurred with linagliptin.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Lactic Acidosis: There have been cases of metformin-associated lactic acidosis, including fatal cases. These cases had a subtle onset and were accompanied by nonspecific symptoms such as malaise, myalgias, abdominal pain, respiratory distress, or increased somnolence; however, hypothermia, hypotension and resistant bradyarrhythmias have occurred with severe acidosis. Additional findings included elevated blood lactate concentrations (>5 mmol/L), anion gap acidosis (without evidence of ketonuria or ketonemia), and an increased lactate pyruvate ratio; metformin plasma levels generally >5 mcg/mL.

If lactic acidosis is suspected, immediately discontinue JENTADUETO or JENTADUETO XR and institute general supportive measures promptly in a hospital setting. Prompt hemodialysis is recommended to correct the acidosis.

Educate patients and their families about the symptoms of lactic acidosis and if these symptoms occur instruct them to discontinue and promptly notify their healthcare provider.

Recommendations to reduce the risk include:

  • Renal Impairment: Obtain eGFR prior to initiating and annually or more frequently in patients at increased risk of developing renal impairment.
  • Drug Interactions: More frequent monitoring is recommended when administered with drugs that impair renal function, result in hemodynamic change, interfere with acid-base balance, or increase metformin accumulation.
  • Age 65 or Greater: Assess renal function more frequently.
  • Radiological Studies with Contrast: Stop JENTADUETO or JENTADUETO XR at the time of, or prior to, an iodinated contrast imaging procedure in patients with an eGFR of 30-60 mL/min/1.73 m2; patients with a history of hepatic impairment, alcoholism, or heart failure; or patients who will be administered intra-arterial iodinated contrast. Re-evaluate eGFR 48 hours after the imaging procedure, and restart JENTADUETO or JENTADUETO XR if renal function is stable.
  • Surgery and Other Procedures: Discontinue while patients have restricted food and fluid intake.
  • Hypoxic States: Discontinue in conditions associated with hypoxemia.
  • Excessive Alcohol Intake: Warn patients against excessive alcohol intake.
  • Hepatic Impairment: Avoid use in patients with hepatic disease.

Pancreatitis: Acute pancreatitis, including fatal pancreatitis, has been reported in patients taking linagliptin. Take careful notice of potential signs and symptoms of pancreatitis and if suspected, promptly discontinue and initiate appropriate management. It is unknown whether patients with a history of pancreatitis are at increased risk for the development of pancreatitis while using JENTADUETO or JENTADUETO XR.

Hypoglycemia: The use in combination with insulin or insulin secretagogues may increase the risk of hypoglycemia. A lower dose of insulin or insulin secretagogue may be required.

Hypersensitivity Reactions: Discontinue JENTADUETO or JENTADUETO XR, assess for other potential causes, institute appropriate monitoring and treatment, and initiate alternative treatment for diabetes. Use caution in a patient with a history of angioedema to another DPP-4 inhibitor because it is unknown whether such patients will be predisposed to angioedema with JENTADUETO or JENTADUETO XR.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Metformin may lower Vitamin B12 levels. Monitor hematologic parameters annually and Vitamin B12 at 2- to 3-year intervals.

Severe and Disabling Arthralgia: Severe and disabling arthralgia has been reported in patients taking DPP-4 inhibitors. Consider linagliptin as a possible cause for severe joint pain and/or disabling arthralgia and discontinue, if appropriate.

Bullous Pemphigoid: There have been reports of bullous pemphigoid requiring hospitalization. Tell patients to report development of blisters or erosions. If bullous pemphigoid is suspected, discontinue JENTADUETO or JENTADUETO XR.

Heart Failure: Heart failure has been observed with two other members of the DPP-4 inhibitor class. Consider the risks and benefits of JENTADUETO or JENTADUETO XR in patients at risk for heart failure, such as those with a prior history of heart failure and a history of renal impairment. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms. Advise patients of the symptoms of heart failure and to immediately report such symptoms. If heart failure develops, consider discontinuation of JENTADUETO or JENTADUETO XR.

MOST COMMON ADVERSE REACTIONS (≥5%): nasopharyngitis, diarrhea, hypoglycemia (when used in combination with sulfonylurea), nausea/vomiting, flatulence, asthenia, indigestion, abdominal discomfort, and headache.

DRUG INTERACTIONS
Metformin:

Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors (e.g., topiramate): The concomitant use with metformin may increase the risk of lactic acidosis. Consider more frequent monitoring.

Drugs that Reduce Metformin Clearance, such as ranolazine, vandetanib, dolutegravir or cimetidine, may increase the accumulation of metformin and increase the risk of lactic acidosis. Consider the benefits and risks of concomitant use.

Alcohol: Alcohol is known to potentiate the effect of metformin on lactate metabolism. Warn patients against excessive alcohol intake.

Linagliptin: The efficacy of linagliptin may be reduced when administered in combination with a strong P-gp or CYP3A4 inducer. Alternative treatments should be used.

USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
  • Pregnancy: JENTADUETO or JENTADUETO XR should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Discuss the potential for unintended pregnancy with premenopausal women as therapy with metformin may result in ovulation in some anovulatory women.
  • Lactation: Exercise caution when administering JENTADUETO or JENTADUETO XR to a nursing woman.
  • Geriatric Use: JENTADUETO or JENTADUETO XR should be used with caution as age increases, as aging can be associated with reduced renal function.

CL-JD-100027 10.05.2021

Please see Prescribing Information for JENTADUETO, including Boxed Warning regarding risk of lactic acidosis and Medication Guide.
Please see Prescribing Information for JENTADUETO XR, including Boxed Warning regarding risk of lactic acidosis and Medication Guide.