Linagliptin for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus: a drug safety evaluation.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Established treatments for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have side effects that limit their use in specific populations. New therapies with improved safety profiles are needed, especially because of the chronic and progressive nature of T2DM.

AREAS COVERED:

This review describes the overall safety and tolerability of linagliptin--a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor that improves glycemic control without increasing risk for hypoglycemia and without weight gain. Specifically, the safety of linagliptin is evaluated in difficult-to-treat patients with T2DM, in relation to risk of cardiovascular (CV) events and acute pancreatitis, and in comparison with other antihyperglycemic drugs.

EXPERT OPINION:

Linagliptin is generally well tolerated in a broad range of patient populations. It can be used in patients with renal impairment without dose titration and may be a rational alternative treatment in this vulnerable population. Ongoing long-term trials are fully evaluating the CV and renal safety profile of linagliptin.

• Authors: Anthony H Barnett
• Journal: Expert opinion on drug safety (Expert Opin Drug Saf) Vol. 14 Issue 1 Pg. 149-59 (Jan 2015) ISSN: 1744-764X [Electronic] England
• PMID: 25351273 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)

Chemical References

• Dipeptidyl-Peptidase IV Inhibitors
• Hypoglycemic Agents
• Purines
• Quinazolines
• Linagliptin

Topics

• Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 (drug therapy)
• Dipeptidyl-Peptidase IV Inhibitors (adverse effects, pharmacokinetics, pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Drug Therapy, Combination (adverse effects)
• Humans
• Hypoglycemic Agents (adverse effects, pharmacokinetics, pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Linagliptin
• Purines (adverse effects, pharmacokinetics, pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Quinazolines (adverse effects, pharmacokinetics, pharmacology, therapeutic use)