Antidiabetic (combination of Biguanide and DPP-4 Inhibitor)
Last reviewed July 2026
Who is this for?
This is a combination tablet containing two diabetes medicines, Metformin and Linagliptin, that work together to lower blood sugar. Metformin reduces the amount of sugar your liver produces and helps your body use insulin better, while Linagliptin helps your body release more insulin after meals and reduces excess sugar production.
Inhibits dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) enzyme, prolonging incretin hormone activity to increase insulin secretion and reduce glucagon in response to meals; simultaneously decreases hepatic glucose production and increases peripheral glucose uptake by reducing hepatic gluconeogenesis and improving insulin sensitivity.
Type 2 diabetes (sugar disease), high blood sugar that is not well controlled by Metformin alone
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but only if it is close to your next meal. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue as normal. Do not take two tablets at once to make up for it.
Always buy from a licensed pharmacy. Brands like Linajen-M should come in proper sealed packaging, so avoid buying from roadside sellers or open markets where fake drugs are common. Do not share this medicine with someone else who has sugar disease; diabetes treatment must be prescribed individually by a doctor. Keep checking your blood sugar regularly as your doctor advises, and do not stop taking this medicine because you feel fine, as diabetes needs ongoing management.
Alcohol increases your risk of lactic acidosis and can cause dangerously low blood sugar when taken with this medicine, so avoid or limit alcohol. If you are having a scan or X-ray that uses contrast dye (injection dye), tell your doctor because you may need to stop this medicine temporarily. Some blood pressure medicines and steroids can affect how well this drug controls your sugar, so tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Metformin with your other drugs?
This medicine is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Consult your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, so they can switch you to a safer option like insulin.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Nigerian weather can be very hot, so do not leave it in your car or near a window. Keep it in the original pack and away from children. Do not use after the expiry date on the pack.
For information only: not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under, especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
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Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.