If you have type 2 diabetes, your doctor might suggest Glyxambi as a treatment option for you.
Glyxambi is used in adults with type 2 diabetes to lower blood sugar. For this use, it’s prescribed along with exercise and a balanced diet.
One of Glyxambi’s active drugs is empagliflozin. In addition to lowering blood sugar, empagliflozin is also used to decrease the risk of death in adults with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Glyxambi comes as a tablet that you swallow. It has two active ingredients: empagliflozin and linagliptin. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.)
Empagliflozin and linagliptin belong to different groups of drugs. Empagliflozin is a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor. Linagliptin is a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor.
This article describes the dosages of Glyxambi, as well as its strengths and how to take the drug. To learn more about Glyxambi, see this in-depth article.
Note: This chart highlights the basics of Glyxambi’s dosage. Be sure to read on for more detail. And please keep in mind that this article covers Glyxambi’s standard dosage schedule, which is provided by the drug’s manufacturer. But always follow the dosing instructions your doctor prescribes.
| Recommended Glyxambi daily dosage | Maximum daily dosage |
| 10 milligrams (mg) empagliflozin/5 mg linagliptin | 25 mg empagliflozin/5 mg linagliptin |
This section covers common dosage information for Glyxambi. Before taking this medication, your doctor will review dosage instructions specific to your condition.
What is Glyxambi’s form?
Glyxambi comes as a tablet that you swallow.
What strengths does Glyxambi come in?
Glyxambi tablets contain a combination of two drugs. They’re available in two strengths:
- 10 milligrams (mg) empagliflozin/5 mg linagliptin
- 25 mg empagliflozin/5 mg linagliptin
What are the usual dosages of Glyxambi?
Usually, your doctor will start you on a low dosage. Then they’ll adjust your dosage over time to reach the right amount for you. They’ll ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.
The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
The recommended starting dose of Glyxambi is 10 mg empagliflozin/5 mg linagliptin taken once per day.
If your blood sugar isn’t well managed with this dose, your doctor may increase your dosage to a maximum dose of 25 mg empagliflozin/5 mg linagliptin taken once daily.
Is Glyxambi used long term?
Yes, Glyxambi is typically used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Glyxambi is safe and effective for you, it’s likely that you’ll use it long term.
Dosage adjustments
Your doctor may increase your Glyxambi dose if your starting dose doesn’t lower your blood sugar levels enough.
If you have kidney problems, your doctor may lower your Glyxambi dosage. (For more details about taking Glyxambi with kidney disease, see the “Ask a pharmacist” section below.)
The dosage of Glyxambi you’re prescribed may depend on several factors. These include:
- the type and severity of the condition you’re using Glyxambi to treat
- your age
- other conditions you may have (see “Dosage adjustments” under “What is Glyxambi’s dosage?”)
For information on Glyxambi expiration, storage, and disposal, see this article.
Glyxambi is taken once daily in the morning. You can take this medication with or without food.
Accessible drug containers and labels
If you find it hard to read the prescription label on your medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist. Some pharmacies may provide medication labels that:
- have large print or use braille
- feature a code that you can scan with a smartphone to change the text to audio
Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend pharmacies that offer these accessibility features if your current pharmacy doesn’t.
If you have trouble opening medication bottles, let your pharmacist know. They may be able to supply Glyxambi in an easy-open container. Your pharmacist may also have some tips that can help make it simpler to open the drug’s container.
If you need help remembering to take your dose of Glyxambi on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or using a timer. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.
If you miss a dose of Glyxambi, take it as soon as you remember. But if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. You should not take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose. Doing so could raise your risk of side effects from Glyxambi.
Do not use more Glyxambi than your doctor prescribes. Using more than this can lead to serious side effects, including low blood sugar.
What to do in case you take too much Glyxambi
Call your doctor or pharmacist right away if you think you’ve taken too much Glyxambi. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers, or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.
The sections above describe the usual dosages provided by the drug manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Glyxambi for you, they will prescribe the dosage that’s right for you.
Remember, you should not change your dosage of Glyxambi without your doctor’s recommendation. Only take Glyxambi exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage.
Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Does my Glyxambi dose need to change if I’m taking other medications along with it?
- Should I skip my dose of Glyxambi if I have symptoms of low blood sugar?
- What is my maximum dose of Glyxambi?
If you have type 2 diabetes, consider signing up for Healthline’s online newsletter to get news on treatments and tips for managing your condition. You can also find support and advice from our Bezzy type 2 diabetes community.
Q:
I have kidney disease. Will I need to take a lower dose of Glyxambi?
AnonymousA:
Not necessarily. If you have mild to moderate kidney disease, your doctor may prescribe the usual starting dose of Glyxambi (empagliflozin 10 mg/linagliptin 5 mg taken once daily). Your doctor may have you get blood drawn during your Glyxambi treatment to monitor how well your kidneys are working. If the lab results show your kidney disease is getting worse, this will help your doctor decide if they need to lower your dose or have you stop taking Glyxambi.
If your kidney disease is severe before you start treatment for your type 2 diabetes, your doctor may not prescribe Glyxambi for you. Your kidneys work by filtering wastes, extra fluid, and other substances (including sugar) from your body. Because of the way Glyxambi works in your body, it may not work correctly if your kidneys have problems filtering. In addition, you may have a higher risk of side effects from Glyxambi if you have severe kidney problems.
To find out if Glyxambi is safe for you to take, talk with your doctor.
The Healthline Pharmacist TeamAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.