Potential Linagliptin-Induced Renal Impairment

It is known that linagliptin, a novel DPP-4 inhibitor, can be used in patients even with severe renal impairment. So far, there have been no reports describing the clinical presentations and features of a patient with linagliptin-induced renal toxicity. A 66-year-old Japanese man had developed nausea and elevations of creatinine and potassium levels at 4 weeks after switching from sitagliptin to linagliptin. No emesis or diarrhea was noted. These renal parameters had slowly recovered after switching-back to sitagliptin. This slow recovery process may be due to the very long half-life of this drug. Although no single case report can prove case or effect of drugs, it is still safe that physicians carefully monitor renal function upon administration of linagliptin, especially in those with certain degrees of chronic kidney disease. J Med Cases. 2012;3(6):361-364 doi: https://doi.org/10.4021/jmc807w