Updated: January 25, 2026

What Is Trijardy XR? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

Q: What does Trijardy XR do for type 2 diabetes?

Trijardy XR lowers blood sugar through three complementary mechanisms: empagliflozin removes excess glucose through urine, linagliptin stimulates the body to release more insulin after meals, and metformin reduces the amount of sugar the liver produces and improves insulin sensitivity. Together, they provide more comprehensive blood sugar control than any single agent alone.

Q: How long does it take for Trijardy XR to start working?

Each component works at a different speed. Empagliflozin begins lowering blood sugar within hours of the first dose. Linagliptin's effect on post-meal glucose improves within the first few days. Metformin's full glycemic effect typically takes 4-8 weeks of consistent daily use. Your A1C improvement will typically be measured at your 3-month follow-up appointment.

Q: Can I drink alcohol while taking Trijardy XR?

Alcohol should be avoided or minimized while taking Trijardy XR. Drinking alcohol increases the risk of lactic acidosis (from the metformin component) and diabetic ketoacidosis (from the empagliflozin component). Both are potentially life-threatening conditions. Occasional moderate drinking may be acceptable for some patients — discuss with your doctor.

Q: Why does my Trijardy XR tablet sometimes appear in my stool?

It is normal to see part of the Trijardy XR tablet shell in your stool. The extended-release metformin core tablet is designed to pass through the digestive tract while releasing the medication gradually. The presence of the shell does not mean the medication did not work — the active ingredients have already been absorbed.

Q: When was Trijardy XR approved by the FDA?

Trijardy XR received initial FDA approval in 2020. It is manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim and is the first and only FDA-approved triple fixed-dose combination of an SGLT2 inhibitor, DPP-4 inhibitor, and biguanide extended-release in a single tablet for type 2 diabetes.

Author

Peter Daggett

Summarize with AI

What Is Trijardy XR?
What Is Trijardy XR Used For?
What Are the Available Strengths?
How Do You Take Trijardy XR?
Who Should NOT Take Trijardy XR?
Is Trijardy XR a Controlled Substance?

Trijardy XR combines three diabetes medications into one once-daily tablet. Here's what it's used for, how to take it, and what you need to know before starting.

Trijardy XR is a prescription tablet that combines three different diabetes medications into a single once-daily dose. Rather than taking three separate pills for your type 2 diabetes, Trijardy XR puts empagliflozin, linagliptin, and metformin extended-release into one convenient tablet. Here's a plain-language overview of what it is, who it's for, and how to take it.

What Is Trijardy XR?

Trijardy XR is a brand-name medication made by Boehringer Ingelheim. It received FDA approval in 2020 and is classified as an antidiabetic combination drug. Its generic name is empagliflozin/linagliptin/metformin hydrochloride extended-release.

Each tablet has a special structure: the core contains extended-release metformin, while the outer coating delivers empagliflozin and linagliptin immediately. This design allows the three drugs to work at the right times in the body, which is why the tablet should never be cut, crushed, or chewed.

What Is Trijardy XR Used For?

Trijardy XR has two FDA-approved uses:

Type 2 diabetes mellitus — Used alongside diet and exercise to improve blood sugar (glycemic) control in adults
Cardiovascular risk reduction — The empagliflozin component is FDA-approved to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death in adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease

Trijardy XR is NOT approved for: type 1 diabetes, pediatric patients (under 18), patients on dialysis, or patients with severely reduced kidney function (eGFR < 30).

What Are the Available Strengths?

Trijardy XR comes in four tablet strengths. The numbers represent empagliflozin / linagliptin / metformin HCl ER:

10mg/5mg/1000mg — 1 tablet once daily; total empagliflozin 10mg/day
25mg/5mg/1000mg — 1 tablet once daily; total empagliflozin 25mg/day (maximum dose)
5mg/2.5mg/1000mg — 2 tablets once daily; total empagliflozin 10mg/day, metformin 2000mg/day
12.5mg/2.5mg/1000mg — 2 tablets once daily; total empagliflozin 25mg/day, metformin 2000mg/day

The maximum recommended daily doses are: empagliflozin 25mg, linagliptin 5mg, and metformin 2000mg.

How Do You Take Trijardy XR?

Follow these important instructions:

Take once daily with your morning meal — food reduces stomach upset from metformin
Swallow tablets whole — do not crush, break, split, dissolve, or chew
Stay well-hydrated — empagliflozin increases urinary excretion; drink plenty of water
If you miss a dose — take it as soon as you remember; skip if it's almost time for your next dose; never double up
Before surgery or contrast imaging — tell your care team you're taking Trijardy XR; it may need to be paused temporarily

Who Should NOT Take Trijardy XR?

Trijardy XR is contraindicated in people who have:

Severe kidney disease (eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73m2) or who are on dialysis
Metabolic acidosis or diabetic ketoacidosis
A history of severe allergic reaction to any of the three components
Type 1 diabetes (not indicated; increased DKA risk)
Pregnancy (second or third trimester) or breastfeeding

Is Trijardy XR a Controlled Substance?

No. Trijardy XR is not a controlled substance. It contains no stimulants, opioids, or other scheduled substances. It can be prescribed by any licensed healthcare provider, refilled via standard prescription procedures, and obtained through mail-order pharmacy.

For a deeper explanation of how each component works in your body, read How Does Trijardy XR Work?. And when you need to fill your prescription, medfinder can help you find a pharmacy near you that has it in stock.

Frequently Asked Questions

Trijardy XR lowers blood sugar through three complementary mechanisms: empagliflozin removes excess glucose through urine, linagliptin stimulates the body to release more insulin after meals, and metformin reduces the amount of sugar the liver produces and improves insulin sensitivity. Together, they provide more comprehensive blood sugar control than any single agent alone.

Each component works at a different speed. Empagliflozin begins lowering blood sugar within hours of the first dose. Linagliptin's effect on post-meal glucose improves within the first few days. Metformin's full glycemic effect typically takes 4-8 weeks of consistent daily use. Your A1C improvement will typically be measured at your 3-month follow-up appointment.

Alcohol should be avoided or minimized while taking Trijardy XR. Drinking alcohol increases the risk of lactic acidosis (from the metformin component) and diabetic ketoacidosis (from the empagliflozin component). Both are potentially life-threatening conditions. Occasional moderate drinking may be acceptable for some patients — discuss with your doctor.

It is normal to see part of the Trijardy XR tablet shell in your stool. The extended-release metformin core tablet is designed to pass through the digestive tract while releasing the medication gradually. The presence of the shell does not mean the medication did not work — the active ingredients have already been absorbed.

Trijardy XR received initial FDA approval in 2020. It is manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim and is the first and only FDA-approved triple fixed-dose combination of an SGLT2 inhibitor, DPP-4 inhibitor, and biguanide extended-release in a single tablet for type 2 diabetes.

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