Prescription Pattern of Empagliflozin and Linagliptin Combination among Indian Health Care Practitioners

Diabetes mellitus is a growing threat in India. The South Asian phenotype, which predisposes to diabetes and cardiovascular disease, is characteristic of Indians. Prescribing Practice of Empagliflozin and Linagliptin in Indian Cardio-Diabetes Patients (PELICARD) evaluated the prescription of empagliflozin and linagliptin among Indian doctors, and elucidated the patient profile for which these drugs were used. DPP4 inhibitors and SGLT2 inhibitors were the preferred add-on drug class. Empagliflozin, linagliptin and their combination were commonly prescribed after using two other anti-hyperglycemic agents, after diabetes duration of 3-5 years, among patients aged 40-49 years, and at HbA1c 7-8%. Indian doctors perceive that empagliflozin and linagliptin may be better suited in the Indian population.