Empagliflozin

Overview

What is Empagliflozin? 

Empagliflozin is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. It falls under the class of drugs known as SGLT2 inhibitors (the “gliflozins”). 

Global Name

Generic name: Empagliflozin 
Brand name: Jardiance 

Usage

What is Empagliflozin used for? 

Empagliflozin is used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. It's often part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes diet and exercise. It is also a recommended medication for non-insulin requiring diabetic patients with heart failure and certain patients with kidney failure with or without diabetes. 

How do you use Empagliflozin? 

Availability:

Empagliflozin is available as oral tablets.

• Adults: Typical starting dose is 10 mg once daily, taken in the morning, with or without food. The dose can be increased to 25 mg once daily based on individual efficacy and tolerability.
• Children: Not recommended for patients under 18 years of age.
• Elderlies: Dose adjustment is not generally necessary based on age alone.

• Children: Empagliflozin is not approved for use in children. Clinical studies to ensure safety and efficacy in paediatric populations are lacking, so it remains an off-limits option for this age group. 
• Adults: Adults with type 2 diabetes are the primary candidates for Empagliflozin. It is suitable for adult patients looking to improve their blood sugar levels alongside diet and exercise. The dosage may be adjusted based on individual response and tolerance, and adults with varying degrees of kidney function have specific dosing guidelines. Also indicated as adjunct treatment for heart and kidney failure. 
• Elderlies: Elderly patients can use Empagliflozin, but caution is advised. While no specific dose adjustment is dictated solely by age, the presence of other medical conditions, particularly kidney function, may necessitate a closer look at appropriate dosing and potential risks. 
• Pregnancy: The use of Empagliflozin during pregnancy is not recommended. It is a category C drug, which means that risk to the fetus cannot be ruled out. Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should discuss alternative treatments with their healthcare provider. 
• Lactation: Nursing mothers are also advised to approach Empagliflozin with caution. There is limited information on the drug's presence in breast milk or its effects on the breastfeeding infant. The decision to use this medication while breastfeeding should be taken only after careful consideration of the risks and benefits with a healthcare professional. 

• Allergies: To empagliflozin or any drug component. 
• Medical Conditions: Insulin-requiring diabetes patients, severe kidney failure, dialysis patients. 

Warnings: 
Empagliflozin may increase the risk of dehydration and genital yeast infections.

Interactions: 
May interact with diuretics, insulin, or insulin secretagogues, which could increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Side Effects

May interact with diuretics, insulin, or insulin secretagogues, which could increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Pharmacist Tips

• Storage: Store at room temperature away from moisture. 
• Hydration: Maintain adequate fluid intake to prevent dehydration. 
• Monitoring: Regularly monitor blood sugar levels as directed. 
• Infection Prevention: Maintain good hygiene to reduce the risk of genital yeast infections. 
• Medical Follow-Up: Attend all scheduled appointments to adjust treatment as needed. 

Availability

Where is Empagliflozin available in Hong Kong?

Empagliflozin is a prescription medication that can be prescribed by healthcare providers.

FAQs

Is Empagliflozin available over-the-counter? 

No, it requires a doctor's prescription.

Can Empagliflozin be used with other diabetes medications?

Yes, but under medical supervision to manage dosing and avoid hypoglycemia. 

Should I take Empagliflozin with food?

It can be taken with or without food.

How does Empagliflozin reduce cardiovascular mortality?

Empagliflozin reduces cardiovascular mortality primarily by improving glycemic control, leading to less stress on the cardiovascular system, and by promoting a diuretic effect that can decrease blood pressure and reduce the workload on the heart. Additionally, it may improve cardiac metabolism and function directly, independent of its glucose-lowering effect.

How long does Empagliflozin take to work?

Empagliflozin starts to work from the first dose to lower blood sugar levels by increasing urinary glucose excretion, but it may take a few days to weeks for the full therapeutic effects to manifest, particularly in terms of cardiovascular benefits.