Do you have Type 2 Diabetes? Or a heart or blood vessel condition? If so, your doctor may have prescribed you a medication called Empagliflozin, also known as Jardiance. This medication is also given to people who don't have diabetes but have certain heart failure conditions. So, since this is a medication that's being prescribed to a lot of people now, let's talk about it in a little more detail today, as if we were talking to a friend.
How does this drug Empagliflozin (Jardiance) work?
This may sound a bit scientific, but it's very simple. This medication belongs to a class of drugs called SGLT2 inhibitors. The full name is Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor.
Okay, now in simple terms, this is what happens:
Our kidneys have a protein called SGLT2. Its job is to reabsorb sugar (glucose) from the blood back into the body. Empagliflozin blocks this protein called SGLT2. Then , the kidneys do not reabsorb the excess sugar in the blood back into the body, but instead pass it out in the urine. It's like a filter removing unwanted things. In this way, the excess sugar level in the body is controlled.
This medicine also reduces the reabsorption of sodium (salt) from the kidneys into the body. This reduces the workload on the heart. That is why this medicine is also very useful for people with heart disease.
What should you expect when using this medicine?
Empagliflozin is a pill that you take once a day. It's best to stick to the same time every day. Doctors usually tell you to take it in the morning. You can take it with or without food.
This medication comes in two strengths: 10 milligrams (10 mg) and 25 milligrams (25 mg). Your doctor may start you on a lower dose and then increase the dose if needed.
What to do if you forget? If you forget to take a pill, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next pill, do not take both the missed pill and the next one at the same time. Skip the missed pill and take the next pill at the scheduled time.
Sometimes your doctor will give you this medicine in combination with another diabetes medicine. For example, you may get it in combination with metformin (called Synjardy) or with linagliptin (called Glyxambi) as a single pill.
To get the most out of this medication, it's important to eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly , as recommended by your doctor. And don't forget to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
While you are taking this medicine, your doctor will occasionally do blood tests to check how well your kidneys are working. He or she will also tell you to check your blood sugar levels regularly. It may take up to 6 months for the full effect of this medicine to be felt.
What are the side effects of this?
Like any medicine, this one can have minor side effects. But don't worry, most of them are not serious. Let's take a look at what these side effects are.
| Side effect | Description and what to do |
|---|---|
| Common Side Effects | |
| Yeast Infections in the Genital Area | It is more common in women, but can also occur in men. Symptoms include itching, pain, swelling, redness, and discharge. There are treatments for these, so see a doctor if you have these symptoms. |
| Urinary tract infections (UTIs) | Symptoms such as burning, pain, frequent urination, cloudy urine, or blood may occur. Abdominal pain may also occur. Tell your doctor about these as they also require treatment. |
| Other minor side effects | You may experience things like increased thirst, frequent urination, nausea, joint pain, and throat infections. These usually go away over time as your body adjusts to the medication. If they persist, tell your doctor. |
| Serious Side Effects That Need Immediate Attention | |
| Serious urinary tract infections | Fever, chills, severe pain in the lower abdomen or back. These may be signs of an infection affecting the kidneys. Seek medical advice immediately. |
| Low Blood Pressure | Dizziness, lightheadedness, especially when standing up. |
| Low blood sugar | Symptoms such as sweating, tremors, increased heart rate, hunger, and confusion may occur, especially when taken with other diabetes medications. |
| Fournier's gangrene | This is a very rare, serious infection of the genital area. Symptoms include severe pain in the area, swelling, fever, and extreme fatigue. This is an emergency, go to the hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. |
| Diabetic ketoacidosis | A very serious condition caused by high blood sugar. Symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, stomach pain, nausea, feeling weak, and a fruity odor on the breath. This is also an emergency, go to the ETU immediately. |
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, swelling of the face, lips, or throat, difficulty swallowing or breathing. This is also an emergency, seek medical attention immediately. |
Warnings and safety precautions to be aware of before use
Before starting this medication, it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including medications for other conditions, vitamins, supplements, and traditional medicine). Empagliflozin may interact with the following medications in particular:
- Other diabetes medications
- Blood pressure medications such as ACE inhibitors and Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)
- Diuretics or "water pills"
- Painkillers such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen
Your doctor may need to change the dosage of other medications you are taking or be more careful about side effects.
If you have symptoms of ketoacidosis, your doctor may also ask you to check your blood for ketones. There are special devices or urine test strips for this.
Don't forget to drink plenty of water , as this medicine can cause dehydration.
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol, and if you have frequent yeast infections or urinary tract infections.
Who should not take this medicine?
Empagliflozin is not suitable for everyone. There are some situations in which this medicine should not be taken:
- If you are undergoing kidney dialysis.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother (the medicine can pass to the baby through breast milk).
- If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant (as it may harm the baby, talk to your doctor about this).
- If you are allergic to empagliflozin or any of its ingredients.
Also, this medication is not approved for people with Type 1 Diabetes, as it may increase their risk of Ketoacidosis.
How effective is Empagliflozin (Jardiance)?
The effectiveness of this drug has been well-documented in clinical trials. In a 6-month study in adults with type 2 diabetes, Empagliflozin:
- Fasting blood sugar levels have generally decreased by about 19-25.
- The A1c value, which indicates average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months, has decreased by 0.7% - 0.8%.
In addition, some people have also lost weight . Those who took the 10mg dose per day lost about 2.5% of their body weight (for example, about 2.25 kg for a 90 kg person). Those who took the 25mg dose lost 2.8% of their body weight (for example, about 2.5 kg for a 90 kg person).
There has also been a slight decrease in systolic blood pressure in those who took this medication.
Take-Home Message
- Empagliflozin (Jardiance) is a medication used to treat diabetes and certain heart conditions. It works by helping the kidneys remove excess sugar from the body through urine.
- Take this medicine exactly as your doctor has prescribed, at the same time every day. If you miss a dose, do not take two doses at the same time the next time.
- Urinary tract infections and genital yeast infections are common with this medication. Tell your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day as this medicine can cause dehydration.
- It is essential to inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking.
- If you develop serious symptoms such as severe allergic reactions, difficulty breathing, Fournier's gangrene, or ketoacidosis , go to a hospital's emergency department (ETU) immediately.
- Never stop taking this medicine without medical advice.
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