From the Guidelines
Jardiance is generally considered safe to take before an MRI, as there are no known interactions between the medication and MRI procedures. The primary concern with MRI safety is typically related to the use of contrast agents, such as gadolinium-based agents, which can pose risks in patients with severe renal insufficiency due to the potential for nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) 1. However, Jardiance itself does not contain metal components that would be affected by the magnetic fields used in MRI scanning.
When considering the safety of Jardiance in the context of an MRI, it's essential to distinguish between the medication's properties and those of contrast agents. Jardiance works by helping the kidneys remove glucose from the bloodstream, a mechanism that does not interfere with MRI procedures.
Key points to consider:
- Inform your healthcare provider and the MRI technologist about all medications, including Jardiance, before the procedure.
- Patients with kidney problems may require special consideration if they are to receive contrast agents during the MRI, due to potential interactions with SGLT2 inhibitors like Jardiance.
- The safety profile of gadolinium-based contrast agents, which might be used in MRI procedures, is generally favorable but carries specific risks for patients with severe renal insufficiency, as highlighted by the FDA advisory 1.
Given the current evidence, there is no need to temporarily discontinue Jardiance when scheduled for an MRI, but it is crucial to follow the guidance of healthcare professionals regarding any medications and contrast agents used during the procedure.
From the Research
Safety of Jardiance with MRI
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies that suggests Jardiance (empagliflozin) is not safe with MRI.
- However, studies have used MRI to evaluate the effects of empagliflozin on kidney function and structure in patients with type 2 diabetes 2, 3.
- One study used diffusion-weighted MRI to measure changes in kidney microstructure and found that empagliflozin decreased cortical apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) compared to placebo 2.
- Another study used 23Na magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate the effect of empagliflozin on the cortico-medullary sodium gradient and found no significant change compared to placebo 3.
- A study also used cardiac magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate the effect of empagliflozin on left atrial function in patients with type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease, and found no significant impact on left atrial volume and function 4.
Key Findings
- Empagliflozin has been shown to have a favorable effect on kidney function and structure in patients with type 2 diabetes 2, 3.
- MRI can be used to evaluate the effects of empagliflozin on kidney function and structure 2, 3.
- There is no evidence to suggest that Jardiance is not safe with MRI, but more research is needed to fully understand its safety profile in this context 5, 6.