Is Synjardy (empagliflozin and metformin) a time-release product for patients with type 2 diabetes?

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Is Synjardy a Time-Release Product?

Synjardy (empagliflozin/metformin combination) is available in both immediate-release and extended-release formulations—the standard Synjardy contains immediate-release metformin, while Synjardy XR contains extended-release metformin. 1

Formulation Details

  • Standard Synjardy combines empagliflozin with immediate-release (IR) metformin, requiring twice-daily dosing to maintain therapeutic metformin levels 2, 3

  • Synjardy XR combines empagliflozin with extended-release metformin, allowing once-daily administration and potentially improving adherence by reducing pill burden 1

  • The empagliflozin component itself is not extended-release in either formulation—the time-release property applies only to the metformin component in the XR version 2

Clinical Dosing Evidence

  • Studies demonstrate that empagliflozin 12.5 mg twice daily combined with metformin IR 1,000 mg twice daily produces superior glycemic control compared to once-daily empagliflozin regimens, with HbA1c reductions of -1.9% to -2.1% versus -1.4% with once-daily dosing 3

  • The twice-daily immediate-release formulation was used in pivotal trials establishing empagliflozin's cardiovascular benefits, including the 38% reduction in cardiovascular death 4, 5

  • Bioequivalence studies support that the fixed-dose combination tablets (both IR and XR versions) deliver equivalent therapeutic effects to separate component tablets while reducing pill burden 1

Practical Prescribing Considerations

  • For patients new to metformin or requiring twice-daily dosing: Standard Synjardy (IR formulation) is appropriate and matches the dosing schedule used in cardiovascular outcomes trials 2, 3

  • For patients preferring once-daily dosing or with adherence concerns: Synjardy XR provides the convenience of extended-release metformin while maintaining empagliflozin's cardiovascular and renal protective effects 1

  • The choice between formulations should prioritize the metformin component's tolerability—extended-release metformin typically causes fewer gastrointestinal side effects than immediate-release 1

References

4
Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

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Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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