From the Guidelines
Jardiance is a sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, primarily prescribed for adults with type 2 diabetes to improve blood sugar control and reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and heart failure hospitalization. This medication works by helping the kidneys remove excess sugar from the bloodstream through urine, which lowers blood glucose levels 1. The standard starting dose is typically 10 mg once daily, taken in the morning, with or without food, though some patients may be prescribed 25 mg daily if needed for better glycemic control.
Key Benefits and Side Effects
- Jardiance has shown benefits in reducing the risk of cardiovascular death in adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease, as demonstrated in the EMPA-REG OUTCOME trial, where it reduced the composite outcome of MI, stroke, and cardiovascular death by 14% 1.
- It can help reduce the risk of heart failure hospitalization and slow kidney disease progression, as seen in the CANVAS and DAPA-CKD trials, where SGLT2 inhibitors like canagliflozin and dapagliflozin showed significant reductions in these outcomes 1.
- Common side effects may include urinary tract infections, genital yeast infections, and increased urination, emphasizing the importance of maintaining adequate hydration while taking this medication.
- Patients should be aware that Jardiance may cause a slight decrease in blood pressure, and monitoring is necessary to adjust the treatment plan as needed.
Clinical Considerations
Given the evidence from recent and high-quality studies like the EMPA-REG OUTCOME, CANVAS, and DAPA-CKD trials 1, the use of Jardiance (empagliflozin) is recommended for its dual benefits in managing type 2 diabetes and reducing cardiovascular risk, making it a valuable option in the treatment arsenal for patients with type 2 diabetes, especially those with established cardiovascular disease or at high risk of cardiovascular events.
From the FDA Drug Label
JARDIANCE is a sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor The chemical name of empagliflozin is D-Glucitol,1,5-anhydro-1-C-[4-chloro-3-[[4-[[(3S)-tetrahydro-3-furanyl]oxy]phenyl]methyl]phenyl]-, (1S) Empagliflozin is an inhibitor of SGLT2 By inhibiting SGLT2, empagliflozin reduces renal reabsorption of filtered glucose and lowers the renal threshold for glucose, and thereby increases urinary glucose excretion.
Jardiance is a sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, which works by reducing renal reabsorption of filtered glucose and increasing urinary glucose excretion.
- Main mechanism of action: Inhibiting SGLT2 to reduce glucose reabsorption in the kidneys.
- Key effect: Increases urinary glucose excretion to lower blood glucose levels. 2
From the Research
Medication Classification
Mechanism of Action
- Jardiance works by inhibiting the reabsorption of glucose from the proximal tubules in the kidney, promoting glucosuria and reducing fasting and postprandial glycaemia 4, 5, 7.
- This mechanism is independent of insulin, allowing Jardiance to be used as monotherapy or in combination with other antidiabetic agents 3, 4, 6.
Therapeutic Uses
- Jardiance is approved for the treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in the EU, USA, and Japan, among other parts of the world 3.
- It is used to improve glycaemic control, reduce body weight, and lower blood pressure in patients with T2DM 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
Benefits and Risks
- Jardiance has been shown to have cardioprotective and renoprotective properties, reducing the risk of major adverse cardiac events and cardiovascular mortality 3, 6, 7.
- However, it is associated with an increased risk of genital mycotic infections and urinary tract infections 5, 6, 7.
- Jardiance is generally well tolerated, with a low risk of hypoglycaemia except when used with insulin or insulin secretagogues 3, 4, 6, 7.