What is Jardiance?
Jardiance contains the active ingredient Empagliflozin and belongs to the class of SGLT2 inhibitors (Gliflozine). It is used for the treatment of diabetes mellitus type 2 in adults.
Empagliflozin lowers blood sugar in a unique way: it causes excess sugar to be excreted over urine. This mechanism is independent of insulin, i.e. it also works in the case of declining insulin production.
Jardiance has shown a significant cardiovascular protection effect in the EMPA REG-OUTCOME study and is also approved for the treatment of heart failure. It is made by Boehringer Ingelheim.
Active Ingredients & Mechanism of Action
Active ingredient: Empagliflozin
Empagliflozin inhibits the sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) in the kidney:
Active mechanism:
- SGLT2 is responsible for the resorption of about 90% of the filtered glucose in the kidney
- By inhibiting this transporter, glucose is excreted with urine
- Every day about 60-80 g of glucose are eliminated via urine
Additional effects:
- Blood pressure reduction (by sodium and water loss)
- Weight loss (by calorie loss via glucose in urine)
- Cardiovascular protection
- Nephroprotective effect
Insulin-independent: The mechanism of action is independent of insulin – the drug also works in advanced diabetes with reduced insulin production.
Who is it suitable for?
Jardiance is suitable for:
- Adults with type 2 diabetes as a supplement to diet and exercise
- As monotherapy (if metformin is not tolerated)
- In combination with metformin, sulfonylureas or insulin
- Diabetes patients with increased cardiovascular risk (especially benefits)
- Patients with heart failure
Not suitable:
- Diabetes type 1
- Heavy kidney failure (eGFR < 20 ml/min for diabetes therapy)
- Recurrent urinary path infections or genital fungal infections
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Available Dosages
Available starches:
- 10 mg film tablets
- 25 mg film tablets
Recommended dosage:
- Start dose: 10 mg once a day
- If necessary and good compatibility: increase to 25 mg once a day
How to Take
Intake:
- Once a day, preferably morning
- Independent meals
- Swallow tablet with water
Important notes:
- Drinking sufficient liquid (dehydration risk)
- Pay attention to signs of urinary infections or genital fungus
- Regular kidney value controls
- temporarily settle in case of illness, fever or dehydration (according to medical consultation)
Contraindications
**Jardiance must not be taken at:* *
- Sensitivity to Empagliflozin
- Diabetes type 1
Preview at:
- Restricted kidney function (reduced effectiveness at low eGFR)
- Sufficient to urinary tract infections
- tilt to genital fungal infections
- Older patients (>75 years – dehydration risk)
- Simultaneous diuretics therapy
- Increased risk of diabetic ketoacidosis
Pregnant period: Contraindicated. No use in pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Possible Side Effects
Acid (1-10%):
- Genital fungal infections (veaginal fungus, balanitis)
- urinary tract infections
- Multiplying water (polyuria)
- Hypoglycemia (in combination with insulin/sulfonylureas)
Occasionally:
- Dehydration
- dizziness, blood pressure drop
- Itching
- Blocking
Selten, but important:
- Diabetic ketoacidosis (even with normal or only slightly elevated blood sugar levels – atypical!)
- Fournier trenches (necrotizing perineum fasciitis – very rare)
** In case of symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, unusual fatigue or lack of breath, immediately visit a doctor (Ketoazidose Concrete).
Interactions
Diuretics (dewatering agent): Enhanced dehydration and blood pressure reduction possible. Adjust dose if necessary.
Insulin and sulfonylureas: Hypoglycemia risk increases. Dose reduction may be necessary.
More information:
- No clinically relevant interactions via CYP enzymes
- Lithium mirrors can be influenced
Frequently Asked Questions
Similar Medications
Is Jardiance right for you?
A licensed doctor will review your information and issue a prescription if suitable. Discreet and secure.
Important Notice
This information does not replace medical advice. If you have questions about your health or the suitability of this medication, please consult a doctor. Read the package leaflet before use.