Jardiance

Jardiance is the brand name for empagliflozin, an oral medication in the sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor class. It was developed by Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly. It is approved to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes and to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death in adults with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. More recently, empagliflozin has been approved for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction in adults to reduce cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure, with or without diabetes, and for chronic kidney disease to reduce the risk of sustained eGFR decline and other cardiovascular and kidney outcomes.

Mechanism of action: Jardiance inhibits SGLT2 in the proximal renal tubules, reducing glucose reabsorption and increasing urinary glucose excretion. The result is lower blood glucose and modest diuretic effects, along with small reductions in blood pressure and body weight.

Common and notable side effects: Genital yeast infections and urinary tract infections are among the more frequent adverse effects. Other possible effects include dehydration, dizziness, and low blood pressure. Rare but serious risks include euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis, Fournier gangrene, and severe allergic reactions. It can increase the risk of hypoglycemia when used with insulin or other glucose-lowering medications.

Contraindications and cautions: Not recommended in people with a history of hypersensitivity to empagliflozin. Kidney function influences effectiveness; use is generally limited in advanced kidney disease and requires monitoring of eGFR. Caution is advised in the elderly and in those with volume depletion risk.