About EMPAGLIFLOZIN
EMPAGLIFLOZIN belongs to a group of antidiabetic medicines (sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors). EMPAGLIFLOZIN is prescribed for the condition of type 2 diabetes when diet and exercise alone cannot control their blood sugar levels. Type 2 diabetes is a condition where the body does not make enough insulin, or the insulin that it makes does not work properly.
EMPAGLIFLOZIN contains empagliflozin, which works by blocking the sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT-2) enzyme in the kidney's proximal tubules. It lowers renal reabsorption of glucose and increases urine excretion of glucose via inhibiting SGLT2. As a result, it lowers blood sugar levels in diabetics.
Take EMPAGLIFLOZIN as prescribed. You are advised to take EMPAGLIFLOZIN for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience certain common side effects such as thrush, pain or a burning feeling when you pee, peeing more than normal, and mild skin rash or itchy skin. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to consult your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Do not consume EMPAGLIFLOZIN if you are allergic to any component present in EMPAGLIFLOZIN. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before taking EMPAGLIFLOZIN. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking EMPAGLIFLOZIN since it may produce unpleasant side effects. There is limited information available about the use of EMPAGLIFLOZIN in children, therefore, it is not recommended to use in children. Inform your doctor about all of the medications you are taking as well as your medical history to rule out any undesirable side effects or interactions.
Uses of EMPAGLIFLOZIN
Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Medicinal Benefits
EMPAGLIFLOZIN plays a vital role in managing diabetes and achieving good control of blood sugar levels by delaying the absorption of sugar and increasing insulin sensitivity in the body. EMPAGLIFLOZIN does not cause a sudden lowering of the blood glucose level or cause significant hypoglycaemia. In the prediabetic condition, EMPAGLIFLOZIN is the only recommended treatment available. EMPAGLIFLOZIN also helps to prevent serious complications of diabetes such as kidney damage (Diabetic Nephropathy), blindness (Diabetic Retinopathy), loss of sensation in your hands and feet (Diabetic Neuropathy) or even loss of foot! EMPAGLIFLOZIN also helps to reduce your chance of having a heart attack or stroke.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of EMPAGLIFLOZIN
- Thrush (fungal infection)
- Pain or a burning feeling when you pee
- Peeing more than normal
- Mild skin rash or itchy skin
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
If you are allergic to any of the ingredients in EMPAGLIFLOZIN, do not consume it. If you suffer heart abnormalities, diabetic ketoacidosis, skin problems, acute pancreatitis, low blood sugar levels, or kidney or liver problems, notify your doctor. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before taking EMPAGLIFLOZIN. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking EMPAGLIFLOZIN since it may produce unpleasant side effects. Inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking and your medical history to rule out any unwanted side effects.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: EMPAGLIFLOZIN may interact with insulin, high blood pressure-lowering pills (hydrochlorothiazide, amlodipine), water pills/diuretics (furosemide), antibiotics used for eye infections (gatifloxacin), anti-hypertensive (metoprolol), steroids (prednisolone), thyroid hormones etc. So, tell your doctor if you are using these drugs before taking the EMPAGLIFLOZIN.
Drug-Food Interactions: Taking EMPAGLIFLOZIN with alcoholic beverages may increase the risk of a rare but serious and potentially life-threatening condition known as lactic acidosis (build-up of lactic acid in the blood) and hypoglycaemia.
Drug-Disease Interactions: EMPAGLIFLOZIN should be avoided in patients with vitamin B12 deficiency, kidney problems, liver problems, cardiovascular disease (heart-related issues), and low blood sugar level (hypoglycaemia) as it may worsen the condition.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeIt is advisable not to consume alcohol along with EMPAGLIFLOZIN to avoid unpleasant side effects like lactic acidosis.
Pregnancy
cautionEMPAGLIFLOZIN is not recommended during pregnancy. However, your doctor may prescribe it for you during pregnancy if he/she feels the benefit outweighs the risk. You should not take EMPAGLIFLOZIN without a doctor's advice.
Breast Feeding
unsafeEMPAGLIFLOZIN is not recommended if you are breastfeeding or if you are planning to breastfeed your baby.
Driving
safe if prescribedEMPAGLIFLOZIN should not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery/tools.
Liver
cautionEMPAGLIFLOZIN to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of liver diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Kidney
cautionEMPAGLIFLOZIN to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor depending on your renal functions. EMPAGLIFLOZIN is not recommended in severe kidney disease. Regular monitoring of kidney function tests is therefore important if you're taking EMPAGLIFLOZIN.
Children
safe if prescribedEMPAGLIFLOZIN is not recommended for children below ten years of age. The dose is to be adjusted and recommended by a child specialist only for children over ten years.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Include foods rich in healthy carbohydrates and fibre, fruits, whole grains, and vegetables in your diet.
- Try eating food at regular intervals. Do not skip meals. Also, try not to overeat.
- Follow a healthy diet and walk for at least 45minutes to complement treatment with EMPAGLIFLOZIN.
- Maintain a healthy weight by exercising regularly.
- Rest properly, and avoid stress by doing meditation or yoga.
Special Advise
- Keep taking EMPAGLIFLOZIN even if you think your blood sugar levels are under control. If you miss a dose, do not take a larger dose; consult your treating physician for advice.
- Take short, frequent meals, and avoid prolonged fasting when taking EMPAGLIFLOZIN. Beware of symptoms of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) which include sweating, dizziness, palpitations, shivering, intense thirst, dry mouth, dry skin, frequent urination etc. Whenever you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, immediately consume 5-6 candies, three glucose biscuits, or three teaspoons of honey/sugar and get in touch with your physician. Make sure to carry these with you at all times, especially during long travels.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Type 2 diabetes: Type 2 diabetes is a chronic or lifelong disease that keeps the body away from properly utilizing insulin. Hence, people affected with type 2 diabetes either do not produce enough insulin, or there is resistance to insulin action. Middle-aged or older are most likely to suffer from type 2 diabetes, so it is also known as adult-onset diabetes. Symptoms of type 2 diabetes include increased thirst, frequent urination at night, slow wound healing, increased hunger, fatigue, and blurred vision. There may be weight gain in some cases, while in rare cases, weight loss may be observed. The complication of type 2 diabetes also include neuropathy (nerve problems), nephropathy (kidney problems), retinopathy (damaged retina of eyes or blindness), loss of limbs, sexual dysfunction, and an increased chance of heart attack or stroke.
