Empagliflozin
What It Is Used For
Empagliflozin makes the kidneys remove extra sugar through the urine. It is used for type 2 diabetes, and also to protect the heart and kidneys in people with heart failure or chronic kidney disease, with or without diabetes.
How to Take It
Usually 10 mg once a day in the morning, with or without food. For diabetes the doctor may increase it to 25 mg once a day. Drink enough water.
Who Should Not Take It
Do not take it if you are allergic to empagliflozin, have type 1 diabetes, or are on dialysis.
Side Effects
Common: genital yeast infections (itching or discharge), urinary tract infections, passing more urine and thirst. Less common but serious: dehydration and dizziness, and diabetic ketoacidosis, which can happen even when sugar is not very high. Get urgent help for vomiting, stomach pain, fast breathing or unusual tiredness. Very rarely, a serious infection of the genital area can occur; see a doctor at once for pain, redness or swelling there with fever.
Precautions
Your doctor may ask you to stop it for a few days before surgery or when you are ill and cannot eat or drink normally. Keep the genital area clean. Kidney function should be checked.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Interactions
With insulin or sulfonylureas (such as gliclazide or glimepiride) it can cause low sugar, so those doses may need lowering. With diuretics (water tablets) the risk of dehydration is higher.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, out of the reach of children.
Checked by the Oshud Alo pharmacy team. For information only; follow your doctor's advice.
All brands of Empagliflozin