Empagliflozin: More Than a Diabetes Medication

Judson Gilbert, PharmD, MBA
Mar 31
3 min read

Updated: Apr 8

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Double Benefit: Lowers Blood Sugar and Weight

Empagliflozin is a prescription medication that has become an important treatment option for many patients with type 2 diabetes, and its benefits go beyond blood sugar control. It belongs to a class of medications called SGLT2 inhibitors. These medicines work by helping the kidneys remove excess glucose from the body through the urine, which lowers blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.

For many patients, empagliflozin offers an added advantage because it can support several aspects of health at once. In addition to improving glucose control, empagliflozin has been shown to provide important heart and kidney benefits in certain patients. This makes it especially valuable for people with type 2 diabetes who also have cardiovascular disease, heart failure, or chronic kidney disease. In some cases, healthcare providers may prescribe empagliflozin specifically because of these added protective effects.

Another reason empagliflozin is often well received is that it may contribute to modest weight loss and can sometimes help lower blood pressure.

The Safest Way to Take Empagliflozin

Since type 2 diabetes is frequently associated with multiple health concerns, having one medication that may positively affect several of these areas can be very beneficial. It is usually taken once daily and may be used alone or along with other diabetes medications.

Side Effects of Empagliflozin

Like any medication, empagliflozin also comes with risks and side effects that patients should understand. Because it causes more sugar to leave the body in the urine, it can increase the risk of urinary tract infections and genital yeast infections. Some patients may also notice increased urination or mild dehydration, especially if they are not drinking enough fluids. In rare cases, empagliflozin may contribute to a serious condition called ketoacidosis, which can occur even when blood sugar is not extremely high. Symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, unusual fatigue, or trouble breathing should be treated as urgent warning signs.

Important Items to Consider

Patients taking empagliflozin should also talk with their healthcare provider about when to temporarily stop the medication, such as before major surgery, during severe illness, or when unable to eat and drink normally. This is important because certain situations can increase the risk of complications. Kidney function may also need to be monitored while using this medication.

Overall, empagliflozin represents a modern approach to chronic disease management. It not only helps lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes, but it may also help protect the heart and kidneys in the right patients. When prescribed appropriately and taken as directed, empagliflozin can be an effective and valuable part of a long-term treatment plan. Patients should always consult their healthcare provider or pharmacist if they have questions about how this medication fits into their care.

2-Minute Medication Counseling for Pharmacists & Nurses

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2-Minute Medication Counseling for Pharmacists & Nurses

Empagliflozin

Brand	Jardiance Rank #34
Drug class	SGLT2 inhibitor
Indications	T2DM, HF, CKD
Manufactured doses	10,25 mg
Dose range	10-25 mg daily
Max daily dose	25 mg/day
Metabolism / Excretion	Glucuronidation; urine/feces
Renal dosing	Use per eGFR indication thresholds; glycemic effect less at low eGFR
Black box warning	None
Major interactions	Diuretics, insulin/secretagogues
2-minute counseling	How to take: Take once daily; staying hydrated is important. Expected effects: More urination, thirst, and genital yeast infections can occur. Safety: Call for symptoms of ketoacidosis such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or trouble breathing even if sugars are not very high.
Pharmacist pearls	Hold during major illness, dehydration, or before surgery if your clinician instructs you.