“Jardiance 25 mg: Uses, Benefits, and Side Effects”

What is Jardiance 25 mg?

Jardiance (empagliflozin) is a prescription medication primarily used to:

• Lower blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
• Reduce the risk of cardiovascular death in adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease.
• Treat heart failure, including reduced and preserved ejection fraction (HFrEF and HFpEF), even in people without diabetes.

Mechanism of Action

Jardiance works by inhibiting SGLT2, a protein in the kidneys that reabsorbs glucose into the blood. By blocking SGLT2:

• Excess glucose is excreted through urine.
• Blood sugar levels decrease.
• It also promotes weight loss and blood pressure reduction.
• In heart failure, it helps by reducing fluid overload, improving cardiac function, and possibly offering renal protection.

Indications / Uses

1. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
   • As an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control.
   • Can be used alone or in combination with other diabetes medications.
2. Cardiovascular Risk Reduction
   • Reduces the risk of cardiovascular death in adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease.
3. Heart Failure
   • Approved for reducing risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure in adults with HFrEF or HFpEF, regardless of diabetes status.

Dosage and Administration

• Standard Starting Dose: 10 mg once daily
• Maximum Dose: 25 mg once daily (can be increased based on response and tolerance)
• Take in the morning, with or without food.
• Renal Function must be assessed before starting and periodically during treatment.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects:

• Increased urination
• Genital yeast infections (more common in women)
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Thirst
• Nausea
• Low blood sugar (when combined with insulin or sulfonylureas)

Serious Side Effects:

• Ketoacidosis (even with normal blood sugar)
• Severe dehydration
• Hypotension (especially in older adults or those on diuretics)
• Kidney problems
• Fournier’s gangrene (rare but life-threatening genital infection)
• Increased LDL cholesterol

Precautions and Warnings

• Not for use in Type 1 diabetes or to treat diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
• Use cautiously in:
  • Patients with kidney impairment
  • History of frequent UTIs or yeast infections
  • Patients on diuretics (risk of dehydration and low BP)
  • Elderly patients (risk of volume depletion)
• Monitor:
  • Renal function (eGFR)
  • Blood glucose levels
  • Ketones (especially during illness, surgery, or fasting)

Drug Interactions

May interact with:

• Diuretics (increase risk of dehydration and low BP)
• Insulin or sulfonylureas (increase risk of hypoglycemia)
• RAAS inhibitors (like ACE inhibitors and ARBs) – monitor kidney function closely

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• Not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimesters, due to potential fetal harm.
• Unknown if it passes into breast milk; use only if clearly needed.

Storage

• Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
• Keep out of reach of children.