Key facts about empagliflozin
- Empagliflozin is a sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor.
- Empagliflozin is used to treat type 2 diabetes, heart failure and chronic kidney disease, and to lower cardiovascular risk in adults with type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
- It is a prescription-only medication in the UK, US and Australia.
- This medication is usually taken by mouth with a glass of water.
Empagliflozin brands we stock at Prashi Pharma are listed below.
Empagliflozin brands and prices
| Brand | Strength | Form | Price from | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Empasmart 10 mg Healing Pharma | 10 mg | Tablet | $229.00 90 Tablets | View |
What is empagliflozin?
Empagliflozin is a medicine that belongs to a group of drugs called sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. Healthcare providers prescribe it alone or in combination with other medications. It is a prescription-only medicine and should be taken only under the supervision of a doctor.
How empagliflozin works
Empagliflozin works by blocking a protein called SGLT2 in the kidneys. This prevents sodium and sugar from being reabsorbed into your blood.
Type 2 diabetes
Instead of sugar going back into the blood, it goes out in your urine. This helps remove extra sugar from the blood, which lowers your blood sugar levels.
Heart failure
The medicine stops your body from reabsorbing excess sodium. This helps the heart fill with blood and pump blood through the body more easily.
Kidney disease
The medicine helps reduce pressure and stress on the kidneys, which helps slow chronic kidney disease.
What is empagliflozin used for?
Empagliflozin is used to treat [1]:
- Heart failure - a long-term condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet your body's needs.
- Type 2 diabetes - a chronic condition in which the body becomes resistant to insulin or fails to make enough of it, causing sugar to build up in the blood.
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD) - a disease in which your kidneys are losing their ability to filter waste products from your blood.
Sick day rules: If you experience vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration, or cannot eat or drink normally, temporarily stop empagliflozin and contact your doctor or pharmacist. Tell your surgical team before any operation or fasting; you may need to stop it beforehand. Illness and fasting increase the risk of ketoacidosis, sometimes even with normal blood glucose.
Empagliflozin strengths and forms
Empagliflozin is available as oral tablets in standard strengths of 10 mg and 25 mg. At Prashi Pharma, our empagliflozin range includes Empasmart 10 mg tablets. Your medical expert must choose the appropriate strength based on your specific condition and treatment needs. Do not change the dose without medical advice.
How to take empagliflozin
- Take this medication exactly as your doctor tells you to take it.
- Take this medication orally in the morning with a glass of water.
- You can take empagliflozin with or without food.
- Try to take this medicine at the same time every day.
- Always check the leaflet or packet that comes with the medicine.
- Do not stop taking this medicine without talking to your doctor [2].
- Check the expiry date before you take it.
Missed dose
If you miss a dose of empagliflozin, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and follow your normal dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at once.
Overdose
Taking an extra dose of this medication is unlikely to cause problems, but get medical advice if you take too much. Taking too much may cause:
- Severe dehydration
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Ketoacidosis
- Confusion or an altered mental state
If you suspect an overdose, seek emergency medical attention.
- USCall 911
- UKNHS 111 or 999
- AU13 11 26 Poisons Information or 000
Side effects of empagliflozin
Common side effects
- Genital fungal (yeast) infections
- Raised cholesterol
- Joint pain
- Weight loss
- Upper respiratory infections such as the common cold
- Nausea
- Urinary tract infections
- Urinating frequently
Serious side effects – get medical help
- Serious UTIs, including kidney infections, causing symptoms like feeling shivery, high temperature, or a burning sensation when you urinate.
- A severe infection of the skin around the genitals and back passage (Fournier's gangrene), causing severe pain, tenderness, redness, swelling, fever and blisters.
- An allergic reaction, with symptoms such as a swollen tongue or throat, a raised, itchy rash or breathing difficulties.
- Diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious complication; symptoms include feeling very thirsty, nausea or vomiting, stomach pain, unusual tiredness, fruity-smelling breath and fast, deep breathing. It can happen even when blood sugar is normal.
Who should not take empagliflozin?
Most adults can safely take empagliflozin. However, it may not be suitable if you have had or are:
- An allergic reaction to empagliflozin or a similar medicine such as dapagliflozin
- Type 1 diabetes
- Low blood pressure
- Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
- Liver or kidney problems
- Urinary tract infections
- Below 18 years of age
Disclose your medical history and any pre-existing conditions to a healthcare professional.
Breastfeeding
This medicine is usually not prescribed when breastfeeding.
Pregnancy
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or trying to conceive. They may prescribe a different medicine, as empagliflozin is not usually taken during pregnancy.
Taking empagliflozin with other medicines, food and alcohol
Some medications may not go well with empagliflozin. This includes:
- Diuretics
- Medications that lower your blood pressure
- Insulin or sulfonylureas (such as gliclazide) – higher risk of low blood sugar
- Lithium
- Certain antibiotics like rifampicin
- Epilepsy drugs such as phenytoin
Before starting empagliflozin, tell your healthcare professional if you take any other medications, vitamins, supplements, or herbal remedies.
Food
You can usually eat and drink normally while on this medication.
Alcohol
Try to limit alcohol, as it can increase the risk of adverse effects like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
Empagliflozin vs dapagliflozin (Forxiga/Farxiga)
Empagliflozin and dapagliflozin belong to the same group of medications called SGLT2 inhibitors. Both help lower blood glucose and are also used to treat heart failure and chronic kidney disease. Empagliflozin is marketed as Jardiance, while dapagliflozin is known as Forxiga in the UK and Australia and Farxiga in the US. They are not automatically interchangeable; the right option must be decided by your healthcare professional.
Empagliflozin in the US, UK and Australia
United States
- Brand names
- Jardiance; Synjardy, Glyxambi (combinations)
- How it is supplied
- Prescription only (Rx)
- Regulator
- FDA
United Kingdom
- Brand names
- Jardiance; Synjardy (with metformin)
- How it is supplied
- Prescription-only medicine (POM)
- Regulator
- MHRA
Australia
- Brand names
- Jardiance; Jardiamet (with metformin)
- How it is supplied
- Prescription only (Schedule 4)
- Regulator
- TGA
How to order empagliflozin online with a prescription
Prashi Pharma is an established digital pharmaceutical platform that dispenses quality medication worldwide. Here are the steps to order medicines on this platform with a valid prescription:
- Choose the brand and strength of the medicine on your prescription.
- Upload your prescription during checkout.
- A licensed pharmacist will verify your prescription.
- After successful verification, your order is dispatched in discreet packaging.
How to order · Prescription policy · Shipping policy