Question 1

What is Jardiance?

Accepted Answer

Jardiance is a brand-name medication that contains the active ingredient empagliflozin. It belongs to a class of drugs called sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, which work by altering how the kidneys handle sugar.

The medication functions by helping the kidneys remove glucose from the bloodstream through the urine. This process assists in regulating blood sugar levels and supporting cardiovascular and renal health.

Question 2

What is Jardiance used for?

Accepted Answer

Jardiance is used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus and heart failure .

Question 3

How does Jardiance work?

Accepted Answer

Filtering Glucose

In a healthy body, the kidneys filter waste products out of the blood while reabsorbing important substances like glucose (sugar) back into the bloodstream. Jardiance works by blocking a specific protein in the kidneys called sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) . This protein is responsible for most of the sugar reabsorption.

Removing Sugar Through Urine

When Jardiance blocks the SGLT2 protein, the kidneys are unable to put as much sugar back into the blood. Instead, the excess sugar is passed out of the body through urination. This process helps lower overall blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

Effects on the Heart and Kidneys

Beyond lowering blood sugar, Jardiance provides benefits for the heart and kidneys. It helps the body remove extra salt and water, which can reduce blood pressure and decrease the workload on the heart. This mechanism is particularly helpful for patients with heart failure or chronic kidney disease, as it helps protect these organs from further damage and reduces the risk of hospitalization.

Question 4

What are the active ingredients in Jardiance?

Accepted Answer

The active ingredient in Jardiance is empagliflozin .

Question 5

What are the side effects of Jardiance?

Accepted Answer

Common side effects of Jardiance may include:

genital yeast infections

urinary tract infection

increased urination

Always consult with a healthcare professional about potential side effects.

Question 6

What drug class is Jardiance?

Accepted Answer

Jardiance belongs to the SGLT2 inhibitor drug class.

Question 7

What is the dosage of Jardiance and how do I take it?

Accepted Answer

Administration Instructions

Jardiance is taken by mouth, typically once per day. It is recommended to take the dose in the morning. You can take this medication whether or not you have eaten.

It is important to take Jardiance consistently at the same time every day. Do not change your dose or stop taking the medication without consulting your healthcare provider.

Missed Dose Guidance

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you realize it. If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and return to your normal schedule. You should not take more than one dose at a time to compensate for a missed dose.

Question 8

Is Jardiance safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Accepted Answer

Pregnancy

Jardiance is not recommended for use during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Animal studies have indicated that exposure to the medication during these stages may lead to adverse effects on the developing kidneys of the fetus. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of this medication with your healthcare provider. If you discover you are pregnant while taking Jardiance, contact your doctor immediately.

Breastfeeding

It is not known whether Jardiance passes into human breast milk. However, because the medication could potentially interfere with the kidney development of a nursing infant, healthcare providers generally advise against breastfeeding while using this drug. You should consult with your doctor to determine the safest way to feed your baby while managing your condition.

Question 9

What forms and strengths does Jardiance come in?

Accepted Answer

Jardiance is supplied in the following form:

Oral tablet

This medication is taken by mouth.

Question 10

What is the FDA approval status of Jardiance?

Accepted Answer

FDA Approval and Indications

Jardiance (empagliflozin) received its initial FDA approval in 2014. It is currently approved for use in adults for the following indications:

To improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes, when used alongside diet and exercise.

To reduce the risk of cardiovascular death in adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease.

To reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure in adults with heart failure.

Jardiance is not approved for the treatment of type 1 diabetes or for treating diabetic ketoacidosis.

Safety Communications and Labeling Changes

The FDA has issued several safety communications and required label updates for the class of drugs known as SGLT2 inhibitors, which includes Jardiance. Key regulatory updates include:

Ketoacidosis: The FDA revised labels to include warnings about the risk of ketoacidosis, a serious condition where the body produces high levels of blood acids called ketones. This condition can occur even if blood sugar levels are not significantly elevated.

Serious Urinary Tract Infections: Warnings were added regarding the risk of severe urinary tract infections, including urosepsis and pyelonephritis, which may lead to hospitalization.

Fournier’s Gangrene: The FDA required a warning about a rare but life-threatening bacterial infection of the tissue under the skin surrounding the genitals and anus (necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum).

Regulatory Status

Jardiance is a prescription-only medication. While it carries significant warnings regarding the risks mentioned above, it does not currently have a Boxed Warning or a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program.

Question 11

What should I know about Jardiance and weight loss?

Accepted Answer

Weight Changes and Jardiance

Jardiance (empagliflozin) is primarily prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease. Although it is not a weight loss drug, weight loss is a common side effect observed in clinical studies.

How It Affects Weight

Jardiance belongs to a class of drugs called SGLT2 inhibitors. It works by preventing the kidneys from reabsorbing glucose (sugar) back into the bloodstream. Instead, the excess sugar is excreted through the urine. Because sugar contains calories, this process results in a loss of calories from the body, which can lead to weight loss over time.

What to Expect

Modest weight loss: Most people taking Jardiance for type 2 diabetes lose a small amount of weight, typically a few pounds, during the first several months of treatment.

Not for weight management: Healthcare providers do not prescribe Jardiance solely for the purpose of losing weight. It is intended to manage blood sugar levels and reduce cardiovascular risks.

Diet and exercise: For patients with type 2 diabetes, Jardiance is meant to be used alongside a healthy diet and regular physical activity, which also contribute to weight management.

If you experience sudden or extreme weight loss while taking this medication, you should contact your healthcare provider, as it could be a sign of a different medical issue or dehydration.

Jardiance

Medication Quick Facts

📋Overview

What It's Used For

How It Works

Side Effects

Warnings & Precautions

Dosage & How to Take

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Forms & Strengths

FDA / Regulatory Status

Weight Loss Information

FAQ

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