Empagliflozin+metformin
About
Empagliflozin+metformin is a combination drug that belongs to the antidiabetic class. It is primarily used to treat Type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a common condition that causes the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood to become too high. It's a lifelong condition that can affect your everyday life. You may need to change your diet, take medicines and have regular check-ups to lead a normal life.
Empagliflozin+metformin is composed of two antidiabetic medicines: Empagliflozin and Metformin. Empagliflozin is a type of medicine known as a sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor. It reduces blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. It does this by helping remove excess sugar from your body through your pee. Metformin belongs to the class of biguanides and manages blood sugar levels, particularly in obese patients. It lowers your blood sugar levels by improving how your body handles insulin. Altogether, they lower blood glucose more effectively.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily in the morning. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or worsens (if your blood sugar is too high or too low). In some cases, you may experience certain common side effects, such as frequent urination, mild skin rash or itchy skin, feeling sick (nausea), being sick (vomiting) or diarrhoea, stomach ache, and loss of appetite. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to Empagliflozin and Metformin; or have other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Empagliflozin+metformin should not be stopped even if you feel better, without consulting your doctor as your sugar level keeps changing. If you stop taking Empagliflozin+metformin abruptly, it may increase your sugar levels which could further increase the risk of eyesight loss (retinopathy), kidney (nephropathy), and nerve damage (neuropathy). Empagliflozin+metformin should not be taken if you have type 1 diabetes mellitus or severe kidney or liver disease. During pregnancy/lactation, this medication should be used only when needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
Uses of Empagliflozin+metformin
Medicinal Benefits
Empagliflozin+metformin is composed of two antidiabetic medicines: Empagliflozin and Metformin. Empagliflozin is a type of medicine known as a sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor. It reduces blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. It does this by helping remove excess sugar from your body through your pee. Metformin belongs to the class of biguanides and manages blood sugar levels, particularly in obese patients. It lowers your blood sugar levels by improving how your body handles insulin. Altogether, they lower blood glucose more effectively.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Empagliflozin+metformin
- Thrush
- Pain or a burning feeling when you pee
- Mild skin rash or itchy skin
- Feeling sick (nausea)
- Being sick (vomiting) or diarrhoea
- Stomach ache
- Loss of appetite
- A metallic taste in the mouth
- lactic acidosis
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to Empagliflozin and Metformin; or have other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Empagliflozin+metformin should not be stopped even if you feel better, without consulting your doctor as your sugar level keeps changing. If you stop taking Empagliflozin+metformin abruptly, it may increase your sugar levels which could further increase the risk of eyesight loss (retinopathy), kidney (nephropathy), and nerve damage (neuropathy). Empagliflozin+metformin should not be taken if you have type 1 diabetes mellitus or severe kidney or liver disease. It's generally not recommended to take empagliflozin during pregnancy/breastfeeding. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Empagliflozin+metformin is only for adults (from 18 years). It is not recommended for anyone aged 85 years or older.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Empagliflozin+metformin may interact with Steroid tablets (e.g. prednisolone), diuretic medications (e.g. furosemide), chest pain medications (e.g. nitrates), muscle relaxants (baclofen), medicines that cause low blood sugar (e.g. insulin, gliclazide).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid alcohol intake since it increases the risk of lactic acidosis.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Empagliflozin+metformin is contraindicated in patients with uncontrolled diabetes, liver or kidney problems, severe infection, severe problems with circulation or breathing difficulties being treated for heart failure, or recently having a heart attack.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is advised to avoid alcohol intake since it may worsen the side effects like lactic acidosis and increase the risk of developing low blood sugar levels.
Pregnancy
cautionEmpagliflozin in Empagliflozin+metformin is not generally recommended in pregnancy. It is not clear whether empagliflozin can harm an unborn baby. Your doctor may suggest other medications to control your blood sugar levels. Please consult your doctor before starting the Empagliflozin+metformin if you are pregnant or planning to conceive.
Breast Feeding
cautionEmpagliflozin+metformin may be unsafe to use during breastfeeding since it is excreted into breast milk. Please seek medical advice for further information.
Driving
cautionYou’re driving may be affected if your blood sugar levels are too high or too low. Do not drive or operate machinery if you also experience blurred vision, dizziness or drowsiness due to extremely low or high blood sugar.
Liver
cautionInform your doctor before receiving Empagliflozin+metformin if you have a liver impairment/disorder history. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Kidney
cautionInform your doctor before receiving Empagliflozin+metformin if you have a kidney impairment/disorder history. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Children
unsafeEmpagliflozin+metformin is not recommended for people younger than 18 years of age.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Take the medication as directed by the doctor and at regular intervals if you take Empagliflozin+metformin more than once per day. Do not use other over-the-counter medicines, herbal or vitamin supplements without informing your pharmacist or doctor when you take Empagliflozin+metformin.
- Maintain a fibre-rich diet and include healthy carbohydrates from fruits, vegetables and whole grains to maintain your blood glucose levels.
- Eat at regular intervals.
- Keep a check on your weight and exercise regularly to keep your heart healthy.
- Your doctor also guides you on noticing and managing the early symptoms of high/low blood sugar levels.
- Gastrointestinal side effects can be managed with simple modifications in your lifestyle. These include reducing sugars and fatty foods and avoiding carbonated drinks and foods that cause gas.
Special Advise
- It is advised to monitor your blood sugar levels regularly.
- If you need to undergo any x-ray or CT scan using a dye that should be injected into your veins, your doctor may suggest you stop taking Empagliflozin+metformin temporarily.
- Regular monitoring of kidney functioning is advised while using Empagliflozin+metformin.
- Empagliflozin+metformin may make you test positive for a urine glucose test. Hence inform your doctor in advance that you take Empagliflozin+metformin.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Type 2 diabetes: Type 2 diabetes is a common condition that causes the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood to become too high. It can cause symptoms like excessive thirst, needing to pee a lot and tiredness. It can also increase your risk of getting serious problems with your eyes, heart and nerves. It's a lifelong condition that can affect your everyday life. You may need to change your diet, take medicines and have regular check-ups. It's caused by problems with a chemical in the body (hormone) called insulin. It's often linked to being overweight or inactive or having a family history of type 2 diabetes.
FAQs
Empagliflozin+metformin is composed of two antidiabetic medicines, namely: Empagliflozin and Metformin. Empagliflozin works by increasing the amount of sugar that leaves your body in your pee. Metformin lowers your blood sugar levels by improving the way your body handles insulin. Altogether, they lower blood glucose more effectively.
Your doctor may advise Empagliflozin+metformin with or without other medications to control your blood sugar levels. However, it is advised to maintain a proper diet and exercise to control blood sugar levels while using Empagliflozin+metformin with or without other antidiabetic drugs.
It is not recommended to use Empagliflozin+metformin along with diuretics. Simultaneous use of Empagliflozin+metformin with diuretics can cause dehydration, and may these can increase your risk of dehydration and lower your blood pressure.
Diabetes is normally treated for the rest of one's life. Do not discontinue taking Empagliflozin+metformin pills without first consulting your doctor.
It is safe to take empagliflozin for a long time. There is no proof that this medication is harmful to your overall health.
Take the missed dose as soon as possible. However, if it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose.
