What is Empaz 25 and How Does it Work?
Empaz 25 contains empagliflozin at a 25 mg dose and is an SGLT2 inhibitor. It is known as Jardiance in the United States. Empagliflozin works by blocking a protein in the kidneys that reabsorbs glucose, causing excess glucose and sodium to be excreted in urine. This process lowers blood sugar, independent of insulin, making it suitable for many with type 2 diabetes. It also offers benefits like weight loss and reduced blood pressure, improving cardiovascular and renal health.
Primary Indications for Empagliflozin (Empaz 25)
Empagliflozin is used for specific conditions, often along with diet and exercise.
- Type 2 Diabetes: Manages blood sugar in adults and children 10 and older. The 25 mg dose may lower HbA1c more than the 10 mg dose.
- Heart Failure: Reduces the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure in adults, regardless of diabetes status. It lessens the heart's workload by reducing fluid and sodium.
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Reduces the risk of CKD worsening, end-stage kidney disease, cardiovascular death, and heart failure hospitalization. It helps manage CKD progression.
Potential Side Effects and Safety Considerations
Empagliflozin is generally well-tolerated, but side effects can occur.
Common Side Effects:
- Urinary tract and genital yeast infections
- Increased urination and thirst
- Nausea
Serious Side Effects:
- Ketoacidosis: A serious condition requiring immediate medical help.
- Dehydration and Hypotension: Can occur due to fluid loss, especially in older adults or those taking diuretics.
- Fournier's Gangrene: A rare but severe infection.
- Lower-Limb Amputation: A rare increased risk, particularly in those with existing circulatory problems.
Empaz 25 vs. Empaz 10 Comparison
Both doses contain empagliflozin, but prescribing may differ based on treatment goals.
| Feature | Empaz 10 mg (Empagliflozin 10 mg) | Empaz 25 mg (Empagliflozin 25 mg) |
|---|---|---|
| Glycemic Control (T2D) | Effective at lowering blood sugar; often the starting dose. | May provide a greater reduction in HbA1c compared to the 10 mg dose, especially over the long term. |
| Heart Failure | Robustly studied and proven to reduce cardiovascular death and hospitalizations. | Also used for heart failure. Some evidence suggests potential for superior heart function improvement, but more data is needed. |
| Chronic Kidney Disease | Effective for slowing CKD progression and reducing associated risks. | Recommended for similar benefits in CKD management. |
| Cardiovascular Risk Reduction (T2D) | Both doses have shown significant benefit in reducing cardiovascular death. | Both doses have shown significant benefit in reducing cardiovascular death. |
| Cost and Availability | May differ based on brand, insurance, and manufacturer coupons. | May differ based on brand, insurance, and manufacturer coupons. |
| Titration | Can be started at this dose and potentially increased to 25 mg if additional glycemic control is needed. | Represents the maximum dose for type 2 diabetes glycemic control. |
Conclusion
Empaz 25 (empagliflozin 25 mg) is a valuable medication for managing type 2 diabetes, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease. Its mechanism of increasing glucose and sodium excretion provides significant cardiovascular and renal benefits. While generally safe, potential side effects and serious risks like ketoacidosis should be discussed with a healthcare professional. Consult a doctor to see if Empaz 25 is appropriate for you.
For more detailed clinical trial information on empagliflozin, review the findings of the EMPA-REG OUTCOME trial on the National Institutes of Health website.
