What is Jardiance (Empagliflozin)?
Jardiance, with the active ingredient empagliflozin, is a brand-name prescription drug classified as a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor. It is administered as a once-daily tablet. Its mechanism involves blocking the SGLT2 protein in the kidneys, which normally reabsorbs glucose and sodium into the bloodstream. This blockage leads to the excretion of excess glucose and sodium through urine, differentiating its action from insulin-based diabetes treatments.
What is Jardiance used for? Key Approved Conditions
1. Type 2 Diabetes
Jardiance is an FDA-approved treatment for type 2 diabetes in adults and children aged 10 and older, used with diet and exercise to improve glycemic control. In adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease, Jardiance significantly lowers the risk of cardiovascular death.
2. Heart Failure
For adults with heart failure, regardless of type 2 diabetes status, Jardiance reduces the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization. By decreasing sodium and fluid retention, it helps reduce the heart's workload, improving its pumping efficiency.
3. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Jardiance is indicated for adults with chronic kidney disease at risk of progression. It helps reduce the risk of a sustained decline in kidney function (eGFR), end-stage kidney disease, cardiovascular death, and hospitalization.
How Jardiance Works in the Body
As an SGLT2 inhibitor, Jardiance blocks the reabsorption of glucose and sodium in the kidneys, leading to their excretion in urine. This action provides several benefits:
- Blood Sugar Control: Increased glucose excretion lowers blood sugar and A1C levels.
- Cardiovascular Health: Removing excess sodium and fluid reduces strain on the heart.
- Kidney Protection: Jardiance helps preserve kidney function by affecting hemodynamics and pressure within the kidneys.
Jardiance vs. Other SGLT2 Inhibitors
Jardiance is part of the SGLT2 inhibitor class. Here's a brief comparison with Farxiga (dapagliflozin):
| Feature | Jardiance (Empagliflozin) | Farxiga (Dapagliflozin) |
|---|---|---|
| Drug Class | SGLT2 Inhibitor | SGLT2 Inhibitor |
| Administration | Once-daily tablet | Once-daily tablet |
| Approved Uses | Type 2 Diabetes, Heart Failure, Chronic Kidney Disease | Type 2 Diabetes, Heart Failure, Chronic Kidney Disease |
| Generic Available | No (as of mid-2025) | Yes |
| Key Differences | Approved for a broader range of patients with heart failure regardless of diabetes status. | Approved for heart failure in adults and CKD patients with or without diabetes. |
Important Considerations and Side Effects
Discuss your medical history and medications with a healthcare provider before taking Jardiance due to potential side effects.
Common Side Effects: Include genital yeast infections (more common in females), urinary tract infections (UTIs), frequent urination, increased cholesterol, and upper respiratory tract infections.
Serious Side Effects: May include ketoacidosis (even with near-normal blood sugar), dehydration (potentially causing low blood pressure), the rare but serious Fournier's Gangrene (a genital infection), hypoglycemia (especially with insulin or sulfonylureas), and in rare cases, kidney injury.
Contraindications and Cautions
Jardiance is not suitable for everyone. Avoid use in patients with type 1 diabetes (increased ketoacidosis risk), severe kidney problems (unlikely to be effective for blood sugar control below an eGFR of 30 mL/min/1.73 m²), known hypersensitivity to empagliflozin, or certain pre-existing conditions like polycystic kidney disease.
Dosage and Administration
Jardiance is taken orally once daily in the morning, with or without food. The specific dosage is determined by a healthcare provider based on the condition being treated and individual patient factors. Dosage adjustments of concurrent medications like insulin or sulfonylureas may be necessary to manage the risk of hypoglycemia.
Conclusion: A Multi-Targeted Treatment
Jardiance has become a significant medication for managing not only type 2 diabetes but also major cardiovascular and renal conditions. Its SGLT2 inhibition mechanism offers benefits in glycemic control and crucial organ protection for the heart and kidneys. This broad utility highlights its importance in treating complex chronic diseases. Jardiance should always be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
More detailed information is available in the prescribing information on the FDA website.
