Generic
Empagliflozin + Metformin Hydrochloride
Dosage Administration
The dosage should be individualized based on effectiveness and tolerability. Take this combination twice daily with meals. Dose escalation should be gradual to reduce the gastrointestinal side effects due to Metformin Hydrochloride. Maximum recommended daily dose of Metformin Hydrochloride is 2000 mg and Empagliflozin is 25 mg. Recommended individualized starting dose: In patients on Metformin Hydrochloride, switch to this combination containing Empagliflozin 5 mg with a similar total daily dose of Metformin Hydrochloride. In patients on Empagliflozin, switch to this combination containing Metformin Hydrochloride 500 mg with a similar total daily dose of Empagliflozin. In patients already treated with Empagliflozin and Metformin Hydrochloride separately switch to this combination containing the same total daily doses of each component. In patients with volume depletion not previously treated with Empagliflozin, correct this condition before initiating this combination. Renal impaired patient: Assess renal function before initiating this combination. In patients with an eGFR below 45 mL/min/1.73 m2 is contraindicated. Pediatric patients under 18 years of age: Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients under 18 years of age have not been established.
Contraindications
Advise females of the potential risk to a fetus especially during the second and third trimesters. This is not recommended when breastfeeding.
Side Effects
Lactic Acidosis: Postmarketing cases of Metformin Hydrochloride-associated lactic acidosis. If lactic acidosis is suspected, general supportive measures should be instituted promptly in a hospital setting, along with immediate discontinuation of this combination. Hypotension: Before initiating this combination assess and correct volume status in patients with renal impairment, the elderly, in patients with low systolic blood pressure, and in patients on diuretics. Monitor for signs and symptoms of hypotension after initiating therapy and increase monitoring in clinical situations where volume contraction is expected. Ketoacidosis: Before initiating this combination assess patients who present with signs and symptoms of metabolic acidosis for ketoacidosis, regardless of blood glucose level. If suspected, discontinue this combination, evaluate and treat promptly. Acute kidney injury & impairment in renal function: Consider temporarily discontinuing this combination in settings of reduced oral intake or fluid losses. If acute kidney injury occurs, discontinue this combination promptly and institute treatment. Urosepsis, Pyelonephritis, Fournier’s gangrene & Genital mycotic infections: Treatment with SGLT2 inhibitors increases the risk for urinary tract infections. Evaluate patients for signs and symptoms of urinary tract infections and treat promptly, if indicated. Hypoglycemia: Consider lowering the dose of insulin secretagogue or insulin to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia when initiating this combination. Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Metformin Hydrochloride may lower vitamin B12 levels. Monitor hematologic parameters annually. Increased LDL-C: Monitor and treat as appropriate. Macrovascular Outcomes: There have been no clinical studies establishing conclusive evidence of macrovascular risk reduction with this combination.
Pregnancy And Lactation
Most common adverse reactions associated with Empagliflozin (5% or greater incidence) were urinary tract infection and female genital mycotic infections. Most common adverse reactions associated with Metformin (>5%) are diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, flatulence, abdominal discomfort, indigestion, asthenia, and headache. The following important adverse reactions are given below: Very common: Hypoglycemia (when used with sulphonylurea or insulin), Gastrointestinal symptoms Common: Vaginal moniliasis, vulvovaginitis, balanitis and other genital infection. Urinary tract infection (including pyelonephritis and urosepsis), thirst, taste disturbance, pruritus (generalised), rash, Increased urination, serum lipids increased Uncommon: Volume depletion, urticaria, dysuria, blood creatinine increased/Glomerular filtration rate decreased, Haematocrit increased Rare: Diabetic ketoacidosis.
Therapeutic
Advise females of the potential risk to a fetus especially during the second and third trimesters. This is not recommended when breastfeeding.
Storage Conditions
Lactic Acidosis: Postmarketing cases of Metformin Hydrochloride-associated lactic acidosis. If lactic acidosis is suspected, general supportive measures should be instituted promptly in a hospital setting, along with immediate discontinuation of this combination. Hypotension: Before initiating this combination assess and correct volume status in patients with renal impairment, the elderly, in patients with low systolic blood pressure, and in patients on diuretics. Monitor for signs and symptoms of hypotension after initiating therapy and increase monitoring in clinical situations where volume contraction is expected. Ketoacidosis: Before initiating this combination assess patients who present with signs and symptoms of metabolic acidosis for ketoacidosis, regardless of blood glucose level. If suspected, discontinue this combination, evaluate and treat promptly. Acute kidney injury & impairment in renal function: Consider temporarily discontinuing this combination in settings of reduced oral intake or fluid losses. If acute kidney injury occurs, discontinue this combination promptly and institute treatment. Urosepsis, Pyelonephritis, Fournier’s gangrene & Genital mycotic infections: Treatment with SGLT2 inhibitors increases the risk for urinary tract infections. Evaluate patients for signs and symptoms of urinary tract infections and treat promptly, if indicated. Hypoglycemia: Consider lowering the dose of insulin secretagogue or insulin to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia when initiating this combination. Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Metformin Hydrochloride may lower vitamin B12 levels. Monitor hematologic parameters annually. Increased LDL-C: Monitor and treat as appropriate. Macrovascular Outcomes: There have been no clinical studies establishing conclusive evidence of macrovascular risk reduction with this combination.