Jardiance is a widely recognized prescription medication. Understanding a drug’s class helps clarify how it functions within the body and its intended therapeutic effects.
The SGLT2 Inhibitor Class
Jardiance, known generically as empagliflozin, belongs to a class of medications called Sodium-Glucose Co-Transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. This group of drugs represents a relatively newer development in pharmacotherapy, with the first SGLT2 inhibitor approved in March 2013, and empagliflozin following in August 2014. Medications within this class are also sometimes referred to as “gliflozins”.
How SGLT2 Inhibitors Work
SGLT2 inhibitors function by targeting specific proteins located in the kidneys. The kidneys normally reabsorb almost all the glucose back into the bloodstream. This reabsorption occurs primarily through the action of the SGLT2 protein. When an SGLT2 inhibitor is administered, it blocks the activity of this SGLT2 protein. By inhibiting SGLT2, these medications prevent the kidneys from reabsorbing a significant amount of glucose. Consequently, more glucose remains in the urine and is excreted from the body. This mechanism leads to a reduction in blood glucose levels, operating independently of insulin secretion or sensitivity.
Conditions Treated by SGLT2 Inhibitors
Medications in the SGLT2 inhibitor class, including Jardiance, are prescribed for several medical conditions. They are widely used to manage Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, helping to improve blood sugar control by increasing glucose excretion through urine. This action assists in lowering hemoglobin A1c levels, a key marker of long-term blood sugar management. Beyond diabetes, SGLT2 inhibitors have demonstrated effectiveness in improving cardiovascular outcomes for individuals with heart failure. They can reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization in certain adult patients with heart failure. The mechanism involves reducing sodium and fluid retention and improving the heart’s energy use, which lessens stress on the heart. Additionally, these medications are used in chronic kidney disease to slow disease progression, helping to keep the kidney’s small filters healthy and reducing the risk of end-stage kidney disease.
Important Considerations for SGLT2 Inhibitors
Common side effects associated with this class of medication include an increased frequency of urination and thirst due to the increased glucose excretion in urine. Genital yeast infections and urinary tract infections may also occur more frequently, as the presence of glucose in the urine can create a favorable environment for these infections. Maintaining adequate hydration is important while on these medications to mitigate some side effects related to fluid loss. SGLT2 inhibitors are prescription medications that require ongoing medical supervision. They are typically part of a broader, individualized treatment plan that may include diet, exercise, and other medications to manage complex health conditions effectively.