Empagliflozin
Also sold as: Synjardy, empagliflozin 10 MG Oral Tablet [Jardiance], empagliflozin 25 MG Oral Tablet [Jardiance], empagliflozin 10 MG / linagliptin 5 MG Oral Tablet [Glyxambi], empagliflozin 25 MG / linagliptin 5 MG Oral Tablet [Glyxambi], empagliflozin 5 MG / metformin hydrochloride 500 MG Oral Tablet [Synjardy], empagliflozin 12.5 MG / metformin hydrochloride 500 MG Oral Tablet [Synjardy], empagliflozin 5 MG / metformin hydrochloride 1000 MG Oral Tablet [Synjardy], empagliflozin 12.5 MG / metformin hydrochloride 1000 MG Oral Tablet [Synjardy], 24 HR empagliflozin 10 MG / metformin hydrochloride 1000 MG Extended Release Oral Tablet [Synjardy], 24 HR empagliflozin 12.5 MG / metformin hydrochloride 1000 MG Extended Release Oral Tablet [Synjardy], 24 HR empagliflozin 25 MG / metformin hydrochloride 1000 MG Extended Release Oral Tablet [Synjardy], 24 HR empagliflozin 5 MG / metformin hydrochloride 1000 MG Extended Release Oral Tablet [Synjardy], 24 HR empagliflozin 10 MG / linagliptin 5 MG / metformin hydrochloride 1000 MG Extended Release Oral Tablet [Trijardy], 24 HR empagliflozin 12.5 MG / linagliptin 2.5 MG / metformin hydrochloride 1000 MG Extended Release Oral Tablet [Trijardy], 24 HR empagliflozin 25 MG / linagliptin 5 MG / metformin hydrochloride 1000 MG Extended Release Oral Tablet [Trijardy], 24 HR empagliflozin 5 MG / linagliptin 2.5 MG / metformin hydrochloride 1000 MG Extended Release Oral Tablet [Trijardy], empagliflozin Oral Tablet [Jardiance], empagliflozin / linagliptin Oral Tablet [Glyxambi], empagliflozin / metformin Oral Tablet [Synjardy]
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE SYNJARDY SYNJARDY is a combination of empagliflozin, a sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor and metformin hydrochloride (HCl) immediate-release, a biguanide, indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults and pediatric patients aged 10 years and older with type 2 diabetes mellitus. SYNJARDY XR SYNJARDY XR is a combination of empagliflozin, a SGLT2 inhibitor and metformin HCl extended-release, a biguanide, indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus . Empagliflozin Empagliflozin, when used as a component of SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR, is indicated in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus to reduce the risk of: Cardiovascular (CV) death in adults with established CV disease. ( 1 ) CV death and hospitalization for heart failure in adults with heart failure. ( 1 ) Sustained decline in eGFR, end-stage kidney disease, CV death, and hospitalization in adult
Drug Equivalents
Different molecule, same mechanism of action or pharmacologic class (RxClass). These are therapeutic alternatives, not interchangeable without physician guidance.
Class: Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors
- dapagliflozinSodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 InhibitorSame Class
- bexagliflozinSodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 InhibitorSame Class
- sotagliflozinSodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 InhibitorSame Class
- tolazamideBlood Glucose RegulatorSame Class
- linagliptinBlood Glucose RegulatorSame Class
- alogliptinBlood Glucose RegulatorSame Class
- insulin detemirBlood Glucose RegulatorSame Class
- lixisenatideBlood Glucose RegulatorSame Class
- dulaglutideBlood Glucose RegulatorSame Class
- acarboseBlood Glucose RegulatorSame Class
- insulin degludecBlood Glucose RegulatorSame Class
- semaglutideBlood Glucose RegulatorSame Class
- insulin, regular, humanBlood Glucose RegulatorSame Class
- dasiglucagonBlood Glucose RegulatorSame Class
- glimepirideBlood Glucose RegulatorSame Class
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Mechanism of Action
12.1 Mechanism of Action SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR SYNJARDY and SYNJARDY XR contain: empagliflozin, a SGLT2 inhibitor, and metformin HCl, a biguanide. Empagliflozin Empagliflozin is an inhibitor of SGLT2, the predominant transporter responsible for reabsorption of glucose from the glomerular filtrate back into the circulation. By inhibiting SGLT2, empagliflozin reduces renal reabsorption of filtered glucose and lowers the renal threshold for glucose, and thereby increases urinary glucose excretion. Empagliflozin also reduces sodium reabsorption and increases the delivery of sodium to the distal tubule. This may influence several physiological functions including, but not restricted to, increasing tubuloglomerular feedback and reducing intraglomerular pressure, lowering both pre- and afterload of the heart and downregulating sympathetic activity. Metformin HCl Metformin HCl is an antihyperglycemic agent which improves glucose tolerance in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, lowering both basal and postprandial plasma glucose. It is not chemically or pharmacologically related to any other classes of oral antihyperglycemic agents. Metformin HCl decreases hepatic glucose production, decreases intestinal absorption of glucose, and improves insulin sensitivity by increasing peripheral glucose uptake and utilization. Unlike sulfonylureas, metformin HCl does not produce hypoglycemia in either patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus or normal subjects (except in special circumstances) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] and does not cause hyperinsulinemia. With metformin HCl therapy, insulin secretion remains unchanged while fasting insulin levels and day-long plasma insulin response may decrease.
Indications & Uses
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE SYNJARDY SYNJARDY is a combination of empagliflozin, a sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor and metformin hydrochloride (HCl) immediate-release, a biguanide, indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults and pediatric patients aged 10 years and older with type 2 diabetes mellitus. SYNJARDY XR SYNJARDY XR is a combination of empagliflozin, a SGLT2 inhibitor and metformin HCl extended-release, a biguanide, indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus . Empagliflozin Empagliflozin, when used as a component of SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR, is indicated in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus to reduce the risk of: Cardiovascular (CV) death in adults with established CV disease. ( 1 ) CV death and hospitalization for heart failure in adults with heart failure. ( 1 ) Sustained decline in eGFR, end-stage kidney disease, CV death, and hospitalization in adults with chronic kidney disease at risk of progression. ( 1 ) Limitations of Use : Not recommended for use to improve glycemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. It may increase the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis in these patients. ( 1 ) Because of the metformin HCl component, the use of SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR is limited to patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus for all indications. ( 1 ) Empagliflozin, when used as a component of SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR, is not recommended for the treatment of chronic kidney disease in patients with polycystic kidney disease or patients requiring or with a recent history of intravenous immunosuppressive therapy or greater than 45 mg of prednisone or equivalent for kidney disease. Empagliflozin is not expected to be effective in these populations. ( 1 ) SYNJARDY SYNJARDY is a combination of empagliflozin and metformin hydrochloride (HCl) immediate-release indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults a
Dosage & Administration
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Assess renal function before initiating and as clinically indicated. Assess volume status and correct volume depletion before initiating. ( 2.1 ) Individualize the starting dosage based on the patient's current regimen and renal function. ( 2.2 , 2.3 , 2.4 ) The maximum recommended dosage is 25 mg/day of empagliflozin and 2,000 mg/day of metformin HCl. ( 2.2 , 2.3 ) Initiation of SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR is not recommended in patients with an eGFR less than 45 mL/min/1.73 m 2 , due to the metformin HCl component. ( 2.4 ) SYNJARDY: take orally twice daily with meals, with gradual dosage escalation to reduce the gastrointestinal adverse reactions due to metformin HCl. ( 2.2 , 2.3 ) SYNJARDY XR: take orally once daily with a meal in the morning, with gradual dosage escalation to reduce the gastrointestinal adverse reactions due to metformin HCl. Swallow whole; do not split, crush, dissolve, or chew. ( 2.2 ) SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR may need to be discontinued at time of, or prior to, iodinated contrast imaging procedures. ( 2.5 ) Withhold SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR at least 3 days, if possible, prior to surgery or procedures associated with prolonged fasting. ( 2.6 ) 2.1 Testing Prior to Initiation of SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR Assess renal function before initiating SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR and as clinically indicated [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1 , 5.3) ] . Assess volume status. In patients with volume depletion, correct this condition before initiating SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) and Use in Specific Populations (8.5 , 8.6) ] . 2.2 Recommended Dosage and Administration of SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR in Adults When switching to SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR from: Metformin HCl: initiate SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR at a similar total daily dosage of metformin HCl and a total daily empagliflozin dosage of 10 mg. Empagliflozin: initiate SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR at the same total daily dosage of empagliflozin and a total daily metformin HCl dosage of 1,000 mg. Empagliflozin and metformin HCl: initiate SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR at the same total daily dosages of each component. Recommended dosage of SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR: The recommended total daily dosage of empagliflozin is 10 mg. For additional glycemic control, empagliflozin may be increased to a maximum total daily dosage of 25 mg in patients tolerating 10 mg daily and metformin HCl may be increased to a maximum total daily dosage of 2,000 mg, with gradual escalation to reduce gastrointestinal adverse reactions with metformin HCl [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ]. Take SYNJARDY orally twice daily with meals. Take SYNJARDY XR orally once daily with a meal in the morning. Swallow each tablet whole. Do not split, crush, dissolve, or chew. 2.3 Recommended Dosage and Administration of SYNJARDY in Pediatric Patients Aged 10 Years and Older Individualize the dosage of SYNJARDY based on the patient's current regimen. Monitor effectiveness and tolerability, and adjust dosage as appropriate, not to exceed the maximum total daily dosage of empagliflozin 25 mg and metformin HCl 2,000 mg . Take SYNJARDY orally twice daily with meals; with gradual dose escalation to reduce gastrointestinal adverse reactions with metformin HCl [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ]. 2.4 Dosage Recommendations in Patients with Renal Impairment Initiation of SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR is not recommended in patients with an eGFR less than 45 mL/min/1.73 m 2 , due to the metformin HCl component. SYNJARDY and SYNJARDY XR are contraindicated in patients with an eGFR less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m 2 [see Contraindications (4) , Warnings and Precautions (5.1) , and Use in Specific Populations (8.6) ] . 2.5 Discontinuation for Iodinated Contrast Imaging Procedures Discontinue SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR at the time of, or prior to, an iodinated contrast imaging procedure in patients with an eGFR less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ; in patients with a history of liver disease, alcoholism or heart failure; or in patients who will be administered intra-arterial iodinated contrast. Re-evaluate eGFR 48 hours after the imaging procedure; restart SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR if renal function is stable [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . 2.6 Temporary Interruption for Surgery Withhold SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR for at least 3 days, if possible, prior to surgery or procedures associated with prolonged fasting. Resume SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR when the patient is clinically stable and has resumed oral intake [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.2) ] . 2.7 Recommendations Regarding Missed Dose If a dose is missed, instruct patients to take the dose as soon as possible. Advise patients not to double up the next dose.
Side Effects (Adverse Reactions)
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following important adverse reactions are described below and elsewhere in the labeling: Lactic Acidosis [see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus and Other Ketoacidosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Volume Depletion [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Genitourinary Infections, including Urosepsis, Pyelonephritis, Necrotizing Fasciitis of the Perineum (Fournier's Gangrene), and Genital Mycotic Infections [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Hypoglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Lower Limb Amputation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] Vitamin B 12 Deficiency [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] Most common adverse reactions associated with empagliflozin (5% or greater incidence) were urinary tract infections and female genital mycotic infections. ( 6.1 ) Most common adverse reactions associated with metformin HCl (>5%) are diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, flatulence, abdominal discomfort, indigestion, asthenia, and headache. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. at 1-800-542-6257 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The safety of concomitantly administered empagliflozin (daily dosage 10 mg or 25 mg) and metformin HCl (mean daily dosage of approximately 1,800 mg) has been evaluated in 3,456 adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus treated for 16 to 24 weeks, of which 926 patients received placebo, 1,271 patients received a daily dosage of empagliflozin 10 mg, and 1,259 patients received a daily dosage of empagliflozin 25 mg. Discontinuation of therapy due to adverse events across treatment groups was 3.0%, 2.8%, and 2.9% for placebo, empagliflozin 10 mg, and empagliflozin 25 mg, respectively. Adverse Reactions in a Clinical Trial with Empagliflozin (Add-On Combination Therapy with Metformin HCl and Sulfonylurea) for Glycemic Control in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus In a 24-week placebo-controlled trial of empagliflozin 10 mg or 25 mg administered once daily added to metformin HCl and sulfonylurea, adverse reactions reported in ≥5% of empagliflozin-treated patients and more commonly than in placebo-treated patients are presented in Table 1 (see also Table 4 ). Table 1 Adverse Reactions Reported in ≥5% of Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Treated with Empagliflozin added on to Metformin HCl plus Sulfonylurea and Greater than with Placebo in a 24-week Placebo Controlled Clinical Trial Adverse Reactions Placebo (%) n=225 Empagliflozin 10 mg (%) n=224 Empagliflozin 25 mg (%) n=217 Hypoglycemia 9.8 15.6 12.9 Urinary tract infection 6.7 9.4 6.9 Nasopharyngitis 4.9 8.0 6.0 Empagliflozin Clinical Trials in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus The data in Table 2 are derived from a pool of four 24-week placebo-controlled trials and 18-week data from a placebo-controlled trial with basal insulin in adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Empagliflozin was used as monotherapy in one trial and as add-on therapy in four trials [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ] . These data reflect exposure of 1,976 adult patients to empagliflozin with a mean exposure duration of approximately 23 weeks. Patients received placebo (N=995), empagliflozin 10 mg (N=999), or empagliflozin 25 mg (N=977) once daily. The mean age of the population was 56 years and 3% were older than 75 years of age. More than half (55%) of the population was male; 46% were White, 50% were Asian, and 3% were Black or African American. At baseline, 57% of the population had diabetes mellitus more than 5 years and had a mean hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) of 8%. Established microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus at baseline included diabetic nephropathy (7%), retinopathy (8%), or neuropathy (16%). Baseline renal function was normal or mildly impaired in 91% of patients and moderately impaired in 9% of patients (mean eGFR 86.8 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ). Table 2 shows adverse reactions (excluding hypoglycemia) that were not present at baseline, occurred more commonly in empagliflozin-treated patients than placebo-treated patients, and occurred in greater than or equal to 2% of empagliflozin-treated patients. Table 2 Adverse Reactions Reported in ≥2% of Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Treated with Empagliflozin and Greater than Placebo in Pooled Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trials of Empagliflozin Monotherapy or Combination Therapy Adverse Reactions Placebo (%) N=995 Empagliflozin 10 mg (%) N=999 Empagliflozin 25 mg (%) N=977 a Predefined adverse event grouping, including, but not limited to, urinary tract inf
Drug Interactions
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS See Table 4 for clinically relevant interactions with SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR. Table 4 Clinically Relevant Interactions with SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors Clinical Impact Topiramate or other carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (e.g., zonisamide, acetazolamide or dichlorphenamide) frequently causes a decrease in serum bicarbonate and induce non-anion gap, hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis. Concomitant use of these drugs with SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR may increase the risk of lactic acidosis. Intervention Consider more frequent monitoring of these patients. Drugs that Reduce Metformin Clearance Clinical Impact Concomitant use of drugs that interfere with common renal tubular transport systems involved in the renal elimination of metformin (e.g., organic cationic transporter-2 [OCT2] / multidrug and toxin extrusion [MATE] inhibitors such as ranolazine, vandetanib, dolutegravir, and cimetidine) could increase systemic exposure to metformin and may increase the risk for lactic acidosis [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Intervention Consider the benefits and risks of concomitant use. Alcohol Clinical Impact Alcohol is known to potentiate the effect of metformin on lactate metabolism. Intervention Warn patients against excessive alcohol intake while receiving SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR. Diuretics Clinical Impact Coadministration of empagliflozin with diuretics resulted in increased urine volume and frequency of voids, which might enhance the potential for volume depletion. Intervention Before initiating SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR, assess volume status and renal function. In patients with volume depletion, correct this condition before initiating SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR. Monitor for signs and symptoms of volume depletion, and renal function after initiating therapy. Insulin or Insulin Secretagogues Clinical Impact The risk of hypoglycemia is increased when SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR is used in combination with insulin secretagogues (e.g., sulfonylurea) or insulin. Intervention Coadministration of SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR with an insulin secretagogue (e.g., sulfonylurea) or insulin may require lower dosages of the insulin secretagogue or insulin to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia. Drugs Affecting Glycemic Control Clinical Impact Certain drugs tend to produce hyperglycemia and may lead to loss of glycemic control. These drugs include the thiazides and other diuretics, corticosteroids, phenothiazines, thyroid products, estrogens, oral contraceptives, phenytoin, nicotinic acid, sympathomimetics, calcium channel blocking drugs, and isoniazid. Intervention When such drugs are administered to a patient receiving SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR, the patient should be closely observed to maintain adequate glycemic control. When such drugs are withdrawn from a patient receiving SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR, the patient should be observed closely for hypoglycemia. Lithium Clinical Impact Concomitant use of an SGLT2 inhibitor with lithium may decrease serum lithium concentrations. Intervention Monitor serum lithium concentration more frequently during SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR initiation and dosage changes. Positive Urine Glucose Test Clinical Impact SGLT2 inhibitors increase urinary glucose excretion and will lead to positive urine glucose tests. Intervention Monitoring glycemic control with urine glucose tests is not recommended in patients taking SGLT2 inhibitors. Use alternative methods to monitor glycemic control. Interference with 1,5-anhydroglucitol (1,5-AG) Assay Clinical Impact Measurements of 1,5-AG are unreliable in assessing glycemic control in patients taking SGLT2 inhibitors. Intervention Monitoring glycemic control with 1,5-AG assay is not recommended. Use alternative methods to monitor glycemic control. Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors: May increase risk of lactic acidosis. Consider more frequent monitoring. ( 7 ) Drugs that Reduce Metformin Clearance: May increase risk of lactic acidosis. Consider benefits and risks of concomitant use. ( 7 ) See full prescribing information for additional drug interactions and information on interference of SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR with laboratory tests. ( 7 )
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS SYNJARDY and SYNJARDY XR are contraindicated in patients with: severe renal impairment (eGFR less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Use in Specific Populations (8.6) ]. acute or chronic metabolic acidosis, including diabetic ketoacidosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. hypersensitivity to empagliflozin, metformin HCl or any of the excipients in SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR, reactions such as angioedema have occurred [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] . Severe renal impairment (eGFR below 30 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ) ( 4 ) Metabolic acidosis, including diabetic ketoacidosis ( 4 ) Hypersensitivity to empagliflozin, metformin HCl or any of the excipients in SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR ( 4 )
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Data sourced from RxNorm (NLM/NIH), FDA Orange Book, OpenFDA, DailyMed. Last updated: 2026-03-02.