Jardiance for Type 2 Diabetes and Congestive Heart Failure

What is Jardiance?

Jardiance is the brand name for the medication empagliflozin. It is primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus, a condition in which the body is unable to properly regulate blood sugar levels. Jardiance belongs to a class of medications called sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors.

SGLT2 inhibitors work by inhibiting the reabsorption of glucose (sugar) by the kidneys, which leads to increased glucose excretion through urine. This mechanism helps lower blood sugar levels and can also lead to some additional benefits, such as modest weight loss and reduction in blood pressure.

These medications are rising in popularity for use in both type 2 diabetes and congestive heart failure due to their heart-protective effects.

Jardiance has 3 FDA approved indications, including:

• Treatment to improve blood sugar in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus
• Reducing the risk of heart-related death in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and heart disease
• Reducing the risk of heart-related hospitalization and death in adults with congestive heart failure

It is also used off-label for treatment of kidney disease to prevent further damage to the kidneys.

Jardiance and Cost

Because Jardiance is branded there is only one source for this medication. Regrettably, the high retail price of over $500 places these life-saving medications out of reach for many. Luckily, there are other SGLT2 inhibitor alternatives to Jardiance.

If you are like many Americans who cannot afford Jardiance, consider another SGLT2 inhibitor option like BRENZAVVY (bexagliflozin). Just $59.95 for 30-tablets.

How Jardiance Works

• Diabetes

  Empagliflozin, the active ingredient in Jardiance, works by increasing the amount of sugar that is eliminated in your urine. This action reduces the overall sugar levels in your body, leading to lower blood sugar readings and improved A1C levels. (blood sugar levels for the last 3 months).

• Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction

  In cases of heart failure, maintaining the right balance of sodium and fluid in the body is crucial. While the exact way empagliflozin benefits heart failure is not fully understood, it's thought to be related to its impact on sugar excretion. When the medication removes sugar via urine, it also brings along sodium and fluid. Although this effect is not as strong as that of a diuretic, it likely contributes to reduced sodium levels and blood volume.

Jardiance has shown promise in decreasing heart-related hospitalizations and the risk of death due to heart issues. This benefit can be attributed to the changes in sodium and fluid caused by the medication. This is a significant advantage of Jardiance because it not only addresses diabetes and heart failure but also helps prevent further complications related to the heart.

Common Side Effects of Jardiance

Many of Jardiance’s side effects are a result of its mechanism of action—increasing the excretion of sugar in the urine. This elevated sugar content in the urine can create an environment favorable for the growth of bacteria and yeast, potentially raising the risk of infection.

• Urinary tract infections
• Genital fungal (yeast) infections
• Nausea
• Increased thirst
• Increased urine output
• Elevated cholesterol levels
• Weight loss

Weight Loss with Jardiance

Certain type 2 diabetes medications have garnered attention due to their potential for weight loss. Jardiance is one such medication that offers this side effect, though its impact isn't as pronounced as some others. On average, individuals taking Jardiance experience a weight loss of approximately 8.1 lbs within a 26-week period. This aspect might be lesser-known, given that more focus tends to be on medications like Ozempic.

Jardiance and Ozempic work via distinct mechanisms, even though they share some similar effects. The weight loss associated with Jardiance is likely linked to a reduction in calorie absorption resulting from the loss of sugars in the urine. It's important to note that while weight loss is a side effect of the medication, it is not an FDA-approved purpose for its use. Consequently, Jardiance should not be utilized for weight loss specifically, but rather for its approved indications, with weight loss considered an accompanying effect.

Warnings for Those Taking Jardiance

There are several rare but dangerous risks associated with Jardiance.

• Low Blood Sugar

  The risk of low blood sugar is increased for individuals taking Jardiance, especially when the medication is used concurrently with other insulin-boosting medications like direct insulin and sulfonylureas.

• Electrolyte Abnormalities

  Although rare, electrolyte imbalances (potassium, sodium, magnesium) constitute serious side effects associated with Jardiance. Symptoms such as increased confusion, dizziness, heart palpitations, or changes in urine may indicate electrolyte irregularities, demanding prompt medical attention.

• Ketoacidosis

  Ketoacidosis is a rare yet severe condition that occurs when the blood becomes excessively acidic due to an accumulation of "ketones." This happens when the body cannot use sugars for energy and instead starts breaking down fats, leading to ketone production. This causes the blood to be very acidic and can be dangerous if not treated quickly.

To learn more about Jardiance, and how to get a prescription from Marley Drug, just call us at 1-800-810-7790.