(em pa gli FLOE zin & met FOR min)
Diabetes mellitus, type 2: Adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus when treatment with both empagliflozin and metformin is appropriate
History of serious hypersensitivity to empagliflozin, metformin, or any component of the formulation; moderate to severe renal impairment (eGFR <45 mL/minute/1.73 m2); end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or patients on dialysis; acute or chronic metabolic acidosis (including diabetic ketoacidosis)
Postmarketing cases of metformin-associated lactic acidosis have resulted in death, hypothermia, hypotension, and resistant bradyarrhythmias. The onset of metformin-associated lactic acidosis is often subtle, accompanied only by nonspecific symptoms such as malaise, myalgias, respiratory distress, somnolence, and abdominal pain. Metformin-associated lactic acidosis was characterized by elevated blood lactate levels (>5 mmol/L), anion gap acidosis (without evidence of ketonuria or ketonemia), and increased lactate/pyruvate ratio; and metformin plasma levels generally >5 mcg/mL.
Risk factors for metformin-associated lactic acidosis include renal impairment, concomitant use of certain drugs (eg, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors such as topiramate), ≥65 years, having a radiological study with contrast, surgery and other procedures, hypoxic states (eg, acute congestive heart failure), excessive alcohol intake, and hepatic impairment.
Steps to reduce the risk of and manage metformin-associated lactic acidosis in these high risk groups are provided in the full prescribing information.
If metformin-associated lactic acidosis is suspected, immediately discontinue empagliflozin/metformin and institute general supportive measures in a hospital setting. Prompt hemodialysis is recommended.
Diabetes mellitus, type 2: Oral: Initial: Administer daily doses in 2 divided doses. Individualize initial dose based on patient 's current antidiabetic regimen. May gradually increase dose based on effectiveness and tolerability (maximum: empagliflozin 25 mg/metformin 2,000 mg per day)
Patients on metformin: Initial dose: Empagliflozin 5 mg plus similar total daily dose of metformin.
Patients on empagliflozin: Initial dose: Metformin 500 mg daily plus similar total daily dose of empagliflozin daily.
Patients switching from combination therapy of empagliflozin and metformin as separate tablets: Initial dose: Administer the same total daily dose of each component.
Refer to adult dosing. The initial and maintenance dosing should be conservative, due to the potential for decreased renal function (monitor).
eGFR ≥45 mL/minute/1.73 m2: No dosage adjustment necessary.
eGFR <45 mL/minute/1.73 m2: Use is contraindicated.
End-stage renal disease (ESRD): Use is contraindicated.
Dialysis: Use is contraindicated.
The manufacturer recommends avoiding metformin because liver disease is considered a risk factor for the development of lactic acidosis during metformin therapy. However, continued use of metformin in patients with diabetes with liver dysfunction, including cirrhosis, has been used successfully and may be associated with a survival benefit in carefully selected patients; use cautiously in patients at risk for lactic acidosis (eg, renal impairment, alcohol use) (Brackett 2010; Zhang 2014).
Oral: Administer twice daily with meals.
Store at 25 ‚ °C (77 ‚ °F); excursions permitted to 15 ‚ °C to 30 ‚ °C (59 ‚ °F to 86 ‚ °F).
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.
Tablet, Oral:
Synjardy: Empagliflozin 5 mg and metformin hydrochloride 500 mg, Empagliflozin 5 mg and metformin hydrochloride 1000 mg, Empagliflozin 12.5 mg and metformin hydrochloride 500 mg, Empagliflozin 12.5 mg and metformin hydrochloride 1000 mg
Alcohol (Ethyl): May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of MetFORMIN. Specifically, alcohol may potentiate the risk of lactic acidosis Avoid combination
Alpha-Lipoic Acid: May enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Antidiabetic Agents. Monitor therapy
Androgens: May enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Blood Glucose Lowering Agents. Exceptions: Danazol. Monitor therapy
BuPROPion: May increase the serum concentration of OCT2 Substrates. Monitor therapy
Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of MetFORMIN. Specifically, the risk of developing lactic acidosis may be increased. Exceptions: Brinzolamide; Dorzolamide. Monitor therapy
Cephalexin: May increase the serum concentration of MetFORMIN. Monitor therapy
Cimetidine: May increase the serum concentration of MetFORMIN. Consider therapy modification
Dalfampridine: MetFORMIN may increase the serum concentration of Dalfampridine. Dalfampridine may increase the serum concentration of MetFORMIN. Monitor therapy
Dofetilide: MetFORMIN may increase the serum concentration of Dofetilide. Monitor therapy
Dolutegravir: May increase the serum concentration of MetFORMIN. Management: Limit the daily metformin dose to 1,000 mg when used together with dolutegravir. Metformin dose adjustments may also be needed upon discontinuation of dolutegravir. Monitor patient response to metformin closely. Consider therapy modification
Glycopyrrolate (Systemic): May increase the serum concentration of MetFORMIN. Monitor therapy
Hyperglycemia-Associated Agents: May diminish the therapeutic effect of Antidiabetic Agents. Monitor therapy
Hypoglycemia-Associated Agents: Antidiabetic Agents may enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Hypoglycemia-Associated Agents. Monitor therapy
Insulin: SGLT2 Inhibitors may enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Insulin. Management: Consider a decrease in insulin dose when initiating therapy with a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor and monitor patients for hypoglycemia. Consider therapy modification
Iodinated Contrast Agents: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of MetFORMIN. Renal dysfunction that may be caused by iodinated contrast agents may lead to metformin-associated lactic acidosis. Management: Management advice varies. Refer to the full drug interaction monograph content for details. Exceptions: Diatrizoate Meglumine; Ethiodized Oil. Consider therapy modification
LamoTRIgine: May increase the serum concentration of MetFORMIN. Management: The lamotrigine Canadian product monograph states that coadministration of these drugs is not recommended. Monitor therapy
Loop Diuretics: Empagliflozin may enhance the hypotensive effect of Loop Diuretics. Monitor therapy
MAO Inhibitors: May enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Blood Glucose Lowering Agents. Monitor therapy
Ombitasvir, Paritaprevir, and Ritonavir: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of MetFORMIN. Specifically, the risk for lactic acidosis may be increased. Monitor therapy
Ombitasvir, Paritaprevir, Ritonavir, and Dasabuvir: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of MetFORMIN. Specifically, the risk for lactic acidosis may be increased. Monitor therapy
Ondansetron: May increase the serum concentration of MetFORMIN. Monitor therapy
Pegvisomant: May enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Blood Glucose Lowering Agents. Monitor therapy
Quinolone Antibiotics: May enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Blood Glucose Lowering Agents. Quinolone Antibiotics may diminish the therapeutic effect of Blood Glucose Lowering Agents. Specifically, if an agent is being used to treat diabetes, loss of blood sugar control may occur with quinolone use. Monitor therapy
Ranolazine: May increase the serum concentration of MetFORMIN. Management: Limit the metformin dose to a maximum of 1700 mg/day when used together with ranolazine 1000 mg twice daily. Consider therapy modification
Salicylates: May enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Blood Glucose Lowering Agents. Monitor therapy
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors: May enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Blood Glucose Lowering Agents. Monitor therapy
Sulfonylureas: SGLT2 Inhibitors may enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Sulfonylureas. Management: Consider a decrease in sulfonylurea dose when initiating therapy with a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor and monitor patients for hypoglycemia. Consider therapy modification
Teriflunomide: May increase the serum concentration of OAT3 Substrates. Monitor therapy
Thiazide and Thiazide-Like Diuretics: May diminish the therapeutic effect of Antidiabetic Agents. Monitor therapy
Topiramate: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of MetFORMIN. Monitor therapy
Trimethoprim: May increase the serum concentration of MetFORMIN. Monitor therapy
Trospium: MetFORMIN may decrease the serum concentration of Trospium. Monitor therapy
Vandetanib: May increase the serum concentration of MetFORMIN. Monitor therapy
Verapamil: May diminish the therapeutic effect of MetFORMIN. Monitor therapy
Blood glucose, HbA1c (at least twice yearly in patients who have stable glycemic control and are meeting treatment goals; quarterly in patients not meeting treatment goals or with therapy change (ADA 2016b); LDL-C; renal function and volume status (baseline and annually thereafter or when clinically indicated); hematologic parameters (annually); blood pressure; genital mycotic infections, urinary tract infections, and vitamin B12 (periodically with long term therapy); signs and symptoms of metabolic acidosis
See also individual agents.
1% to 10%: Endocrine & metabolic: Hypoglycemia (1% to 2%)
<1% (Limited to important or life-threatening): Ketoacidosis (FDA Safety Communication, December 4, 2015), pyelonephritis (FDA Safety Communication, December 4, 2015), urosepsis (FDA Safety Communication, December 4, 2015)
Concerns related to adverse effects:
- Bone fractures: According to the American Diabetes Association guidelines, sodium glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors should be avoided in patients with fracture risk factors (ADA 2016a).
- Genital mycotic infections: Empagliflozin may increase the risk of genital mycotic infections (eg, vulvovaginal mycotic infection, vulvovaginal candidiasis, vulvovaginitis, candida balanitis, balanoposthitis). Patients with a history of these infections are at greater risk.
- Hypotension: May cause symptomatic hypotension due to intravascular volume depletion especially in patients with renal impairment, elderly, patients on diuretics, or those with low systolic blood pressure. Assess volume status prior to initiation in patients at risk of hypotension and correct if depleted; monitor for signs and symptoms of hypotension after initiation and increase monitoring in clinical situations where volume contraction is expected.
- Ketoacidosis: Cases of ketoacidosis, a serious and life-threatening condition resulting in urgent hospitalization have been reported in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus receiving sodium glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors; before initiating treatment consider risk factors that may predispose to ketoacidosis (eg, pancreatic insulin deficiency from any cause, caloric restriction, and alcohol abuse). Patients presenting with nausea/vomiting, abdominal pain, generalized malaise, and/or shortness of breath should be assessed immediately for ketoacidosis regardless of blood glucose levels; if indicated, consider interruption or discontinuation of therapy.
- Lactic acidosis: [US Boxed Warning]: Postmarketing cases of metformin-associated lactic acidosis have resulted in death, hypothermia, hypotension, and resistant bradyarrhythmias. The onset is often subtle, accompanied by nonspecific symptoms (eg, malaise, myalgias, respiratory distress, somnolence, abdominal pain); elevated blood lactate levels (>5 mmol/L); anion gap acidosis (without evidence of ketonuria or ketonemia); increased lactate:pyruvate ratio; metformin plasma levels generally >5 mcg/mL. Risk factors for lactic acidosis include patients with renal impairment, concomitant use of certain drugs (eg, cationic drugs such as topiramate), ≥65 years, having a radiologic study with contrast, surgery and other procedures, hypoxic states (eg, acute heart failure), excessive alcohol intake, and hepatic impairment. Discontinue immediately if lactic acidosis is suspected; prompt hemodialysis is recommended. Lactic acidosis should be suspected in any patient with diabetes receiving metformin with evidence of acidosis but without evidence of ketoacidosis. Discontinue metformin in patients with conditions associated with dehydration, sepsis, or hypoxemia.
- Lipid abnormality: Empagliflozin may cause low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) elevation; monitor LDL-C and treat as needed
- Urinary tract infection: Serious urinary infections including urosepsis and pyelonephritis requiring hospitalization have been reported; treatment with SGLT2 inhibitors, including empagliflozin, increases the risk for urinary tract infections (UTI); monitor for signs and symptoms of UTI and treat as needed.
- Vitamin B12 concentrations: Metformin may impair vitamin B12 absorption, particularly in those with inadequate vitamin B12 or calcium intake/absorption; very rarely associated with anemia. Rapid reversal of vitamin B12 deficiency may be observed with discontinuation of therapy or supplementation. Monitor vitamin B12 serum concentrations periodically with long-term therapy.
Disease-related concerns:
- Hepatic Impairment: Generally avoid use in patients with hepatic impairment due to potential for lactic acidosis.
- Renal impairment: Risk of metformin accumulation and lactic acidosis increase with degree of renal impairment. Use of the combination product is contraindicated in patients with an eGFR <45 mL/minute/1.73 m2, end stage renal disease, or maintained on dialysis. Concomitant medications which may affect renal function or result in significant hemodynamic change or interfere with the disposition of metformin (eg, medications that may affect tubular secretion) should be used with caution. Metformin should be withheld in patients with dehydration and/or prerenal azotemia. Abnormalities in renal function (decreased eGFR, increased serum creatinine) may occur with use of empagliflozin; elderly patients and patients with preexisting renal impairment may be at greater risk. Assess renal function prior to initiation and at least annually during treatment.
- Stress-related states: It may be necessary to discontinue and administer insulin if the patient is exposed to stress (fever, trauma, infection, surgery).
Concurrent drug therapy issues:
- Drug-drug interactions: Potentially significant interactions may exist, requiring dose or frequency adjustment, additional monitoring, and/or selection of alternative therapy. Consult drug interactions database for more detailed information.
Special populations:
- Elderly: Metformin should not be initiated in patients ≥80 years of age unless normal renal function is confirmed; risk of acidosis increases with age.
Other warnings/precautions:
- Appropriate use: Not for use in patients with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (insulin-dependent, IDDM)
- Ethanol use: Instruct patients to avoid excessive acute or chronic ethanol use; ethanol may potentiate metformins effect on lactate metabolism.
- Iodinated contrast: Temporarily discontinue metformin at the time of or before iodinated contrast imaging procedures in patients with an eGFR 45 to 60 mL/minute/1.73 m2; or with a history of hepatic disease, alcoholism, or heart failure; or in patients who will receive intra-arterial iodinated contrast. Reevaluate eGFR 48 hours after imaging procedure; restart if renal function is stable. Alternatively, the American College of Radiology (ACR) guidelines recommend that metformin may be used prior to or following administration of iodinated contrast media in patients with no evidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) and with an eGFR ≥30 mL/minute/1.73 m2; ACR guidelines recommend temporary discontinuation of metformin in patients with known AKI or severe chronic kidney disease (stage IV or V [ie, eGFR <30 mL/minute/1.73 m2]) or who are undergoing arterial catheter studies (ACR 2015).
- Surgical procedures: Therapy should be suspended for any surgical procedures (except minor procedures not associated with restricted intake of food and fluids); restart after normal oral intake resumed and normal renal function is verified.
Metformin crosses the placenta. Refer to individual monographs.
Empagliflozin: By inhibiting sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) in the proximal renal tubules, empagliflozin reduces reabsorption of filtered glucose from the tubular lumen and lowers the renal threshold for glucose (RTG). SGLT2 is the main site of filtered glucose reabsorption; reduction of filtered glucose reabsorption and lowering of RTG result in increased urinary excretion of glucose, thereby reducing plasma glucose concentrations.
Metformin: Decreases hepatic glucose production, decreases intestinal absorption of glucose, improves insulin sensitivity by increasing peripheral glucose uptake and utilization.
- Discuss specific use of drug and side effects with patient as it relates to treatment. (HCAHPS: During this hospital stay, were you given any medicine that you had not taken before? Before giving you any new medicine, how often did hospital staff tell you what the medicine was for? How often did hospital staff describe possible side effects in a way you could understand?)
- Patient may experience rhinitis or pharyngitis. Have patient report immediately to prescriber signs of too much lactic acid in the blood (lactic acidosis; fast breathing, fast heartbeat, abnormal heartbeat, vomiting, drowsiness, shortness of breath, feeling very tired or weak, severe dizziness, feeling cold, or muscle pain or cramps), signs of fluid and electrolyte problems (mood changes, confusion, muscle pain or weakness, abnormal heartbeat, very bad dizziness or passing out, fast heartbeat, more thirst, seizures, feeling very tired or weak, not hungry, unable to pass urine or change in the amount of urine produced, dry mouth, dry eyes, or nausea or vomiting), signs of low blood sugar (dizziness, headache, fatigue, feeling weak, shaking, a fast heartbeat, confusion, hunger, or sweating), signs of kidney problems (urinary retention, blood in urine, change in amount of urine passed, weight gain), signs of a urinary tract infection (blood in the urine, burning or pain when passing urine, polyuria, fever, lower abdominal pain, or pelvic pain), vaginal yeast infection, penile yeast infection, nausea, vomiting, severe diarrhea, or severe abdominal pain (HCAHPS).
- Educate patient about signs of a significant reaction (eg, wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat). Note: This is not a comprehensive list of all side effects. Patient should consult prescriber for additional questions.
Intended Use and Disclaimer: Should not be printed and given to patients. This information is intended to serve as a concise initial reference for health care professionals to use when discussing medications with a patient. You must ultimately rely on your own discretion, experience and judgment in diagnosing, treating, and advising patients.