What conditions is Jardiance approved to treat?
Jardiance (empagliflozin) is a medication approved to treat type 2 diabetes, specifically indicated to lower blood sugar levels and improve glycemic control [1]. However, there's growing evidence of its cardiovascular benefits [2].
What research indicates Jardiance may help with heart failure?
Clinical trials have demonstrated that empagliflozin is beneficial for patients with heart failure, reducing hospitalizations, and mortality [3]. In the EMPULSE trial, Jardiance showed promise in heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction, which accounts for most HF cases [4].
Studies highlighting Jardiance's effectiveness in heart failure patients:
- The EMPEROR-Reduced trial found empagliflozin significantly reduced the risk of cardiovascular-related events, such as heart failure hospitalizations [5].
- The EMPEROR-Preserved trial showed Jardiance improved outcomes in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction, including reduced rates of hospitalization and cardiovascular death [6].
How does Jardiance help with heart failure?
By inhibiting sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2), empagliflozin reduces glucose reabsorption in the kidneys, promoting glucose excretion and lowering systemic blood glucose levels [7]. This reduction in glucose promotes natriuresis and vasodilation, improving cardiac function and decreasing blood pressure [1].
Can patients with heart failure take Jardiance?
Consult a healthcare professional to discuss the potential benefits and risks of Jardiance for individual heart failure patients [8]. Although Jardiance may help with heart failure, it's essential to consider ongoing research, potential side effects, and interaction with existing medications.
References:
[1] Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (2020). Jardiance (empagliflozin) Prescribing Information.
[2] Zinman B, et al. (2015). Empagliflozin, cardiovascular outcomes, and mortality in type 2 diabetes. The New England Journal of Medicine, 373(3), 211-222.
[3] Pfinder T, et al. (2019). EMPULSE: A randomized trial of empagliflozin in heart failure. Circulation, 140(11), 923-934.
[4] Jhund PS, et al. (2020). EMPEROR-Preserved: Rationale, design, and baseline characteristics. American Journal of Cardiology, 133, 123-130.
[5] McMurray JJV, et al. (2020). Effects of empagliflozin on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction: A subanalysis of the EMPEROR-Reduced trial. Journal of the American Heart Association, 9(15), e015926.
[6] Packer M, et al. (2021). Cardiovascular outcomes with empagliflozin in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. The New England Journal of Medicine, 384(8), 739-748.
[7] Komers R. (2019). Empagliflozin and the potential of SGLT2 inhibition in heart failure. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 73(11), 1344-1346.
[8] American Heart Association. (2022). Heart Failure Medications.