Medicine Information

Empazin-L

Name: Empazin-L
Brand: Empazin-L
Rating: 4.5 (117 reviews)

Tablet10 mgAntidiabetic (SGLT2 Inhibitor)ATC: A10BK03

Generic Name

Empagliflozin

Manufacturer

Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Country

Bangladesh

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Price Details

Current market pricing information

Variant	Unit Price	Strip Price
empazin l 10 mg tablet	৳ 20.00	৳ 200.00

Description

Overview of the medicine

Empagliflozin is an oral antidiabetic drug used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. It belongs to a class of drugs called SGLT2 inhibitors, which help the kidneys remove glucose from the bloodstream. It also reduces the risk of cardiovascular death, hospitalization for heart failure, and progression of kidney disease.

Uses & Indications

To improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

To reduce the risk of cardiovascular death in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and established cardiovascular disease.

To reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure in adults with heart failure (HFrEF or HFpEF).

To reduce the risk of sustained decline in eGFR, end-stage kidney disease, cardiovascular death, and hospitalization in adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Dosage

Adults

The recommended starting dose is 10 mg once daily, taken in the morning, with or without food. The dose may be increased to 25 mg once daily based on glycemic control and tolerability.

Elderly

No dose adjustment is required based on age alone. However, renal function should be assessed before initiating and periodically during treatment.

Renal_impairment

For type 2 diabetes with eGFR ≥30 mL/min/1.73m², no dose adjustment is needed. Not recommended if eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73m² for glycemic control. For heart failure and CKD, initiation can be considered down to eGFR 20 mL/min/1.73m².

How to Take

Administer orally once daily in the morning, with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole with water.

Mechanism of Action

Empagliflozin selectively inhibits sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) in the renal proximal tubules, responsible for the majority of glucose reabsorption. By inhibiting SGLT2, empagliflozin reduces renal reabsorption of filtered glucose and lowers the renal threshold for glucose, leading to increased urinary glucose excretion (glucosuria), thereby lowering blood glucose levels.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

Glucose lowering effects observed within 30-60 minutes.

Excretion

Approximately 50% excreted unchanged in urine, and approximately 50% excreted via feces.

Half life

Mean terminal elimination half-life is approximately 12-19 hours.

Absorption

Rapidly absorbed after oral administration, with peak plasma concentrations (Cmax) reached approximately 1.5 hours post-dose. Absolute bioavailability is approximately 78%.

Metabolism

Primarily metabolized via glucuronidation by uridine 5'-diphospho-glucuronosyltransferases (UGT1A3, UGT1A8, UGT1A9, UGT2B7, UGT2B10).

Side Effects

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to empagliflozin or any excipients.
Severe renal impairment (eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73m²) for glycemic control indications.
Dialysis patients (limited data, generally not recommended).

Drug Interactions

Diuretics

Co-administration with diuretics may increase the risk of dehydration and hypotension.

ACE Inhibitors / Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs)

Potential for increased hypotensive effects.

Insulin and Insulin Secretagogues (e.g., Sulfonylureas)

Increased risk of hypoglycemia when co-administered. A lower dose of insulin or sulfonylurea may be required.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from direct light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Overdose

In the event of an overdose, symptomatic and supportive treatment should be initiated. Empagliflozin is not expected to be dialyzable.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy Category C. Not recommended for use during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy due to potential adverse effects on kidney development. Avoid during lactation as it is unknown if empagliflozin is excreted in human milk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this medicine

Pack Sizes

Blister pack of 10 tabletsBlister pack of 30 tablets

Shelf Life

Typically 2-3 years from manufacturing date, refer to package for exact expiry.

Availability

Pharmacies, Hospitals

Approval Status

FDA Approved, DGDA Approved

Patent Status

Patented by original innovator (Boehringer Ingelheim/Lilly)

WHO Essential Medicine

Yes

Clinical Trials

Empagliflozin has been evaluated in several large-scale clinical trials including EMPA-REG OUTCOME (cardiovascular outcomes in T2DM), EMPEROR-Reduced and EMPEROR-Preserved (heart failure outcomes), and EMPA-KIDNEY (chronic kidney disease outcomes), demonstrating its benefits in these conditions.

Lab Monitoring

Renal function (eGFR) should be assessed before initiation and periodically during treatment.
Glycemic control (HbA1c, fasting blood glucose).
Lipid profile (though less direct impact, good practice in diabetes).

Doctor Notes

Educate patients on symptoms of DKA, especially for those on insulin, and advise temporary discontinuation during prolonged fasting or surgery.
Monitor renal function before and during treatment, particularly in elderly patients or those with pre-existing renal impairment.
Advise patients about maintaining adequate hydration to prevent volume depletion.

Patient Guidelines

Take empagliflozin once daily in the morning, with or without food.
Stay well-hydrated, especially in hot weather or during illness, to reduce the risk of dehydration.
Be aware of symptoms of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and genital mycotic infections (e.g., burning, itching, discharge) and report them to your doctor.
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis (e.g., nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, excessive thirst, rapid breathing).

Missed Dose Advice

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Driving Precautions

Empagliflozin generally does not affect the ability to drive or operate machinery. However, if symptoms like dizziness or lightheadedness occur, especially due to dehydration or hypoglycemia (if taken with insulin/sulfonylurea), caution is advised.

Lifestyle Advice

Maintain a balanced diet and engage in regular physical activity as part of your diabetes management plan.
Ensure adequate fluid intake to help prevent dehydration and kidney-related issues.

Alternative Medicines in Bangladesh

Similar medicines available in the market

Jardiance (Boehringer Ingelheim & Lilly)Empa (Incepta Pharmaceuticals)Emtos (Beximco Pharmaceuticals)Empablo (Healthcare Pharmaceuticals)

Global Brand Names

International brand names for this medicine