New SGLT2 inhibitor empagliflozin: modern and safe treatment of diabetes

Czech version

Authors: Zdeněk Rušavý
Authors‘ workplace: Diabetologické centrum I. interní kliniky LF UK a FN Plzeň, přednosta prof. MUDr. Martin Matějovič, Ph. D.
Published in: Vnitř Lék 2014; 60(11): 926-930
Category: Reviews

Overview

Empagliflozin is agent of new antidiabetic drugs that cause glycosuria blocking the glucose reuptake in the proximal tubule. The loss of 50-100 g of glucose / 24 hours in the urine results in a reduction of fasting glucose, especially post-prandial glucose, the energy expenditure of 200-400 kcal / day and blood pressure lowering. Treatment efficacy does not decrease over time, as it is not dependent on its own insulin production. The work evaluates the safety of modern treatment with empagliflozin which will soon appear in the portfolio of antidiabetic agents in the Czech Republic. The conducted studies with a special focus on empagliflozin treatment have shown high efficacy, safety and good tolerability of drug. It has been described a higher incidence of genital infections with non-severe course, especially in women. The drug does not cause hypoglycaemia. In combination with sulfonylurea hypoglycaemia may occur. Empagliflozin does not cause clinically significant dehydration or hypotension in patients about 60 years of age, but some caution in empagliflozin treatment should be in elderly and fragile patients. The big convenience of empagliflozin is its clinically non-significant interactions with other drugs and simple dosage of 1 tablet / day orally. In conclusion, empagliflozin is highly effective oral antidiabetic agent with a potential of wide application in all stages of type 2 diabetes in monotherapy or combined with other medication. The treatment is associated with weight loss and blood pressure lowering. The drug is effective and safe until eGFR 45 ml / s, in lower values the treatment should be discontinued. The occurrence of side effects is rare, except increased incidence of genital infections especially in women and increased risk of hypoglycaemia when empagliflozin is combined with sulfonylurea.

Key words:
diabetes mellitus type 2 – diabetes treatment – empagliflozin – HbA_1c – SGLT2

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