empagliflozin

Empagliflozin is used to: lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes (condition in which blood sugar is too high because the body does not make or use insulin normally). reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, or death in certain people who have type 2 diabetes. reduce the risk of being hospitalized for heart failure and death in adults with heart failure. reduce the risk of worsening of kidney disease, being hospitalized for heart failure, and death in certain adults with kidney disease. Empagliflozin is in a class of medications called sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. It lowers blood sugar by causing the kidneys to get rid of more glucose in the urine. Empagliflozin is not used to treat type 1 diabetes (condition in which the body does not produce insulin and, therefore, cannot control the amount of sugar in the blood). Over time, people who have diabetes and high blood sugar can develop serious or life-threatening complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney problems, nerve damage, and eye problems. Taking empagliflozin, making lifestyle changes (e.g., diet, exercise, quitting smoking), and regularly checking your blood sugar may help to manage your diabetes and improve your health. This therapy may also decrease your chances of having a heart attack, stroke, or other diabetes-related complications such as kidney failure, nerve damage (numb, cold legs or feet; decreased sexual ability in men and women), eye problems, including changes or loss of vision, or gum disease. Your doctor and other healthcare providers will talk to you about the best way to manage your diabetes.