FDA-approved
SGLT2 inhibitors
Glucose-lowering pills that protect the heart and kidneys.
KEY EVIDENCE
DAPA-HF, EMPEROR-Preserved, EMPA-KIDNEY
VIDEO LESSON
How it's taken
• One tablet daily
Side effects at a glance
• Genital yeast infections
• More frequent urination
Monitoring
Kidney function and volume status. Pause during vomiting, dehydration or before surgery as instructed.
Good to know
Often combined with GLP-1 medicines for complementary heart, kidney and weight benefits.
AT A GLANCE
Type
Medication
Brand names
Jardiance, Farxiga, Invokana
Status
FDA-approved
Reviewed by
Farhan Tahir, MD
Is this treatment right for you?
Prescription medicines and procedures need individual medical advice. Dr. Tahir’s team offers consults through Youthful Medicine.
How it works
Empagliflozin, dapagliflozin and canagliflozin block glucose reabsorption in the kidney, so glucose and salt leave in the urine. The effects lower pressure on the heart and kidneys.
What the evidence shows
Large outcome trials (EMPA-REG OUTCOME, DAPA-HF, EMPEROR-Preserved, DAPA-CKD, EMPA-KIDNEY) showed fewer heart failure hospitalizations and slower kidney disease progression, including in people without diabetes.
Side effects & cautions
Genital yeast infections are common. Rare euglycemic ketoacidosis: pause before surgery and during acute illness as advised. Volume depletion in older adults.
PRIMARY SOURCE
Zinman B, et al. Empagliflozin, cardiovascular outcomes, and mortality in type 2 diabetes (EMPA-REG OUTCOME). N Engl J Med. 2015
TYPICAL RESULT IN TRIALS
Modest weight loss, often 2 to 3 kg, plus heart and kidney protection.
PHYSICIAN FIRST
Is this right for you?
Prescription treatments need a review of your history, labs and other medicines. Never start or stop one on your own.