Synjardy XR (empagliflozin/metformin): Type 2 Diabetes Drug

Generic drug: empagliflozin and metformin extended-release

Brand name: Synjardy XR

What is Synjardy XR (empagliflozin and metformin extended-release), and how does it work?

Synjardy XR (empagliflozin and metformin extended-release) is a prescription medicine used to treat the symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Synjardy XR may be used alone or with other medications.

Synjardy XR belongs to a class of drugs called Antidiabetics, Biguanides; Antidiabetics, SGLT2 Inhibitors.

It is not known if Synjardy XR is safe and effective in children younger than 18 years of age.

Synjardy XR is not recommended in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. It may increase the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis in these patients

What are the side effects of Synjardy XR?

WARNING

LACTIC ACIDOSIS

Postmarketing cases of metformin-associated lactic acidosis have resulted in
death, hypothermia, hypotension, and resistant bradyarrhythmias. The onset of
metformin-associated lactic acidosis is often subtle, accompanied only by
nonspecific symptoms such as malaise, myalgias, respiratory distress,
somnolence, and abdominal pain. Metformin-associated lactic acidosis was
characterized by elevated blood lactate levels (>5 mmol/Liter), anion gap
acidosis (without evidence of ketonuria or ketonemia), an increased
lactate/pyruvate ratio; and metformin plasma levels generally >5 mcg/mL.

Risk factors for metformin-associated lactic acidosis include renal impairment, concomitant use of certain drugs (e.g., carbonic anhydrase inhibitors such as topiramate), age 65 years old or greater, having a radiological study with contrast, surgery and other procedures, hypoxic states (e.g., acute congestive heart failure), excessive alcohol intake, and hepatic impairment.

Steps to reduce the risk of and manage metformin-associated lactic acidosis
in these high risk groups are provided in the full prescribing information.

If metformin-associated lactic acidosis is suspected, immediately discontinue
Synjardy XR and institute general supportive measures in a hospital setting.
Prompt hemodialysis is recommended.

Synjardy XR may cause serious side effects including:

• hives,
• difficulty breathing,
• swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat,
• burning, itching, odor, discharge, pain, tenderness, redness or swelling of the genital or rectal area,
• fever,
• feeling unwell,
• little or no urination,
• dizziness,
• weakness,
• lightheadedness,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• stomach pain,
• confusion,
• unusual drowsiness,
• unusual muscle pain,
• trouble breathing,
• stomach pain,
• irregular heart rate,
• feeling cold,
• tiredness,
• pain or burning when you urination,
• increased urination,
• blood in your urine, and
• pain in your pelvis or back

Get medical help right away, if you have any of the symptoms listed above.

The most common side effects of Synjardy XR include:

• headache,
• stomach pain,
• gas,
• indigestion,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• diarrhea,
• weakness,
• runny nose, and
• sore throat

Tell the doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

These are not all the possible side effects of Synjardy XR. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the dosage for Synjardy XR?

Prior To Initiation Of Synjardy XR

• Assess renal function before initiating Synjardy XR and as clinically
  indicated.
• In patients with volume depletion, correct this condition before
  initiating Synjardy XR.

Recommended Dosage And Administration

• Individualize the starting dose of Synjardy XR based on the patient’s current regimen:
  • In patients on metformin HCl, switch to Synjardy XR containing a similar total daily dose of metformin HCl and a total daily dose of empagliflozin 10 mg;
  • In patients on empagliflozin, switch to Synjardy XR containing the same total daily dose of empagliflozin and a total daily dose of metformin HCl extended-release 1000 mg;
  • In patients already treated with empagliflozin and metformin HCl, switch to
    Synjardy XR containing the same total daily doses of empagliflozin and a similar total daily dose of metformin HCl.
• Monitor effectiveness and tolerability, and adjust dosing as appropriate, not to exceed the maximum recommended daily dose of empagliflozin 25 mg and metformin HCl 2000 mg.
• The dose of metformin HCl should be gradually escalated to reduce the gastrointestinal side effects due to metformin.
• Take Synjardy XR orally once daily with a meal in the morning
• Swallow Synjardy XR tablets whole. Do not split, crush, dissolve, or chew.
• Synjardy XR 10 mg/1000 mg and 25 mg/1000 mg tablets should be taken as a single tablet once daily.
  Synjardy XR 5 mg/1000 mg and 12.5 mg/1000 mg tablets should be taken as two tablets together once daily.

Dosage Recommendations In Patients With Renal Impairment

• Initiation of Synjardy XR is not recommended in patients with an eGFR less than 45 mL/min/1.73 m², due to the metformin component.
• Synjardy XR is contraindicated in patients with an eGFR less than 30
  mL/min/1.73 m² or in patients on dialysis.

Discontinuation For Iodinated Contrast Imaging Procedures

Discontinue Synjardy XR at the time of, or prior to, an iodinated contrast
imaging procedure in patients with an eGFR less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m²; in
patients with a history of liver disease, alcoholism or heart failure; or in
patients who will be administered intra-arterial iodinated contrast. Re-evaluate
eGFR 48 hours after the imaging procedure; restart Synjardy XR if renal function
is stable.

______________ is another term for type 2 diabetes.
See Answer

What drugs interact with Synjardy XR?

Table 4 : Clinically Relevant Interactions with Synjardy XR

Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors

Clinical Impact
Topiramate or other carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (e.g., zonisamide, acetazolamide or dichlorphenamide) frequently causes a decrease in serum bicarbonate and induce non-anion gap, hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis.

Intervention
Concomitant use of these drugs with Synjardy XR may increase the risk of lactic acidosis. Consider more frequent monitoring of these patients.

Drugs that Reduce Metformin Clearance

Clinical Impact
Concomitant use of drugs that interfere with common renal
tubular transport systems involved in the renal elimination of
metformin (e.g., organic cationic transporter-2 [OCT2] / multidrug
and toxin extrusion [MATE] inhibitors such as ranolazine,
vandetanib, dolutegravir, and cimetidine) could increase systemic
exposure to metformin and may increase the risk for lactic acidosis.

Intervention
Consider the benefits and risks of concomitant use.

Alcohol

Clinical Impact
Alcohol is known to potentiate the effect of metformin on lactate metabolism.

Intervention
Warn patients against excessive alcohol intake while receiving
Synjardy XR.

Diuretics

Clinical Impact
Coadministration of empagliflozin with diuretics resulted in increased urine volume and frequency of voids, which might enhance the potential for volume depletion.

Intervention
Before initiating Synjardy XR, assess volume status and renal function. In patients with volume depletion, correct this condition before initiating
Synjardy XR. Monitor for signs and symptoms of volume depletion, and renal function after initiating therapy.

Insulin or Insulin Secretagogues

Clinical Impact
The risk of hypoglycemia is increased when empagliflozin is used in combination with insulin secretagogues (e.g., sulfonylurea) or insulin. Metformin may increase the risk of hypoglycemia when combined with insulin and/or an insulin secretagogue.

Intervention
Coadministration of Synjardy XR with an insulin secretagogue (e.g., sulfonylurea) or insulin may require lower doses of the insulin secretagogue or insulin to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia.

Drugs Affecting Glycemic Control

Clinical Impact
Certain drugs tend to produce hyperglycemia and may lead to loss of glycemic control. These drugs include the thiazides and other diuretics, corticosteroids, phenothiazines, thyroid products, estrogens, oral contraceptives, phenytoin, nicotinic acid, sympathomimetics, calcium channel blocking drugs, and isoniazid.

Intervention
When such drugs are administered to a patient receiving Synjardy XR, the patient should be closely observed to maintain adequate glycemic control. When such drugs are withdrawn from a patient receiving
Synjardy XR, the patient should be observed closely for hypoglycemia.

Positive Urine Glucose Test

Clinical Impact
SGLT2 inhibitors increase urinary glucose excretion and will lead to positive urine glucose tests.

Intervention
Monitoring glycemic control with urine glucose tests is not recommended in patients taking SGLT2 inhibitors. Use alternative methods to monitor glycemic control.

Interference with 1,5-anhydroglucitol (1,5-AG) Assay

Clinical Impact
Measurements of 1,5-AG are unreliable in assessing glycemic control in patients taking SGLT2 inhibitors.

Intervention
Monitoring glycemic control with 1,5-AG assay is not recommended. Use alternative methods to monitor glycemic control.

Latest Diabetes News

• Americans With Diabetes Were Hit Hard by Pandemic
• Which Blood Sugar Meds Work Best for Diabetes?
• Walmart to Offer Low-Priced Insulin
• Weekly Injected Drug for Type 2 Diabetes
• Lockdown Weight Gain Caused Diabetes Cases in Kids
• Want More News? Sign Up for MedicineNet Newsletters!

Daily Health News

• H5N6 Bird Flu Infection in China
• COVID Vaccine Misinformation
• Antibiotic-Resistant Pneumonia
• Mask Mandate Returns to L.A.
• Fermented Foods Help Microbiome
• More Health News »

Trending on MedicineNet

• Guillain-Barre Syndrome
• What Triggers Shingles?
• Normal Blood Sugar Levels
• Identify Tick Bites
• Why Is Autism Increasing?

Is Synjardy XR safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding?

• Based on animal data showing adverse renal effects, Synjardy XR is not recommended during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.
• Limited available data with Synjardy XR or empagliflozin in pregnant women are not sufficient to determine a drug-associated risk for major birth defects and miscarriage.
• Published studies with metformin use during pregnancy have not reported a clear association with metformin and major birth defect or miscarriage risk.
• There are risks to the mother and fetus associated with poorly controlled diabetes in pregnancy.
• There is no information regarding the presence of Synjardy XR or empagliflozin in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. Limited published studies report that metformin is present in human milk.