Difference Between Empagliflozin & Metformin

When it comes to managing type 2 diabetes, understanding the various treatment options available is crucial. Synjardy Empagliflozin & Metformin are two commonly prescribed medications, each playing a unique role in glucose control. Metformin, often considered the first-line treatment, primarily works by reducing glucose production in the liver and improving insulin sensitivity.

On the other hand, Synjardy combines metformin with empagliflozin, an SGLT2 inhibitor, which not only helps lower blood sugar but also promotes weight loss and provides additional kidney protection. While both medications aim to achieve similar outcomes—better blood sugar control—they differ in their mechanisms, dosing, potential side effects, and overall benefits.

Understanding such differences may aid in making informed decisions among patients together with their doctors. This blog will explore the key distinctions between Synjardy Empagliflozin and metformin, offering insights into their unique features, benefits, and considerations for effective diabetes management.

Complete overview of Synjardy Empagliflozin & Metformin

Synjardy is an antidiabetic combination medication for T2DM. It contains empagliflozin (an SGLT2 inhibitor) and metformin (a biguanide). It aids in regulating blood glucose levels by lowering the production of glucose in the liver, thus improving insulin sensitivity, and enhancing elimination of glucose via urine.

• Empagliflozin: Works by preventing the kidneys from reabsorbing glucose, allowing excess glucose to be expelled through urine.

• Metformin: Works by reducing the production of glucose in the liver and improves insulin sensitivity of the body, letting it use glucose more efficaciously.

How Synjardy Works

• Empagliflozin: It falls under the class of drugs called SGLT2 inhibitors. The medication works by lowering the glucose reabsorption in the kidneys, allowing glucose elimination through urine, which aids in reducing blood sugar levels. In addition, Empagliflozin aids in weight loss and reducing blood pressure.

• Metformin: Metformin helps by reducing the liver’s glucose output and enhancing insulin sensitivity in muscle and fat tissues. This leads to improved glucose uptake and use.

Benefits of Synjardy

• Effective Blood Sugar Control: Combines two mechanisms to lower blood sugar, addressing both glucose absorption in the kidneys and production in the liver.
• Cardiovascular Benefits: Empagliflozin is known to lower the risk of heart disorders in people with type 2 diabetes who have preexisting cardiovascular problems.
• Weight Loss: Empagliflozin has been seen to promote weight loss owing to the excretion of glucose in the urine.
• Lower Risk of Hypoglycemia: In comparison to other antidiabetics such as sulfonylureas or insulin, Synjardy has a reduced risk of causing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

Dosage Forms

Synjardy is available in various strengths to tailor treatment to individual patient needs. Common dosages include:

• Empagliflozin/Metformin: Dosages include 5 mg/500 mg, 5 mg/1000 mg, 12.5 mg/500 mg, 12.5 mg/1000 mg

The dosage can be adjusted depending on the patient’s needs and his or her renal function. The medication must be consumed with food to decrease the risk of gastrointestinal side effects from metformin.

Synjardy Empagliflozin & Metformin for weight loss

Both Synjardy empagliflozin and metformin individually have shown some potential for weight loss, however the mechanisms and results might differ between the two drugs.

1. How Synjardy Affects Weight Loss

• Empagliflozin (SGLT2 inhibitor): This part of Synjardy works by promoting the excretion of excess glucose through urine. When glucose fails to get reabsorbed by the kidneys, it gets eliminated from the body, leading to a loss of calories. This may cause a modest weight loss, typically in the range of 2-3 kg (4.4-6.6 lbs) over several months of treatment.
• Metformin (Biguanide): The medication aids in blood glucose regulation, however, it also has mild effects on weight. It has been found to lower appetite and slow the absorption of carbs, causing modest weight loss or weight loss. People on metformin have been seen to lose nearly 1 to 2 kg (2.2-4.4 lbs), however this may also vary.

2. Weight Loss Benefits of Synjardy

• Dual Mechanism: The combination of empagliflozin and metformin in Synjardy provides a more comprehensive approach to managing blood sugar, and its impact on weight can be more pronounced than metformin alone.
• Reduced Fat Storage: Empagliflozin helps reduce fat storage by eliminating excess sugar, which can otherwise contribute to fat accumulation.
• Metabolic Improvement: Metformin improves the body’s sensitivity to insulin, which may prevent excessive fat storage.

3. How Effective is Synjardy for Weight Loss?

While Synjardy may cause weight loss, it’s not recommended for this purpose. The weight loss achieved through this medication may be modest and gradual, around 2-4 kg (4.4-8.8 lbs) over a few months, based on the person’s condition. The weight reduction observed with Synjardy is often a side benefit of its blood sugar-lowering effects rather than a direct treatment for obesity.

Cost of Synjardy Empagliflozin & Metformin

The cost of Synjardy Empagliflozin and Metformin can vary significantly depending on several factors such as location, pharmacy, insurance coverage, dosage, and whether the medication is a brand name or generic.

• Without insurance, the price for a 30-day supply of Synjardy (ranging from 5 mg/500 mg to 12.5 mg/1000 mg tablets) can cost between $450 to $550 in the U.S. Prices may be reduced to $0 to $100 depending on your insurance plan.
• A 30-day supply of metformin without insurance might cost between $5 to $20, based on the pharmacy. Many insurance plans cover metformin, and the copay can be as low as $0 to $10.

Synjardy combines empagliflozin and metformin, making it more convenient for people who need both medications, but it comes at a higher cost compared to taking metformin alone.

References

https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2016/206111s004lbl.pdf

https://patient.boehringer-ingelheim.com/us/products/synjardy/