Friday, 29 March, 2024
HomeWeekly RoundupNew glycaemic control medication introduced to SA market

New glycaemic control medication introduced to SA market

Boehringer Ingelheim is introducing Jardiance® (empagliflozin) to the South African market. The oral, once-daily prescription medication is registered for improving glycaemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

The approved indication provides for the use of Jardiance® as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycaemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and in combination with glucose-lowering medicines, including metformin, a thiazolidinedione, a sulphonylurea, a DPP4 inhibitor, or insulin, when these together with diet and exercise, do not provide adequate glycaemic control.

T2D is a complex condition that requires an individualised and holistic management approach. Despite a range of treatments, 50% of people with T2D do not achieve their glycaemic targets. Failure to maintain healthy blood glucose levels may partly be due to side effects of medication currently on the market, such as weight gain, hypoglycaemia and gastrointestinal effects.3

Glucose Cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, empagliflozin reduces glucose reabsorption from the renal tubule into the bloodstream, leading to urinary glucose excretion, caloric loss and osmotic diuresis. SGLT2 inhibition positively impacts on blood glucose, body weight and blood pressure.

Boehringer Ingelheim South Africa points to the wealth of data on the consequences of poorly managed T2D. Among them is cardiovascular disease, which is the leading global cause of mortality and disability among people with diabetes.8

Based on this, the company’s outreach to healthcare professionals invites physicians and their patients to look beyond glucose control. Daily and long-term management of diabetes is difficult and can consume the patient’s and physician’s energy and time, as well as considerable healthcare resources – while putting the patient at risk of complications.

Boehringer Ingelheim’s treatment approach suggests that it is now possible to help patients achieve their glycaemic goals more easily while reducing the risk and impact of some complications, such as propensity for weight gain among patients with T2D.
The company advises that empagliflozin is not intended or registered for weight loss, and that patients need to continue to follow a balanced diet and remain physically active.

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