Diabetes mellitus is a serious disease that can never be ignored. Despite the fact that there are no medicines that can permanently cure a disease, it is possible to minimize the manifestations of the disease with the correct use of certain drugs and provide the patient with a relatively high standard of living.
One of the drugs prescribed for type 2 diabetes is a drug called Jardins. Instructions for use of the drug are quite simple, and the effect of therapy is noticeable. That is why in modern medicine, this medicine is used quite often. And information about the drug is becoming more and more popular. For example, in what form is it released and how does it affect the body? Is it possible the appearance of severe adverse reactions? Are there any contraindications? How much is the medicine and is it possible to replace it with something? The answers to these questions are sought by many patients.
Description of release form and composition
The drug "Jardins" (see packaging photo above) is available in the form of round biconvex tablets coated with a film coating. They are painted pale yellow. The main active component of the drug is empagliflozin. A drug with a different dosage is produced on the modern pharmacological market - 10 or 30 mg of the active substance may be contained in one tablet.
Naturally, other auxiliary components are present in the medicine. In particular, lactose, magnesium stearate, croscarmellose sodium, microcrystalline cellulose, anhydrous colloidal silicon dioxide, hydroxypropyl cellulose. The film membrane contains macrogol 400, hypromellose, yellow iron oxide, titanium dioxide and talc.
The main pharmacological properties of the drug
Quite often in modern medicine, the drug "Jardins" is used. Reviews of experts suggest that the drug can achieve really good results. But how does this medicine affect the human body?
Empagliflozin is a selective, reversible, highly active competitive inhibitor of the second type of sodium - dependent glucose transporter. Studies have shown that this substance improves glycemic control in patients suffering from type 2 diabetes. Empagliflozin reduces the level of glucose reabsorption by the kidneys. As you know, the amount of glucose that is excreted by the kidneys depends on its concentration in the blood, as well as the glomerular filtration rate. In patients taking these tablets, the amount of glucose excreted along with urine increased. Thus, the drug provides an immediate reduction in blood sugar in patients with type 1 diabetes.
The mechanism of action of the drug in no way depends on the influence of insulin or on the function of the beta cells of the pancreas, and therefore the risk of developing hypoglycemia is small. It was also noted that the drug improves the functioning of beta cells, and also contributes to the process of burning fat, leads to weight loss, which is considered useful if the patient is overweight.
Pharmacokinetics and additional information
There is a large amount of data on the pharmacokinetics of this drug obtained through laboratory studies (patients with the second type of diabetes mellitus took part in them).
After administration, the main active substance of the drug is rapidly absorbed, penetrating through the walls of the digestive tract. The maximum concentration in the patient’s blood is observed 1-1.5 hours after administration. After this, the amount of empagliflozin in plasma decreases - first there is a fast phase of drug distribution, and then a relatively slow final period of metabolism of the active substance.
During the studies, it was noted that the intensity of the systemic exposure to empagliflozin increased with increasing dose of the drug. Tests also showed that if you take the medicine with high-calorie, fat-rich food, its effectiveness is slightly reduced. Nevertheless, this change is not clinically significant, and therefore tablets can be consumed regardless of food intake.
The active substance of the drug is 86% bound to plasma proteins. During the study, three glucuronide metabolites were found in human blood, but their systemic amount was not more than 10% of the total level of empagliflozin.
The terminal half-life of this drug is about 12-12.5 hours. If patients took the tablets once a day, then a stable level of active substance in the blood was observed after the fifth dose. As already mentioned, the drug practically does not form metabolites. Most of it is excreted from the body along with feces, the rest - by the kidneys with urine, and unchanged.
Also in the research process, it was determined that neither the weight nor gender of the patient affects the effect of this drug. Testing on a group of patients older than 85 years, as well as among children and adolescents, was not conducted, and therefore there is no data on the safety of this medicine for the mentioned categories of patients.
Despite the mechanism of action of the drug, the success of therapy largely depends on the functioning of the kidneys. That is why before starting taking the pills, it is worthwhile to conduct a complete examination of the excretory system, as well as pass urine tests. Such checks should be repeated periodically during treatment (at least once a year). In addition, tests should also be taken in cases where new drugs have been introduced into the treatment regimen. It is worth saying that in patients who take this medicine, in a laboratory study of urine, a glucose test will be positive - this is completely normal, since it is associated with the peculiarities of the effects of empagliflozin on the body.
To date, there is no information about how the medicine affects the body of a pregnant mother and fetus, and whether the active substances penetrate into breast milk.
The main indications for taking the drug
When is it advisable to take the Jardins drug? Instructions for use indicate that in modern medicine, a medicine is used in the following cases:
- type 2 diabetes mellitus;
- improvement and control of glycemia in adult patients.
Monotherapy is carried out if it is not possible to control glycemia in patients even with the right diet and the appropriate exercise schedule, and for one reason or another, the use of metformin is impossible (for example, due to individual intolerance).
As part of complex therapy, this drug is used along with insulin and other hypoglycemic drugs, if the basic treatment regimen, the correct diet and physical activity cannot normalize the patient's condition.
In any case, it is worth remembering that only a doctor can enter these pills into the course of therapy. Improper use of the drug can only worsen the situation, and with a disease such as diabetes, it can lead to serious consequences.
The drug "Jardins": instructions for use
Naturally, an important issue is the regimen for taking these tablets. Only a doctor can choose the right dosage of Jardins. Instructions for use contain only general recommendations.
As a rule, patients are advised to take 10 mg of empagliflozin once a day - this applies to both combination and monotherapy. In cases where the patient’s body tolerates the drug well, but the usual dose does not give the desired results, the daily rate can be increased to 25 mg. No more than one tablet is allowed per day.
Naturally, the dosage is adjusted by the doctor depending on the condition of the patient, his age and, of course, the effect of therapy. Also take into account a set of other drugs that a person takes.
You can drink tablets both in the morning on an empty stomach and later, during or after a meal, since digestion processes do not significantly affect the absorption and distribution of the active components of the drug.
The duration of the drug depends on the condition of the patient, the level of glucose in the blood. Sometimes a doctor may cancel a medication after hyperglycemia has been taken under control. In some cases, tablets are taken for a long time, and sometimes the intake is carried out in courses. It can also be determined only by the attending physician based on the effect of therapy, as well as the results of planned examinations.
Are there any restrictions on admission? The main contraindications
Not all patients are allowed treatment with Jardins tablets. The instructions indicate that this medicine has a number of contraindications. You should definitely familiarize yourself with their list before starting therapy, as otherwise a number of complications may develop. So, the drug can not be used in the following cases:
- type 1 diabetes mellitus;
- the presence of diabetic ketoacidosis;
- the drug "Jardins" is not prescribed in the presence of hypersensitivity to any of the constituent components (be sure to check the composition before taking);
- Contraindications include some relatively rare hereditary diseases, for example, lactose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption, lactase deficiency (an enzyme that breaks down lactose molecules), etc.
- in some forms of renal failure, these tablets also do not use, since they simply do not have an effect;
- the drug also has some age restrictions, in particular, it is not prescribed for patients under 18 years of age, since studies with this group have not been conducted; Also, the medicine is contraindicated in older people (over 85 years old);
- the drug can lead to a moderate decrease in blood pressure, and therefore some cardiovascular diseases are considered contraindications;
- during pregnancy and breastfeeding, the drug is forbidden to be taken, since the degree of safety of tablets during these periods of a woman's life is not defined.
The medicine "Jardins" has the so-called relative contraindications. This means that taking the drug is possible, but only under close medical supervision, since there is a risk of complications. At risk are patients at risk of developing hypovolemia. Also, tablets are carefully used with synthetic insulin.
Relative contraindications include diseases of the digestive tract, which are accompanied by loss of fluid (diarrhea, vomiting). Tablets are prescribed with caution in the presence of infectious lesions of the genitourinary system. Patients over 75 years of age should also be treated under supervision. In any case, you should definitely tell the doctor about the presence of certain diseases - only this way the specialist will be able to prescribe the most safe course of treatment.
Possible adverse reactions
It's no secret that many medications in certain cases can cause various adverse reactions. So is there a danger of manifestations of complications while taking the drug "Jardins"? The instruction indicates that some complications are possible. Here is a list of the most common side effects:
- The most common reaction is hypoglycemia, although it usually manifests itself against the background of the simultaneous administration of empagliflozin with synthetic insulin or sulfonylurea derivatives.
- Sometimes, during therapy, patients developed infectious and parasitic diseases, in particular, vulvovaginitis, balanitis, vaginal candidiasis, as well as some infections of the genitourinary tract.
- From the side of metabolism, not only hypoglycemia, but also hypovolemia can develop.
- Some patients also complained of frequent urination.
- Among elderly patients, dehydration was more often observed during therapy.
These are the main possible complications that Jardins tablets can lead to. Reviews, however, indicate that serious side effects are extremely rare. However, if you notice any deterioration during therapy, you should immediately consult a doctor. Perhaps a simple change in dosage will be enough to get rid of adverse reactions. On the other hand, in some cases it is advisable to completely stop taking the medicine, replacing it with another drug.
Information on interactions with other drugs
How does the drug "Jardins" interact with other medicines? Doctors' reviews indicate that with a properly designed treatment regimen, the patient’s health risk is minimal. Nevertheless, the active components of this drug in combination with other substances can affect the human body in different ways:
- This medicine sometimes enhances the diuretic effect of the so-called “loop” and thiazide diuretics. Thus, there is a risk of dehydration and, as a consequence, the development of arterial hypotension.
- Due to the fact that patients may have a decrease in blood pressure, a combination of drugs to increase blood pressure and Jardins tablets is undesirable. The reviews of doctors, however, indicate that a properly selected dosage of both drugs minimizes the risk.
- As already mentioned, the simultaneous use of this drug with synthetic insulin and drugs that activate the secretion of the natural hormone in the human body can lead to the development of hypoglycemia. In such cases, careful monitoring and dosage adjustment is also required.
The drug "Jardins": analogues and substitutes
Far from all patients, this drug is suitable. For one reason or another, people may refuse to use the drug "Jardins." Synonyms for this medication naturally exist. Moreover, the modern pharmacological market offers a wide range of drugs that affect the body in this way.
For example, quite often, patients are prescribed infusions with solutions of drugs such as Baeta and Viktoza. By the way, these are high-quality substitutes from a well-known German company. Sometimes patients are prescribed Guarem drug in granules. There are other drugs that can replace Jardins. Its analogs are tablets of "Invokana", "Novonorm" and "Repodiab".
Despite such a large number of substitutes, in no case should you self-medicate. Only a doctor who is familiar with your medical history can find a really good, effective and safe analogue. Once again, it is worth repeating that diabetes is a serious disease, and the inept use of medications in this case can lead to a lot of complications, even death.
How much is the drug?
It's no secret that for many patients the cost of a particular medicine is a very important moment. It should be understood that the numbers in this case will depend on many factors. For example, it is worth taking into account the dosage and number of tablets in the package, the city of the patient, the financial policies of the pharmacy and the supplier, etc.
The drug "Jardins" (manufacturer - "Beringer Ingelheim Pharma") with a dosage of 10 mg of the active ingredient will cost 2000-2200 rubles for 30 tablets. If we are talking about a drug with a dosage of 25 mg, then the cost will be slightly higher, namely from 2100 to 2600 rubles. A package with 10 tablets will cost cheaper, the cost of which ranges from 800 to 1000 rubles. Now you have the opportunity to make an approximate budget for treatment with Jardins drugs. A drug substitute, by the way, can cost more. On the other hand, the price of some other similar drugs is slightly lower. In any case, it is worth focusing not only on the cost, but also on the potential outcome of the treatment, because health is worth any money.
Reviews of doctors and patients about the medicine
Surely many people know that by asking the opinion of patients who have already completed a course of treatment, you can get a lot of useful information. So what do they say about the Jardins drug?Reviews of doctors for the most part are positive. Indeed, pills help normalize metabolism, improve the condition of patients. According to statistical surveys, side effects during therapy do not occur so often, and they can be avoided by simply adjusting the dosage.
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In any case, it is worthwhile to understand that “Jardins” are pills that help normalize the body's work with type 2 diabetes, but they are by no means able to get rid of this dangerous disease. Self-medication in this case is inappropriate, and therefore do not forget that it is important to follow all the recommendations and prescriptions of the attending physician. Proper use of drugs helps to control blood glucose levels and, accordingly, improve the quality of life of a patient with diabetes.