What is Empagliflozin?
Works like dapagliflozin: the kidney excretes more sugar in the urine, which lowers blood sugar, blood pressure and some weight. Today it is prescribed mainly for its protective effect on heart and kidneys.
How well studied is Empagliflozin?
Large trials in type 2 diabetes, heart failure and chronic kidney disease: e.g. fewer hospitalisations for heart failure or deaths (19.4 % versus 24.7 % on placebo). Weight loss is moderate and not in itself a reason for prescribing it.
What side effects and risks does Empagliflozin have?
Genital fungal infections, urinary tract infections, fluid loss with dizziness; hypoglycaemia mainly in combination with sulfonylureas or insulin. Rarely ketoacidosis (even with normal blood sugar) and Fournier's gangrene.
Is Empagliflozin approved in Germany?
In short: yes. Approved in the EU since 2014 and prescription-only, for type 2 diabetes, heart failure and chronic kidney disease – not as a weight-loss drug. Taking it without medical monitoring (kidney function, other medicines) is risky. Not on the WADA Prohibited List.
Sources
Note: We deliberately do not list any doses here. For approved medicines, your doctor sets the dose; for unapproved substances there is no reliable information.