EmpaMet

Uses

This is used for an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus when treatment with both Empagliflozin and Metformin Hydrochloride is appropriate. Empagliflozin is used to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and established cardiovascular disease.
Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients under 18 years of age have not been established.

EmpaMet is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Cardiovascular Mortality, Type 2 Diabetes MellitusPolycystic Ovaries Syndrome, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Glycemic Control

How EmpaMet works

The vast majority of glucose filtered through the glomerulus is reabsorbed within the proximal tubule, primarily via SGLT2 (sodium-glucose linked co-transporter-2) which is responsible for ~90% of the total glucose reabsorption within the kidneys. Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase on the basolateral membrane of proximal tubular cells utilize ATP to actively pump Na+ ions into the interstitium surrounding the tubule, establishing a Na⁺ gradient within the tubular cell. SGLT2 on the apical membrane of these cells then utilize this gradient to facilitate secondary active co-transport of both Na+ and glucose out of the filtrate, thereby reabsorbing glucose back into the blood – inhibiting this co-transport, then, allows for a marked increase in glucosuria and decrease in blood glucose levels. Empagliflozin is a potent inhibitor of renal SGLT2 transporters located in the proximal tubules of the kidneys and works to lower blood glucose levels via an increase in glucosuria.

Empagliflozin also appears to exert cardiovascular benefits - specifically in the prevention of heart failure - independent of its blood glucose-lowering effects, though the exact mechanism of this benefit is not precisely understood. Several theories have been posited, including the potential inhibition of Na⁺

Metformin's mechanisms of action are unique from other classes of oral antihyperglycemic drugs. Metformin decreases blood glucose levels by decreasing hepatic glucose production (gluconeogenesis), decreasing the intestinal absorption of glucose, and increasing insulin sensitivity by increasing peripheral glucose uptake and utilization . It is well established that metformin inhibits mitochondrial complex I activity, and it has since been generally postulated that its potent antidiabetic effects occur through this mechanism . The above processes lead to a decrease in blood glucose, managing type II diabetes and exerting positive effects on glycemic control.

After ingestion, the organic cation transporter-1 (OCT1) is responsible for the uptake of metformin into hepatocytes (liver cells). As this drug is positively charged, it accumulates in cells and in the mitochondria because of the membrane potentials across the plasma membrane as well as the mitochondrial inner membrane. Metformin inhibits mitochondrial complex I, preventing the production of mitochondrial ATP leading to increased cytoplasmic ADP:ATP and AMP:ATP ratios . These changes activate AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), an enzyme that plays an important role in the regulation of glucose metabolism . Aside from this mechanism, AMPK can be activated by a lysosomal mechanism involving other activators. Following this process, increases in AMP:ATP ratio also inhibit fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase enzyme, resulting in the inhibition of gluconeogenesis, while also inhibiting adenylate cyclase and decreasing the production of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) , a derivative of ATP used for cell signaling . Activated AMPK phosphorylates two isoforms of acetyl-CoA carboxylase enzyme, thereby inhibiting fat synthesis and leading to fat oxidation, reducing hepatic lipid stores and increasing liver sensitivity to insulin .

In the intestines, metformin increases anaerobic glucose metabolism in enterocytes (intestinal cells), leading to reduced net glucose uptake and increased delivery of lactate to the liver. Recent studies have also implicated the gut as a primary site of action of metformin and suggest that the liver may not be as important for metformin action in patients with type 2 diabetes. Some of the ways metformin may play a role on the intestines is by promoting the metabolism of glucose by increasing glucagon-like peptide I (GLP-1) as well as increasing gut utilization of glucose .

In addition to the above pathway, the mechanism of action of metformin may be explained by other ways, and its exact mechanism of action has been under extensive study in recent years .

Dosage

EmpaMet dosage

The dosage should be individualized based on effectiveness and tolerability. Take this combination twice daily with meals. Dose escalation should be gradual to reduce the gastrointestinal side effects due to Metformin Hydrochloride. Maximum recommended daily dose of Metformin Hydrochloride is 2000 mg and Empagliflozin is 25 mg.

Recommended individualized starting dose:

• In patients on Metformin Hydrochloride, switch to this combination containing Empagliflozin 5 mg with a similar total daily dose of Metformin Hydrochloride.
• In patients on Empagliflozin, switch to this combination containing Metformin Hydrochloride 500 mg with a similar total daily dose of Empagliflozin.
• In patients already treated with Empagliflozin and Metformin Hydrochloride separately switch to this combination containing the same total daily doses of each component.
• In patients with volume depletion not previously treated with Empagliflozin, correct this condition before initiating this combination.

Side Effects

Most common adverse reactions associated with Empagliflozin (5% or greater incidence) are urinary tract infection and female genital mycotic infections. Most common adverse reactions associated with Metformin Hydrochloride (>5%) are diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, flatulence, abdominal discomfort, indigestion, asthenia, and headache.

Toxicity

Experience with empagliflozin overdose is limited - employ standard symptomatic and supportive measures, as well as gastric decontamination when appropriate. The use of hemodialysis in empagliflozin overdose has not been studied but is unlikely to be of benefit given the drug's relatively high protein-binding.

Metformin (hydrochloride) toxicity data:

Oral LD50 (rat): 1 g/kg; Intraperitoneal LD50 (rat): 500 mg/kg; Subcutaneous LD50 (rat): 300 mg/kg; Oral LD50 (mouse): 1450 mg/kg; Intraperitoneal LD50 (mouse): 420 mg/kg; Subcutaneous LD50 (mouse): 225 mg/kg .

A note on lactic acidosis

Metformin decreases liver uptake of lactate, thereby increasing lactate blood levels which may increase the risk of lactic acidosis . There have been reported postmarketing cases of metformin-associated lactic acidosis, including some fatal cases. Such cases had a subtle onset and were accompanied by nonspecific symptoms including malaise, myalgias, abdominal pain, respiratory distress, or increased somnolence. In certain cases, hypotension and resistant bradyarrhythmias have occurred with severe lactic acidosis . Metformin-associated lactic acidosis was characterized by elevated blood lactate concentrations (>5 mmol/L), anion gap acidosis (without evidence of ketonuria or ketonemia), as well as an increased lactate:pyruvate ratio; metformin plasma levels were 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 .

A note on renal function

In patients with decreased renal function, the plasma and blood half-life of metformin is prolonged and the renal clearance is decreased .

Metformin should be avoided in those with severely compromised renal function (creatinine clearance < 30 ml/min), acute/decompensated heart failure, severe liver disease and for 48 hours after the use of iodinated contrast dyes due to the risk of lactic acidosis . Lower doses should be used in the elderly and those with decreased renal function. Metformin decreases fasting plasma glucose, postprandial blood glucose and glycosolated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, which are reflective of the last 8-10 weeks of glucose control. Metformin may also have a positive effect on lipid levels.

A note on hypoglycemia

When used alone, metformin does not cause hypoglycemia, however, it may potentiate the hypoglycemic effects of sulfonylureas and insulin when they are used together .

Use in pregnancy

Available data from post-marketing studies have not indicated a clear association of metformin with major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes when metformin was ingested during pregnancy. Despite this, the abovementioned studies cannot definitively establish the absence of any metformin-associated risk due to methodological limitations, including small sample size and inconsistent study groups .

Use in nursing

A limited number of published studies indicate that metformin is present in human milk. There is insufficient information to confirm the effects of metformin on the nursing infant and no available data on the effects of metformin on the production of milk. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered as well as the mother’s clinical need for metformin and any possible adverse effects on the nursing child .

Precaution

Lactic Acidosis: Postmarketing cases of Metformin Hydrochloride-associated lactic acidosis. If lactic acidosis is suspected, general supportive measures should be instituted promptly in a hospital setting, along with immediate discontinuation of this combination.

Hypotension: Before initiating this combination assess and correct volume status in patients with renal impairment, the elderly, in patients with low systolic blood pressure, and in patients on diuretics. Monitor for signs and symptoms of hypotension after initiating therapy and increase monitoring in clinical situations where volume contraction is expected.

Ketoacidosis: Before initiating this combination assess patients who present with signs and symptoms of metabolic acidosis for ketoacidosis, regardless of blood glucose level. If suspected, discontinue this combination, evaluate and treat promptly.

Acute kidney injury & impairment in renal function: Consider temporarily discontinuing this combination in settings of reduced oral intake or fluid losses. If acute kidney injury occurs, discontinue this combination promptly and institute treatment.

Urosepsis, Pyelonephritis, Fournier’s gangrene & Genital mycotic infections: Treatment with SGLT2 inhibitors increases the risk for urinary tract infections. Evaluate patients for signs and symptoms of urinary tract infections and treat promptly, if indicated.

Hypoglycemia: Consider lowering the dose of insulin secretagogue or insulin to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia when initiating this combination.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Metformin Hydrochloride may lower vitamin B12 levels. Monitor hematologic parameters annually.

Increased LDL-C: Monitor and treat as appropriate.

Macrovascular Outcomes: There have been no clinical studies establishing conclusive evidence of macrovascular risk reduction with this combination.

Interaction

Carbonic Anhydrase inhibitors may increase risk of lactic acidosis. Consider more frequent monitoring. Drugs that reduce Metformin Hydrochloride clearance (such as Ranolazine, Vandetanib, Dolutegravir, and Cimetidine) may increase the accumulation of Metformin Hydrochloride. Consider the benefits and risks of concomitant use. Alcohol can potentiate the effect of Metformin Hydrochloride on lactate metabolism. Warn patients against excessive alcohol intake.

Volume of Distribution

The estimated apparent steady-state volume of distribution is 73.8 L.

The apparent volume of distribution (V/F) of metformin after one oral dose of metformin 850 mg averaged at 654 ± 358 L .

Elimination Route

Following oral administration, peak plasma concentrations are reached in approximately 1.5 hours (T_max). At steady-state, plasma AUC and C_max were 1870 nmol·h/L and 259 nmol/L, respectively, following therapy with empagliflozin 10mg daily and 4740 nmol·h/L and 687 nmol/L, respectively, following therapy with empagliflozin 25mg daily. Administration with food does not significantly affect the absorption of empagliflozin.

Regular tablet absorption

The absolute bioavailability of a metformin 500 mg tablet administered in the fasting state is about 50%-60%. Single-dose clinical studies using oral doses of metformin 500 to 1500 mg and 850 to 2550 mg show that there is a lack of dose proportionality with an increase in metformin dose, attributed to decreased absorption rather than changes in elimination .

At usual clinical doses and dosing schedules of metformin, steady-state plasma concentrations of metformin are achieved within 24-48 hours and are normally measured at Label.

Extended-release tablet absorption

After a single oral dose of metformin extended-release, Cmax is reached with a median value of 7 hours and a range of between 4 and 8 hours. Peak plasma levels are measured to be about 20% lower compared to the same dose of regular metformin, however, the extent of absorption of both forms (as measured by area under the curve - AUC), are similar .

Effect of food

Food reduces the absorption of metformin, as demonstrated by about a 40% lower mean peak plasma concentration (Cmax), a 25% lower area under the plasma concentration versus time curve (AUC), and a 35-minute increase in time to peak plasma concentration (Tmax) after ingestion of an 850 mg tablet of metformin taken with food, compared to the same dose administered during fasting .

Though the extent of metformin absorption (measured by the area under the curve - AUC) from the metformin extended-release tablet is increased by about 50% when given with food, no effect of food on Cmax and Tmax of metformin is observed. High and low-fat meals exert similar effects on the pharmacokinetics of extended-release metformin .

Half Life

The apparent terminal elimination half-life was found to be 12.4 h based on population pharmacokinetic analysis.

Approximately 6.2 hours in the plasma and in the blood, the elimination half-life is approximately 17.6 hours, suggesting that the erythrocyte mass may be a compartment of distribution .

Clearance

Apparent oral clearance was found to be 10.6 L/h based on a population pharmacokinetic analysis.

Renal clearance is about 3.5 times greater than creatinine clearance, which indicates that tubular secretion is the major route of metformin elimination. Following oral administration, approximately 90% of the absorbed drug is eliminated via the renal route within the first 24 hours .

Elimination Route

After oral administration of radiolabeled empagliflozin approximately 41.2% of the administered dose was found eliminated in feces and 54.4% eliminated in urine. The majority of radioactivity in the feces was due to unchanged parent drug while approximately half of the radioactivity in urine was due to unchanged parent drug.

This drug is substantially excreted by the kidney .

Renal clearance of metformin is about 3.5 times higher than creatinine clearance, which shows that renal tubular secretion is the major route of metformin elimination. After oral administration, about 90% of absorbed metformin is eliminated by the kidneys within the first 24 hours post-ingestion .

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use

Advise females of the potential risk to a fetus especially during the second and third trimesters. This is not recommended when breastfeeding.

Contraindication

This combination is contraindicated in patients with moderate to severe renal impairment and End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). It is also contraindicated in patients with metabolic acidosis, including diabetic ketoacidosis and patients with history of serious hypersensitivity reaction to Empagliflozin, Metformin Hydrochloride or any of the excipients in this combination.

Special Warning

Renal Impairment: Metformin is contraindicated in patients with an eGFR < 30 mL/minute/1.73 m2 . Starting metformin in patients with an eGFR between 30-45 mL/minute/1.73 m2 is not recommended. In patients taking metformin whose eGFR later falls below 45 mL/minute/1.73 m2 , assess the benefits and risks of continuing treatment. Discontinue metformin if the patient’s eGFR later falls below 30 mL/minute/1.73 m2 .

Acute Overdose

In the event of an overdose with this combination employ the usual supportive measures as dictated by the patient’s clinical status. Removal of Empagliflozin by hemodialysis has not been studied. However, Metformin Hydrochloride is dialyzable with a clearance of up to 170 mL/min under good hemodynamic conditions. Therefore, hemodialysis may be useful partly for removal of accumulated Metformin Hydrochloride from patients in whom this combination overdosage is suspected.

Storage Condition

Keep below 30°C temperature, protected from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.

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