title: A Safety Evaluation of Empagliflozin for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Empagliflozin is a sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor used to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) by enhancing urinary glucose excretion. Empagliflozin is effective at lowering glycosylated hemoglobin and was recently proven superior to placebo for reduction of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. As with any new drug, there are safety considerations that inform its potential use in patients with T2DM.
  
  
  METHODS
  Here, we evaluate the safety of empagliflozin and provide an expert opinion as to its current and future role in the treatment of patients with T2DM. A search of the English language literature was performed using PubMed search terms: "empagliflozin", "sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors", and "drug safety". Articles and bibliographies relevant to the subject were reviewed and additional references known to the authors were included.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The evidence for empagliflozin is robust with regard to glycemic efficacy and safety. Low risk of hypoglycemia, absence of weight gain, and demonstrated cardiovascular risk reduction support its consideration as a first line medication in addition to metformin for patients with T2DM and CVD. Ongoing trials will continue to address the safety and efficacy of empagliflozin and expand our clinical knowledge of this medication.
authors.affiliation: a Division of Cardiology , University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center , Dallas , TX , USA.|b Department of Internal Medicine , University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center , Dallas , TX , USA.
authors.forename: Ian J
authors.initials: IJ
authors.lastname: Neeland
authors.affiliation: b Department of Internal Medicine , University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center , Dallas , TX , USA.
authors.forename: Usman
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Salahuddin
authors.affiliation: a Division of Cardiology , University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center , Dallas , TX , USA.|b Department of Internal Medicine , University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center , Dallas , TX , USA.|c Department of Clinical Sciences , University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center , Dallas , TX , USA.
authors.forename: Darren K
authors.initials: DK
authors.lastname: McGuire
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D001559:Benzhydryl Compounds / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005960:Glucosides / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008687:Metformin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000077203:Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors
chemical_list: D001559:Benzhydryl Compounds; D005960:Glucosides; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D008687:Metformin; D000077203:Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors; C570240:empagliflozin
keywords: Type 2 diabetes mellitus; drug safety; empagliflozin; sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor