What is Empagliflozin-liraglutide?
Empagliflozin-liraglutide, also known as Mounjaro or Ozempemix (in combination), is an injectable medication that combines the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist liraglutide with the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor empagliflozin. It works by inhibiting glucose reabsorption in the kidneys and stimulating insulin secretion, thereby lowering blood sugar levels. This combination therapy is used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus and manage glycemic control.
What is Empagliflozin-liraglutide used for?
Empagliflozin-liraglutide, also known as Mounjaro-Saxenda or Xultophy in some countries, is a fixed-dose combination of two well-established antidiabetic medications. Empagliflozin belongs to the class of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, which work by inhibiting the enzyme DPP-4 and thus preventing the breakdown of incretin hormones such as GLP-1 and GIP. This results in increased levels of these hormones, leading to enhanced glucose-dependent insulin secretion and decreased glucagon secretion.
Liraglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that mimics the action of the human hormone GLP-1. It promotes the release of insulin and inhibits the release of glucagon in response to rising blood glucose levels. By reducing hepatic glucose production, liraglutide also contributes to lowering blood glucose levels. The fixed-dose combination of empagliflozin-liraglutide is indicated for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in adults with inadequate glycemic control on diet and exercise alone or as adjunct therapy to other diabetes medications. The benefits of this combined formulation include reduced pill burden and potentially improved efficacy through complementary mechanisms of action.
Empagliflozin-liraglutide side effects
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Injection site reactions (redness, swelling, itching)
- Fatigue
- Muscle weakness
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Weight loss or gain
- Increased risk of acute kidney injury in patients with severe renal impairment
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when used with other diabetes medications
- Increased urination (polyuria)
- Dehydration if not enough fluids are consumed
- Increased risk of bladder cancer
- Pancreatitis
- Hepatocellular injury (liver damage)
- Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction)
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Toxic epidermal necrolysis
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