Empagliflozin
Empagliflozin is an SGLT2 inhibitor. It blocks the transporter that reabsorbs glucose in the kidney, so surplus sugar leaves in the urine, and the accompanying loss of salt and water lowers cardiac preload. It is used in type 2 diabetes and also in heart failure, where the benefit is independent of blood sugar.
It is taken once in the morning, with or without food, since the urinary effect is easier to live with during waking hours. Fluid intake needs to stay adequate, because dehydration and low blood pressure are the common problem, and this adds to the effect of loop diuretics such as furosemide or torasemide. Sugar in the urine favours genital yeast infections, so genital hygiene matters; HbA1c and glucose track the diabetes effect, while creatinine and eGFR are watched because kidney function can dip early and because low kidney function limits glucose lowering.
Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, laboured breathing or an unusual fruity breath odour can mean ketoacidosis even when blood sugar reads near normal, and needs urgent medical attention. Genital pain, swelling and fever, dizziness on standing, or a sharp drop in urine output are also reasons to see a doctor.
Reference information, not medical advice. Discuss any change with your doctor.