Diabetes Health in The News Podcast: FDA Expands Coverage for Lilly, Boehringer Diabetes Drug

November 23, 2016 Nadia Al-Samarrie

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The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently approved an expanded form for Synjardy, a drug produced by Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly. Also known as empagliflozin/metformin hydrochloride, Synardy is now approved for use as an adjunctive treatment. When used along with exercise and an improved diet, it is believed that the drug can improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes who haven’t received prior treatment.

While a recent double-blind study assessed the safety and efficacy of Synjardy when treating type 2 diabetes, patients should still be aware of the potential side effects. The most common include runny or stuffy nose, urinary tract infections, sore throat, headache, and diarrhea. Serious side effects are rare, but can include dehydration, kidney problems, hypoglycemia, and lactic acidosis.

These findings were published in Endocrinology Today on July 19, 2016.