SYNJARDY

SYNJARDY is a combination of empagliflozin and metformin hydrochloride (HCl) indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults and pediatric patients aged 10 years and older with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

SYNJARDY XR

SYNJARDY XR is a combination of empagliflozin and metformin HCl indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Empagliflozin

Empagliflozin, when used as a component of SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR, is indicated in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus to reduce the risk of:

• Cardiovascular death in adults with established cardiovascular disease.
• Cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure in adults with heart failure.

Limitations of Use

• SYNJARDY and SYNJARDY XR are not recommended for use to improve glycemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. It may increase the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis in these patients [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
• Because of the metformin component, the use of SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR is limited to patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus for all indications.

2.1 Testing Prior to Initiation of SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR

• Assess renal function before initiating SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR and as clinically indicated [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1, 5.3)].
• Assess volume status. In patients with volume depletion, correct this condition before initiating SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) and Use in Specific Populations (8.5, 8.6)].

2.2 Recommended Dosage and Administration of SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR in Adults

• When switching to SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR from:
  • Metformin HCl: initiate SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR at a similar total daily dosage of metformin HCl and a total daily empagliflozin dosage of 10 mg.
  • Empagliflozin: initiate SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR at the same total daily dosage of empagliflozin and a total daily metformin HCl dosage of 1,000 mg.
  • Empagliflozin and metformin HCl: initiate SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR at the same total daily dosages of each component.
• Recommended dosage of SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR:
  • The recommended total daily dosage of empagliflozin is 10 mg.
  • For additional glycemic control, empagliflozin may be increased to a maximum total daily dosage of 25 mg in patients tolerating 10 mg daily and metformin may be increased to a maximum total daily dosage of 2,000 mg, with gradual escalation to reduce gastrointestinal adverse reactions with metformin [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].
• Take SYNJARDY orally twice daily with meals.
• Take SYNJARDY XR orally once daily with a meal in the morning. Swallow each tablet whole. Do not split, crush, dissolve, or chew.

2.3 Recommended Dosage and Administration of SYNJARDY in Pediatric Patients Aged 10 Years and Older

• Individualize the dosage of SYNJARDY based on the patient's current regimen.
• Monitor effectiveness and tolerability, and adjust dosage as appropriate, not to exceed the maximum total daily dosage of empagliflozin 25 mg and metformin HCl 2,000 mg.
• Take SYNJARDY orally twice daily with meals; with gradual dose escalation to reduce gastrointestinal adverse reactions with metformin [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

2.4 Dosage Recommendations in Patients with Renal Impairment

• Initiation of SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR is not recommended in patients with an eGFR less than 45 mL/min/1.73 m2, due to the metformin component.
• SYNJARDY and SYNJARDY XR are contraindicated in patients with an eGFR less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 or in patients on dialysis [see Contraindications (4), Warnings and Precautions (5.1), and Use in Specific Populations (8.6)].

2.5 Discontinuation for Iodinated Contrast Imaging Procedures

Discontinue SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR at the time of, or prior to, an iodinated contrast imaging procedure in patients with an eGFR less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2; in patients with a history of liver disease, alcoholism or heart failure; or in patients who will be administered intra-arterial iodinated contrast. Re-evaluate eGFR 48 hours after the imaging procedure; restart SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR if renal function is stable [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

2.6 Temporary Interruption for Surgery

Withhold SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR for at least 3 days, if possible, prior to major surgery or procedures associated with prolonged fasting. Resume SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR when the patient is clinically stable and has resumed oral intake [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)].

2.7 Recommendations Regarding Missed Dose

• If a dose is missed, instruct patients to take the dose as soon as possible.
• Do not double up the next dose.

SYNJARDY Tablets:

SYNJARDY XR Tablets:

5.1 Lactic Acidosis

There have been postmarketing cases of metformin-associated lactic acidosis, including fatal cases. These cases had a subtle onset and were accompanied by nonspecific symptoms such as malaise, myalgias, abdominal pain, respiratory distress, or increased somnolence; however, hypothermia, hypotension, and resistant bradyarrhythmias have occurred with severe acidosis. Metformin-associated lactic acidosis was characterized by elevated blood lactate concentrations (>5 mmol/Liter), anion gap acidosis (without evidence of ketonuria or ketonemia), and an increased lactate:pyruvate ratio; metformin plasma levels generally >5 mcg/mL. Metformin decreases liver uptake of lactate increasing lactate blood levels which may increase the risk of lactic acidosis, especially in patients at risk.

If metformin-associated lactic acidosis is suspected, general supportive measures should be instituted promptly in a hospital setting, along with immediate discontinuation of SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR. In SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR-treated patients with a diagnosis or strong suspicion of lactic acidosis, prompt hemodialysis is recommended to correct the acidosis and remove accumulated metformin (metformin is dialyzable, with a clearance of up to 170 mL/minute under good hemodynamic conditions). Hemodialysis has often resulted in reversal of symptoms and recovery.

Educate patients and their families about the symptoms of lactic acidosis and if these symptoms occur instruct them to discontinue SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR and report these symptoms to their healthcare provider.

For each of the known and possible risk factors for metformin-associated lactic acidosis, recommendations to reduce the risk of and manage metformin-associated lactic acidosis are provided below:

5.2 Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus and Other Ketoacidosis

In patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus, empagliflozin, a component of SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR, significantly increases the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis, a life-threatening event, beyond the background rate. In placebo-controlled trials of patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus, the risk of ketoacidosis was markedly increased in patients who received sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors compared to patients who received placebo and fatal ketoacidosis has occurred with empagliflozin. SYNJARDY and SYNJARDY XR are not indicated for glycemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus and pancreatic disorders (e.g., history of pancreatitis or pancreatic surgery) are also risk factors for ketoacidosis. There have been postmarketing reports of fatal events of ketoacidosis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus using SGLT2 inhibitors, including SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR.

Precipitating conditions for diabetic ketoacidosis or other ketoacidosis include under-insulinization due to insulin dose reduction or missed insulin doses, acute febrile illness, reduced caloric intake, ketogenic diet, surgery, volume depletion, and alcohol abuse.

Signs and symptoms are consistent with dehydration and severe metabolic acidosis and include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, generalized malaise, and shortness of breath. Blood glucose levels at presentation may be below those typically expected for diabetic ketoacidosis (e.g., less than 250 mg/dL). Ketoacidosis and glucosuria may persist longer than typically expected. Urinary glucose excretion persists for 3 days after discontinuing SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)]; however, there have been postmarketing reports of ketoacidosis and/or glucosuria lasting greater than 6 days and some up to 2 weeks after discontinuation of SGLT2 inhibitors.

Consider ketone monitoring in patients at risk for ketoacidosis if indicated by the clinical situation. Assess for ketoacidosis regardless of presenting blood glucose levels in patients who present with signs and symptoms consistent with severe metabolic acidosis. If ketoacidosis is suspected, discontinue SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR, promptly evaluate, and treat ketoacidosis, if confirmed. Monitor patients for resolution of ketoacidosis before restarting SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR.

Withhold SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR, if possible, in temporary clinical situations that could predispose patients to ketoacidosis. Resume SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR when the patient is clinically stable and has resumed oral intake [see Dosage and Administration (2.6)].

Educate all patients on the signs and symptoms of ketoacidosis and instruct patients to discontinue SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR and seek medical attention immediately if signs and symptoms occur.

5.3 Volume Depletion

Empagliflozin can cause intravascular volume depletion which may sometimes manifest as symptomatic hypotension or acute transient changes in creatinine [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. There have been post-marketing reports of acute kidney injury, some requiring hospitalization and dialysis, in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus receiving SGLT2 inhibitors, including empagliflozin. Patients with impaired renal function (eGFR less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2), elderly patients, or patients on loop diuretics may be at increased risk for volume depletion or hypotension. Before initiating SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR in patients with one or more of these characteristics, assess volume status and renal function. In patients with volume depletion, correct this condition before initiating SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR. Monitor for signs and symptoms of volume depletion, and renal function after initiating therapy.

5.4 Urosepsis and Pyelonephritis

There have been reports of serious urinary tract infections including urosepsis and pyelonephritis requiring hospitalization in patients receiving empagliflozin. Treatment with empagliflozin increases the risk for urinary tract infections. Evaluate patients for signs and symptoms of urinary tract infections and treat promptly, if indicated [see Adverse Reactions (6)].

5.5 Hypoglycemia

Insulin and insulin secretagogues are known to cause hypoglycemia. In adult patients, the risk of hypoglycemia may be increased when SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR is used in combination with insulin secretagogues (e.g., sulfonylurea) or insulin. In pediatric patients aged 10 years and older, the risk of hypoglycemia was higher with empagliflozin regardless of insulin use [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

The risk of hypoglycemia may be lowered by a reduction in the dose of sulfonylurea (or other concomitantly administered insulin secretagogues) or insulin. Inform patients using these concomitant medications and pediatric patients of the risk of hypoglycemia and educate them on the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia.

5.6 Necrotizing Fasciitis of the Perineum (Fournier's Gangrene)

Reports of necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum (Fournier's gangrene), a rare but serious and life-threatening necrotizing infection requiring urgent surgical intervention, have been identified in patients with diabetes mellitus receiving SGLT2 inhibitors, including empagliflozin. Cases have been reported in both females and males. Serious outcomes have included hospitalization, multiple surgeries, and death.

Patients treated with SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR presenting with pain or tenderness, erythema, or swelling in the genital or perineal area, along with fever or malaise, should be assessed for necrotizing fasciitis. If suspected, start treatment immediately with broad-spectrum antibiotics and, if necessary, surgical debridement. Discontinue SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR, closely monitor blood glucose levels, and provide appropriate alternative therapy for glycemic control.

5.7 Genital Mycotic Infections

Empagliflozin increases the risk for genital mycotic infections [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Patients with a history of chronic or recurrent genital mycotic infections were more likely to develop genital mycotic infections. Monitor and treat as appropriate.

5.8 Lower Limb Amputation

In some clinical studies with SGLT2 inhibitors an imbalance in the incidence of lower limb amputation has been observed. Across four empagliflozin outcome trials, lower limb amputation event rates were 4.3 and 5.0 events per 1,000 patient-years in the placebo group and the empagliflozin 10 mg or 25 mg dose group, respectively, with a HR of 1.05 (95% CI) (0.81, 1.36).

In a long-term cardio-renal outcome trial, in patients with chronic kidney disease, the occurrence of lower limb amputations was reported with event rates of 2.9, and 4.3 events per 1,000 patient-years in the placebo, and empagliflozin 10 mg treatment arms, respectively. Amputation of the toe and mid-foot were most frequent (21 out of 28 empagliflozin 10 mg treated patients with lower limb amputations), and some involving above and below the knee. Some patients had multiple amputations. SYNJARDY and SYNJARDY XR are not indicated for the treatment of chronic kidney disease.

Peripheral artery disease, and diabetic foot infection (including osteomyelitis), were the most common precipitating medical events leading to the need for an amputation. The risk of amputation was highest in patients with a baseline history of diabetic foot, peripheral artery disease (including previous amputation) or diabetes.

Counsel patients about the importance of routine preventative foot care. Monitor patients receiving SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR for signs and symptoms of diabetic foot infection (including osteomyelitis), new pain or tenderness, sores or ulcers involving the lower limbs, and institute appropriate treatment.

5.9 Hypersensitivity Reactions

There have been postmarketing reports of serious hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., angioedema) in patients treated with empagliflozin. If a hypersensitivity reaction occurs, discontinue SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR; treat promptly per standard of care, and monitor until signs and symptoms resolve. SYNJARDY and SYNJARDY XR are contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to empagliflozin or any of the excipients in SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR [see Contraindications (4)].

5.10 Vitamin B12 Deficiency

In metformin clinical trials of 29-week duration, a decrease to subnormal levels of previously normal serum vitamin B12 levels was observed in approximately 7% of metformin-treated patients. Such decrease, possibly due to interference with B12 absorption from the B12-intrinsic factor complex, may be associated with anemia but appears to be rapidly reversible with discontinuation of metformin or vitamin B12 supplementation. Certain individuals (those with inadequate vitamin B12 or calcium intake or absorption) appear to be predisposed to developing subnormal vitamin B12 levels. Measure hematologic parameters on an annual basis and vitamin B12 at 2 to 3 year intervals in patients on SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR and manage any abnormalities [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.

The safety of concomitantly administered empagliflozin (daily dosage 10 mg or 25 mg) and metformin HCl (mean daily dosage of approximately 1,800 mg) has been evaluated in 3,456 adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus treated for 16 to 24 weeks, of which 926 patients received placebo, 1,271 patients received a daily dosage of empagliflozin 10 mg, and 1,259 patients received a daily dosage of empagliflozin 25 mg. Discontinuation of therapy due to adverse events across treatment groups was 3.0%, 2.8%, and 2.9% for placebo, empagliflozin 10 mg, and empagliflozin 25 mg, respectively.

6.2 Postmarketing Experience

Additional adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is generally not possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

8.1 Pregnancy

8.2 Lactation

8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential

Discuss the potential for unintended pregnancy with premenopausal women as therapy with metformin may result in ovulation in some anovulatory women.

8.4 Pediatric Use

8.5 Geriatric Use

Assess renal function more frequently in SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR-treated geriatric patients because there is a greater risk of empagliflozin-associated intravascular volume contraction and symptomatic hypotension in geriatric patients and there is a greater risk of metformin-associated lactic acidosis in geriatric patients [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1, 5.3)].

The recommended dosage for the metformin component of SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR in geriatric patients should usually start at the lower end of the dosage range.

8.6 Renal Impairment

SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR should not be initiated in patients with an eGFR less than 45 mL/min/1.73 m2 due to the metformin component and is contraindicated in patients with severe renal impairment (eGFR less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m2), end stage renal disease, or dialysis.

8.7 Hepatic Impairment

Use of metformin HCl in patients with hepatic impairment has been associated with some cases of lactic acidosis. SYNJARDY and SYNJARDY XR are not recommended in patients with hepatic impairment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

Empagliflozin

Empagliflozin is an inhibitor of the SGLT2.

The chemical name of empagliflozin is D-Glucitol,1,5-anhydro-1-C-[4-chloro-3-[[4-[[(3S)-tetrahydro-3-furanyl]oxy]phenyl]methyl]phenyl]-, (1S).

Its molecular formula is C23H27ClO7 and the molecular weight is 450.91. The structural formula is:

Empagliflozin is a white to yellowish, non-hygroscopic powder. It is very slightly soluble in water, sparingly soluble in methanol, slightly soluble in ethanol and acetonitrile, soluble in 50% acetonitrile/water, and practically insoluble in toluene.

Metformin HCl

Metformin HCl (N,N-dimethylimidodicarbonimidic diamide HCl) is a biguanide. Metformin HCl is a white to off-white crystalline compound with a molecular formula of C4H11N5∙HCl and a molecular weight of 165.63. Metformin HCl is freely soluble in water and is practically insoluble in acetone, ether, and chloroform. The pKa of metformin is 12.4. The pH of a 1% aqueous solution of metformin HCl is 6.68. The structural formula is:

SYNJARDY

SYNJARDY tablets for oral administration are available in four dosage strengths containing:

• 5 mg empagliflozin and 500 mg metformin HCl (equivalent to 389.93 mg of metformin)
• 5 mg empagliflozin and 1,000 mg metformin HCl (equivalent to 779.86 mg of metformin)
• 12.5 mg empagliflozin and 500 mg metformin HCl (equivalent to 389.93 mg of metformin)
• 12.5 mg empagliflozin and 1,000 mg metformin HCl (equivalent to 779.86 mg of metformin)

Each film-coated tablet of SYNJARDY contains the following inactive ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, copovidone, corn starch, and magnesium stearate. Film-coating: black ferrosoferric oxide and ferric oxide red (12.5 mg/500 mg, 12.5 mg/1,000 mg) or ferric oxide yellow (5 mg/500 mg, 5 mg/1,000 mg), hypromellose, polyethylene glycol 400, talc and titanium dioxide.

SYNJARDY XR

Each film-coated tablet of SYNJARDY XR consists of an extended-release metformin HCl core tablet that is coated with the immediate-release drug substance empagliflozin.

SYNJARDY XR tablets for oral administration are available in four dosage strengths containing:

• 5 mg empagliflozin and 1,000 mg metformin HCl (equivalent to 779.86 mg of metformin)
• 10 mg empagliflozin and 1,000 mg metformin HCl (equivalent to 779.86 mg of metformin)
• 12.5 mg empagliflozin and 1,000 mg metformin HCl (equivalent to 779.86 mg of metformin)
• 25 mg empagliflozin and 1,000 mg metformin HCl (equivalent to 779.86 mg of metformin)

Each film-coated tablet of SYNJARDY XR contains the following inactive ingredients: Tablet Core: hypromellose, magnesium stearate, and polyethylene oxide. Film-coatings and Printing Ink: carnauba wax, FD&C blue#2/indigo carmine aluminum lake (12.5 mg/1,000 mg, 25 mg/1,000 mg), ferric oxide red (10 mg/1,000 mg), ferric oxide yellow (5 mg/1,000 mg, 10 mg/1,000 mg, 25 mg/1,000 mg), ferrosoferric oxide, hypromellose, isopropyl alcohol, polydextrose, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, purified water, talc, and titanium dioxide.

12.1 Mechanism of Action

12.2 Pharmacodynamics

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

14.1 Glycemic Control Trials in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

In adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, treatment with empagliflozin and metformin produced clinically and statistically significant improvements in HbA1c compared to placebo and metformin. Reductions in HbA1c were observed across subgroups including age, sex, race, and baseline BMI.

14.2 Glycemic Control Trials in Pediatric Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

14.3 Empagliflozin Cardiovascular Outcome Trial in Adult Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease

EMPA-REG OUTCOME was a multicenter, multinational, randomized, double-blind parallel group trial that compared the risk of experiencing a major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) between empagliflozin and placebo when these were added to and used concomitantly with standard of care treatments for diabetes mellitus and atherosclerotic cardiovascular (CV) disease. Concomitant antidiabetic medications were kept stable for the first 12 weeks of the trial. Thereafter, antidiabetic and atherosclerotic therapies could be adjusted, at the discretion of investigators, to ensure participants were treated according to the standard care for these diseases.

A total of 7,020 patients were treated (empagliflozin 10 mg = 2,345; empagliflozin 25 mg = 2,342; placebo = 2,333) and followed for a median of 3.1 years. Approximately 72% of the trial population was White, 22% was Asian, and 5% was Black or African American. The mean age was 63 years and approximately 72% were male.

All patients in the trial had inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus at baseline (HbA1c greater than or equal to 7%). The mean HbA1c at baseline was 8.1% and 57% of participants had diabetes mellitus for more than 10 years. Approximately 31%, 22% and 20% reported a past history of neuropathy, retinopathy and nephropathy to investigators, respectively and the mean eGFR was 74 mL/min/1.73 m2. At baseline, patients were treated with one (~30%) or more (~70%) antidiabetic medications including metformin (74%), insulin (48%), and sulfonylurea (43%).

All patients had established atherosclerotic CV disease at baseline including one (82%) or more (18%) of the following: a documented history of coronary artery disease (76%), stroke (23%) or peripheral artery disease (21%). At baseline, the mean systolic blood pressure was 136 mmHg, the mean diastolic blood pressure was 76 mmHg, the mean LDL was 86 mg/dL, the mean HDL was 44 mg/dL, and the mean urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR) was 175 mg/g. At baseline, approximately 81% of patients were treated with renin angiotensin system inhibitors, 65% with beta-blockers, 43% with diuretics, 77% with statins, and 86% with antiplatelet agents (mostly aspirin).

The primary endpoint in EMPA-REG OUTCOME was the time to first occurrence of a Major Adverse Cardiac Event (MACE). A major adverse cardiac event was defined as occurrence of either a CV death or a non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI) or a non-fatal stroke. The statistical analysis plan had pre-specified that the 10 and 25 mg dosages would be combined. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to test for non-inferiority against the pre-specified risk margin of 1.3 for the hazard ratio of MACE and superiority on MACE if non-inferiority was demonstrated. Type-1 error was controlled across multiples tests using a hierarchical testing strategy.

Empagliflozin significantly reduced the risk of first occurrence of primary composite endpoint of CV death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, or non-fatal stroke (HR: 0.86; 95% CI: 0.74, 0.99). The treatment effect was due to a significant reduction in the risk of CV death in subjects randomized to empagliflozin (HR: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.49, 0.77), with no change in the risk of non-fatal myocardial infarction or non-fatal stroke (see Table 13 and Figures 4 and 5). Results for the 10 mg and 25 mg empagliflozin dosages were consistent with results for the combined dosage groups.

Figure 4 Estimated Cumulative Incidence of First MACE

Figure 5 Estimated Cumulative Incidence of CV Death

The efficacy of empagliflozin on CV death was generally consistent across major demographic and disease subgroups.

Vital status was obtained for 99.2% of subjects in the trial. A total of 463 deaths were recorded during the EMPA-REG OUTCOME trial. Most of these deaths were categorized as CV deaths. The non-CV deaths were only a small proportion of deaths and were balanced between the treatment groups (2.1% in patients treated with empagliflozin, and 2.4% of patients treated with placebo).

14.4 Empagliflozin Heart Failure Trials, Including Adult Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Storage

Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].

Lactic Acidosis

Inform patients of the risks of lactic acidosis due to metformin, its symptoms, and conditions that predispose to its development. Advise patients to discontinue SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR immediately and to notify their healthcare provider promptly if unexplained hyperventilation, malaise, myalgia, unusual somnolence, or other nonspecific symptoms occur. Counsel patients against excessive alcohol intake and inform patients about the importance of regular testing of renal function while receiving SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR. Instruct patients to inform their healthcare provider that they are taking SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR prior to any surgical or radiological procedure, as temporary discontinuation may be required until renal function has been confirmed to be normal [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus and Other Ketoacidosis

Inform patients that SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR can cause potentially fatal ketoacidosis and that type 2 diabetes mellitus and pancreatic disorders (e.g., history of pancreatitis or pancreatic surgery) are risk factors.

Educate all patients on precipitating factors (such as insulin dose reduction or missed insulin doses, infection, reduced caloric intake, ketogenic diet, surgery, dehydration, and alcohol abuse) and symptoms of ketoacidosis (including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, tiredness, and labored breathing). Inform patients that blood glucose may be normal even in the presence of ketoacidosis.

Advise patients that they may be asked to monitor ketones. If symptoms of ketoacidosis occur, instruct patients to discontinue SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR and seek medical attention immediately [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

Volume Depletion

Inform patients that symptomatic hypotension may occur with SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR and advise them to contact their healthcare provider if they experience such symptoms [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]. Inform patients that dehydration may increase the risk for hypotension, and to maintain adequate fluid intake.

Serious Urinary Tract Infections

Inform patients of the potential for urinary tract infections, which may be serious. Provide them with information on the symptoms of urinary tract infections. Advise them to seek medical advice if such symptoms occur [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].

Hypoglycemia

Inform patients that hypoglycemia has been reported when SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR is used with insulin secretagogues or insulin. Hypoglycemia may occur in pediatric patients regardless of concomitant antidiabetic treatment. Educate patients or caregivers on the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].

Necrotizing Fasciitis of the Perineum (Fournier's Gangrene)

Inform patients that necrotizing infections of the perineum (Fournier's gangrene) have occurred with empagliflozin, a component of SYNJARDY and SYNJARDY XR. Counsel patients to promptly seek medical attention if they develop pain or tenderness, redness, or swelling of the genitals or the area from the genitals back to the rectum, along with a fever above 100.4°F or malaise [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)].

Genital Mycotic Infections in Females (e.g., Vulvovaginitis)

Inform female patients that vaginal yeast infections may occur and provide them with information on the signs and symptoms of vaginal yeast infections. Advise them of treatment options and when to seek medical advice [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)].

Genital Mycotic Infections in Males (e.g., Balanitis or Balanoposthitis)

Inform male patients that yeast infection of the penis (e.g., balanitis or balanoposthitis) may occur, especially in uncircumcised males and patients with chronic and recurrent infections. Provide them with information on the signs and symptoms of balanitis and balanoposthitis (rash or redness of the glans or foreskin of the penis). Advise them of treatment options and when to seek medical advice [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)].

Lower Limb Amputation

Counsel patients about the importance of routine preventative foot care. Instruct patients to monitor for new pain or tenderness, sores or ulcers, or infections involving the leg or foot and to seek medical advice immediately if such signs or symptoms develop [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)].

Hypersensitivity Reactions

Inform patients that serious hypersensitivity reactions, such as urticaria and angioedema, have been reported with empagliflozin, a component of SYNJARDY and SYNJARDY XR. Advise patients to report immediately any skin reaction or angioedema, and to discontinue the drug until they have consulted prescribing healthcare provider [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)].

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Inform patients about the importance of regular hematological parameters while receiving SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10)].

Laboratory Tests

Inform patients that elevated glucose in urinalysis is expected when taking SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR [see Drug Interactions (7)].

Pregnancy

Advise pregnant patients, and patients of reproductive potential, of the potential risk to a fetus with treatment with SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)]. Instruct patients to report pregnancies to their healthcare provider as soon as possible.

Lactation

Advise patients that breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR [see Use in Specific Populations (8.2)].

Patients of Reproductive Potential

Inform patients that treatment with metformin may result in ovulation in some premenopausal anovulatory patients, which may lead to unintended pregnancy [see Use in Specific Populations (8.3)].

Administration Instructions

Inform patients that SYNJARDY XR tablets must be swallowed whole and never split, crushed, dissolved, or chewed and that incompletely dissolved SYNJARDY XR tablets may be eliminated in the feces.

Missed Dose

Instruct patients to take SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR only as prescribed. If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as the patient remembers. Advise patients not to double their next dose [see Dosage and Administration (2.7)].