Empagliflozin tablets are now available by prescription in pharmacies across the United States, according to a statement from Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals and Eli Lilly and Company.

Designed for treating adults with type 2 diabetes, Empagliflozin (Jardiance, Lilly) has swiftly made it onto shelves, following an FDA approval at the outset of August.

Walgreens, Rite Aid, Kroger and other leading chains and independent retailers are carrying the new therapy, according to the statement, which improves glycemic control when used as an adjunct to diet and exercise.

Taken once-daily in 10 mg or 25 mg doses, the sodium glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor blocks reabsorption of glucose in the kidney, thereby increasing glucose excretion and lowering blood glucose levels.

The therapy is not designed for patients with type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. Jardiance can cause dehydration that might lead to a drop in blood pressure and may cause patients to become dizzy or faint, the release stated.

FDA approval was granted following a large clinical program involving more than 10 multinational trials and more than 13,000 adults with type 2 diabetes, with results showing significant HbA1C reduction as a treatment along or combined with metformin, sulfonylureas, insulin and pioglitazone.

Urinary tract infections and vaginal yeast infections were the most common adverse reactions reported, according to the statement, and hypoglycemia was reported more commonly in patients also receiving sulfonylurea or insulin.