JARDIANCE

[fairgo45]

I'm being given this drug for heart failure not for type 2 diabetes Has anyone else had it prescribed for the same thing if so any advice re side affects

[fairgo45]

That's interesting, are you a diabetic or is it for heart problems like mine?

[fairgo45]

So you don't get any of the horrible side affects that I have read about?How long have you been on it has it helped you.

What country are you from are you from Australia?

[Lezzers in reply to fairgo45]

My husband has been taking dapagliflozin for over a year for his heart & apart from some weight loss he's had no side effects at all. But it really did help his energy levels

[fairgo45 in reply to Lezzers]

That's good to hear as i had read the side effects and was not too keen on them

[Lezzers in reply to fairgo45]

As a matter of interest do you know why you've been given empagliflozin rather than dapagliflozin? I thought dapagliflozin was first choice for hearts & empagliflozin was prescribed for hearts if you're also diabetic or pre diabetic, though I'm happy to be told I'm wrong about that

[fairgo45 in reply to Lezzers]

I don't know why I've been given empagliflozin and not dapagliflozin as I only saw my cardiologist yesterday I didn't really know a treatment meant for diabetes was good for heart failure.

I'm not even pre-diabetic and he had to get special permission to give it to me as its not funded here other than for diabetes.

I've researched both meds and they seem to do the same thing for the heart what makes you think dapagliflozin would be better as I can always question it with my cardiologist maybe it's dependent on what type of heart failure it is.

[Lezzers in reply to fairgo45]

Hi, I don't know that one is better than the other but it could be because of the type of HF, do you have preserved EF HF rather than reduced EF HR? I believe (again I stand to be corrected) that there is a movement towards getting NICE to agree to empagliflozin being prescribed for preserved HF, so far they've refused but evidence shows that it's really good for this type of HF so NICE have agreed to look at it again! Are you in the UK?

Both meds were designed for diabetes but it was discovered that, for those people who had HF in addition to diabetes, it worked really well with their HF symptoms, reduced hospitalisation, mortality etc so it was licenced to be prescribed for HF without diabetes.

[fairgo45 in reply to Lezzers]

I've got preserved EF so that could be why empagliflozin was prescribed .I agree with all you've said .

I'm not in the UK I'm in New Zealand hence the late reply as its Wednesday morning here.

I'm reassured that in your part of the world empagliflozin is thought to be better for those with HF without being a diabetic, time will tell if it helps me.

[Lezzers in reply to fairgo45]

If you do Facebook you might want to join the Pumping Marvellous support group, there are a number of people in the group who also have preserved EF HF. The pumping marvellous foundation charity is patient led and is the leading UK heart failure charity that is recommended by cardiologists & HF teams. Whilst the charity is UK based the support group is multinational, lots of advice, support and info from a very friendly group. You might also want to look at the Pumping Marvellous website, tons of info on there & the opportunity to chat/ask questions from a patient educator.

Good luck, I hope the new med works for you x

[fairgo45 in reply to Lezzers]

Thanks very much I've not heard of that one I do like to interact with people who have health problems like mine and it doesn't matter that it's uk based they may know things New Zealand doesn't

I hope this new drug helps me lead a better quality life thanks for your input

[Lezzers in reply to fairgo45]

There are definitely members from your side of the world in the group. And likewise, New Zealand may know things that the UK doesn't, certainly you're ahead of the game with empagliflozin. I do know that group members & group admin will be very interested in how you get on with this drug. I believe The Pumping Marvellous is currently in talks with NICE about licensing this in the UK for preserved HF!

[fairgo45 in reply to Lezzers]

Thanks I'll let you know how I get on

[fairgo45 in reply to Lezzers]

Took your advice and joined the recommended forum it's very useful thanks for the heads up

[Lezzers in reply to fairgo45]

Good to hear you're finding it useful. It's a very friendly & supportive group to be in & the wealth of knowledge around HF is invaluable.

[NikiHarky]

Hi I'm on this medication for heart failure, what side effects are you having x

[fairgo45 in reply to NikiHarky]

I haven't taken it yet I was only prescribed it yesterday and was reading side effects like UTI,s stomach problems etcI thought I'd ask on here hoping I'd get some positive feedback

It's been prescribed for heart failure

[fairgo45]

Good to know it's working for you without side effects thanks for the imput

[VelvetSky]

Hi, I’ve refused it twice, I have Steven Johnson Syndrome any drug can make it flare up. There are too many side effects from Jardiance for me to risk it. Any drug that has a risk of Fournier Gangrene is a step too far for me. I’m very suspicious when suddenly there is a new wonder drug, but that is just my opinion.

[fairgo45]

I know the risk of Fournier Gangren and its not something I would like but both drugs have the same risks and the chances of developing it is low.It's been well tested but I will look into it more

[pauljusa]

So how ae you doing with Jandiance?

[fairgo45 in reply to pauljusa]

Hi Paul . well 7 months later I'm still on Jardiance ,so far no issues at all with any UTIs or Thrush so fingers crossed it stays that way

I've found it very helpful with improving breathing I'm practically back to my old self

[pauljusa]

Are you still doing well? I'm just about to start on it. Best wishes - Paul

[fairgo45 in reply to pauljusa]

Hi Paul

Yes I'm still doing well on it over a year now and its made me feel so much better.

What made you change your mind and try it?

I haven't had any further tests like Echos yet but will in due course for a checkup.

Remember at first you may feel nauseous but it passes and also may take a few weeks till you feel better but keep going.

I cut out salty foods and sweet stuff as well though not entirely I still eat a piece of cake and occasionally chocolate I find it helps to not develop Thrush or UTIs

Good luck let me know how you get on.

Janet

[pauljusa]

I'm taking another medication, Entresto, that's really improved my condition, but now the improvement seems to have levelled off. Daily activities are fine, but hill walks and multiple flights of stairs are still a challenge. I'd love to be able to run again, and I can for 1 minute 😅. I was encouraged by your post, so last week I had a long talk with a heart failure expert at the Mayo Clinic (a major US health center), and decided it was definitely worth a try (if not a touchdown). So, I'm planning to start next week. I'll post updates on this forum as things develop. Thanks for your help! - Paul