JARDIANCE (empagliflozin) has become the first oral treatment to be available on private script for type 2 diabetes (T2D) in children and adolescents, since metformin was indicated for use in this growing patient group.
Approved by the TGA, Jardiance is now available for patients aged 10 years and older and can be prescribed alongside metformin to help manage the disease.
Prof David Simmons, ChiefMedical Officer at Diabetes Australia, emphasised the significance of the new development, as despite the 17% increase of T2D in young people in the last decade, treatment options have remained limited.
"This milestone will lead to a significant shift in the way the disease is managed in this younger patient population, allowing for glycaemic management to be intensified without injections," Simmons explained.
Jardiance is a sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitor, and works by reducing reabsorption of glucose in the kidneys and increases the excretion of glucose in urine.
The recommended starting dose of Jardiance for children and adolescents is 10mg taken once daily, with or without food.
In patients tolerating this daily dose and still requiring additional glycaemic management, the dosage can be increased to 25mg once daily.
"Early onset type 2 diabetes is associated with poor long-term outcomes, including roughly a 15-year reduction in life expectancy," Simmons said.
"If not well managed, type 2 diabetes can also reduce a child's ability to concentrate, thereby limiting their learning and ability to perform to their full potential.
"It is essential that the disease is detected and treated optimally early in its course," he added. JG
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