Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor empagliflozin (the only funded one In New Zealand) is now available for patients with reduced ejection fraction.
The new indication is symptomatic (NYHA class II-IV) heart failure and LVEF ≤ 40% or if an echo is not reasonably practical, and in the opinion of the treating practitioner, the patient would benefit from treatment, and the patient is receiving concomitant optimal standard chronic heart failure treatment.
In CHF patients, SGLT2 inhibitors improve cardiac function and reduce hospitalisation rates for heart failure.
In clinical practice, this is less problematic than the diuresis caused by loop diuretics, which may still be needed but at lower doses. They also have benefits in patients with LVEF > 40% (mildly reduced EF or preserved EF (those > 50% ) but are not funded for these patients.
If the indication is for diabetes, that can be the basis for the special authority. They also have other benefits in terms of renal failure.
As always, we will answer as many questions as possible during this session.
Presenter
Gerry Wilkins
Gerry is Professor of Medicine, Otago University and Consultant Cardiologist at Dunedin and Mercy Hospitals.
He was involved in the earliest use of coronary angioplasty in New Zealand in 1981-1984. He has continued a pioneering interest in vascular intervention and has been involved in the introduction of many new techniques, devices and trials, including the first use of coronary stents in NZ.
Supported by an unrestricted educational grant from:
