Efficacy and safety of empagliflozin at different doses in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A network meta-analysis based on randomized controlled trials

Abstract

What is Known and Objective: As an oral hypoglycaemic drug that significantly reduces cardiovascular risk, empagliflozin is often used in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the dosage and administration of empagliflozin are still controversial clinically. To determine the most appropriate dose, we performed this network meta-analysis. Methods: We identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) about empagliflozin from eight databases. We analysed the pharmacodynamics, adverse effects (AEs), and pharmacokinetics of empagliflozin at different doses. Results: We identified 8264 articles, of which 23 RCTs with 10518 patients were included. Regarding haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG), high-daily doses (10, 25, 50 mg) were significantly better than low doses (1, 2.5, 5 mg). For total AEs, there was a dose-response trend in which safety decreased with increasing doses. According to SUCRA sequencing, the order for lowering HbA1c was 25 > 50 > 10 > 5 > 1 mg, for lowering FPG was 50 > 25 > 10 > 5 > 2.5 > 1 mg and for safety was 1> 5 > 10 > 25> 2.5 > 50 mg. When considering HbA1c, FPG and total AEs, we performed a hierarchical cluster analysis and network meta-analysis to find that 25 mg performed best among different doses, which was more significant after long-term use (≥ 12 weeks). Pharmacokinetic parameters exhibited significant dose-response relationships. What is New and Conclusion: High-daily doses (10, 25, 50 mg) had better efficacy than low doses (1, 2.5, 5 mg). When considering HbA1c, FPG and total AEs, 25 mg performed best among the different doses in patients with T2DM.