The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a new drug, Jardiance, to help fight type 2 diabetes. Jardiance (empagliflozin) falls into the class of diabetes medicines known as "sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors." These drugs work by stopping blood sugar, or glucose, from getting reabsorbed by the kidneys. That means that more glucose is excreted by the kidneys and blood sugar levels go down, the FDA explained. Other drugs in this class of medications include Invokana (canagliflozin) and Farxiga (dapagliflozin).

The drug has also been studied for use alongside other medications, such as metformin, sulfonylureas, pioglitazone and insulin. The FDA stressed that it is ordering post-marketing studies on Jardiance, with a focus on any potential cardiovascular effects, as well as safety and effectiveness in children.

Jardiance can trigger dehydration, which can cause low blood pressure, dizziness and impaired kidney function. The drug should not be used by people with type 1 diabetes.

The most common side effects seen with Jardiance included urinary tract infections and female genital infections, the FDA said.

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