Jardiance
Jardiance (empagliflozin) is a brand-name medication that's used along with a nutritious diet and routine exercise to improve blood sugar levels in people 10 years and older with Type 2 diabetes. It can also lower the chance of serious complications, hospitalization, and death in certain adults with heart failure or chronic kidney disease (CKD). Jardiance (empagliflozin) belongs to the drug class called sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. It's a tablet that's taken by mouth once a day. Side effects can include urinary tract infections (UTIs), yeast infections, and weight loss.
What is Jardiance (empagliflozin)?
What is Jardiance (empagliflozin) used for?
Type 2 diabetes (in addition to diet and exercise) in people age 10 years and older
Lowering the risk of death due to heart problems in adults with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease
Lowering the risk of hospitalization and death due to heart problems in adults with heart failure
Lowering the risk of worsening kidney problems, hospitalization, and death due to heart problems in adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD)
How Jardiance (empagliflozin) works
Jardiance (empagliflozin) is a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor. It blocks the SGLT2 protein in the kidneys. This prevents sugar and sodium (salt) from absorbing back into your body in the kidneys.
For Type 2 diabetes: Instead of having sugar reabsorbed back into the body, the sugar goes into your urine. This helps get rid of extra sugar in your blood, which lowers your blood sugar levels.
For heart failure: By preventing your body from reabsorbing sodium, the heart can fill with blood easier and pump blood more easily throughout the body. This lessens stress on the heart.
For CKD: The way that Jardiance (empagliflozin) works helps improve blood flow through the kidneys and lessens stress on the kidneys. This helps slow the worsening of CKD.
Drug Facts
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What are the side effects of Jardiance (empagliflozin)?
Common Side Effects
- Urinary tract infection (UTI; 8-9%)
- Vaginal yeast infection in females (5-6%)
- Upper respiratory tract infection (3-4%)
- High cholesterol or fat levels (3-4%)
- Urinating more than usual (3%)
Other Side Effects
- Genital yeast infection or fungal infection in males
- Joint pain
- Nausea
- Feeling thirstier
Serious Side Effects
- Severe allergic reaction: swelling in the face, throat, tongue, or mouth; rash; trouble breathing
- High ketone levels in the blood: nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, tiredness, thirsty, dry mouth, fruity breath, trouble breathing
Source: DailyMed
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The following side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Dehydration—increased thirst, dry mouth, feeling faint or lightheaded, headache, dark yellow or brown urine
- Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)—increased thirst or amount of urine, dry mouth, fatigue, fruity odor to breath, trouble breathing, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting
- Genital yeast infection—redness, swelling, pain, or itchiness, odor, thick or lumpy discharge
- New pain or tenderness, change in skin color, sores or ulcers, infection of the leg or foot
- Infection or redness, swelling, tenderness, or pain in the genitals, or area from the genitals to the back of the rectum
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)—burning when passing urine, passing frequent small amounts of urine, bloody or cloudy urine, pain in the lower back or sides
Pros and cons of Jardiance (empagliflozin)
Cons
Raises risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and genital yeast infections
Might make you urinate more
Not recommended during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy
Pharmacist tips for Jardiance (empagliflozin)
Take Jardiance (empagliflozin) in the morning with or without food.
Drink plenty of fluids while you're taking Jardiance (empagliflozin) because the medication can cause dehydration or low blood pressure. If you feel dizzy when you stand up, hold onto something until the feeling goes away or sit back down carefully.
Practice good hygiene to prevent yeast and urinary tract infections since these are common side effects of Jardiance (empagliflozin). Change clothes and shower as soon as possible after exercising or after a hot day. Also, wear underwear and clothing made from breathable, natural materials like cotton.
It's best to avoid drinking alcohol while you're taking Jardiance (empagliflozin). Alcohol can raise your risk of certain side effects of the medication, including having to urinate more often and possibly getting dehydrated. It can also put you at risk for having low blood sugar. In addition, heavy drinking or regularly drinking alcohol can raise your risk for heart-related problems.
Tell your prescriber if you're going to have surgery where you won't be able to eat for a while. Stress on the body, like with surgery, and eating less than usual while you're taking Jardiance (empagliflozin) can put you at risk for serious ketoacidosis (high ketone levels in the body). To keep you safe, your prescriber might tell you to stop taking the medication a few days before your surgery and then restart it again when you've recovered enough and are eating as usual.
If you miss your dose of Jardiance (empagliflozin), take it as soon as possible. If it's already time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your treatment as prescribed. Never double up to make up for a missed dose since this could lead to side effects.
You might be at risk of having low blood sugar if you're taking Jardiance (empagliflozin) with certain other diabetes medications. Make sure to check your blood sugar if you feel shaky or confused or if your heartbeat is faster than usual. If you have low blood sugar (less than 70 mg/dL), know how to treat it and when you need to call 911.
Talk with your prescriber about your treatment options if you're pregnant, thinking of becoming pregnant, or breastfeeding. Tell your care team if you become pregnant while you're taking Jardiance (empagliflozin). This medication isn't recommended during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy or when you're breastfeeding because it can possibly harm your baby.
Continue to exercise regularly and take your other prescribed medications along with Jardiance (empagliflozin). Also eat a balanced diet with a variety of fruits and vegetables. Try to avoid high-sugar foods and ultra-processed carbohydrates because these foods can raise your blood sugar levels. Speak with your care team about more ways you can help manage your condition the best you can.
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Frequently asked questions about Jardiance (empagliflozin)
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What are the risks and warnings for Jardiance (empagliflozin)?
Jardiance (empagliflozin) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Ketoacidosis
Risk factors: Diabetes | Sick with a fever | Lowered calorie intake | Ketogenic diet | Dehydration | Pancreatic problems | Alcohol use | Insulin dose reduction or missed insulin doses | Surgery
Some people with diabetes who take Jardiance (empagliflozin) can develop a serious, life-threatening condition called ketoacidosis. This condition happens when your body makes too many acids called ketones, which makes your blood acidic. This can be dangerous. You're at risk for ketoacidosis if you get sick, eat less calories than usual, or just had surgery.
Whether you have diabetes or not, be aware of the signs and symptoms of ketoacidosis while you're taking Jardiance (empagliflozin). Early signs can include feeling thirstier, having dry mouth, and urinating more often. If you also have fruity breath, stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting or if you feel very tired, check your ketone levels and get medical help right away.
Low fluids in the body (leading to low blood pressure or dehydration)
Risk factors: 65 years or older | Kidney problems | Taking loop diuretics (water pills) | Low-sodium diet
Jardiance (empagliflozin) can cause the amount of fluids in the body to drop. As a result, some people might get dehydrated, and others might have very low blood pressure. Low fluid levels in the body can also affect blood flow to the kidneys and cause kidney injury.
You're more likely at risk for having low fluid levels in the body and related complications if you're 65 years or older, you already have kidney problems, or if you're following a low-sodium diet. To make sure Jardiance (empagliflozin) is safe for you to take, your prescriber will check your kidney health through blood tests before you start treatment. They also might continue to periodically check your kidney health while you're taking the medication.
Talk to your care team if you feel dizzy or lightheaded you're taking Jardiance (empagliflozin). These can be signs of dehydration or low blood pressure. Also contact your prescriber if you're urinating less than usual because that could mean that you're dehydrated. It could also be a sign of a kidney problem.
Genital and urinary tract infections
Risk factors: History of genital yeast infections or urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Jardiance (empagliflozin) raises the risk of genital infections, like yeast infections and UTIs. Although rare, some of these infections can become serious and require hospitalization. Contact a healthcare professional right away if you have a burning feeling when urinating; a need to urinate often; blood in your urine; an odor from your genitals; or pain, itching, swelling, redness, or tenderness around your genitals. You might need to be prescribed treatment for a genital yeast infection or for a UTI.
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when used with certain other diabetes medications
Risk factors: Changes in diet and exercise | Drinking alcohol | Taking certain other medications for diabetes | Children
Taking Jardiance (empagliflozin) together with certain other diabetes medications, such as insulin and sulfonylureas like glipizide, can put you at risk for low blood sugar. Very low blood sugar can be life-threatening.
It's important that you can recognize symptoms of low blood sugar, including feeling shaky, anxious, confused, sleepy, weak, or very hungry. You might also have a fast heartbeat or body chills. Check your blood sugar if you have these symptoms and treat any low blood sugar right away. Talk to your prescriber or pharmacist about your risk for low blood sugar.
Leg and foot amputations
Risk factors: History of amputations | Peripheral artery disease (narrowed blood vessels) | Diabetic foot ulcers
Although rare, some people who took Jardiance (empagliflozin) during clinical studies needed foot or leg amputations. The risk for this complication appears higher for people who've previously had amputation or have blood circulation problems. In studies, the most common reasons for amputations for people who took this medication were peripheral artery disease and diabetic foot ulcers.
Let a healthcare professional know right away if you have any new pain, tenderness, sores, ulcers, or infections on your legs or feet. Your care team can recommend ways to manage these foot problems or treat them before they get worse. If you have diabetes, regularly visit your diabetes care team for foot exams.
Allergic reactions
In rare cases, Jardiance (empagliflozin) can cause serious allergic reactions. Get medical help right away if you have trouble breathing; rash; or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Jardiance (empagliflozin) dosage forms
Typical dosing for Jardiance (empagliflozin)
The typical dose is 10 mg by mouth once daily in the morning.
For people with Type 2 diabetes only, your prescriber might raise your dose to 25 mg once daily if you need more help with controlling your blood sugar levels.
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How much does Jardiance (empagliflozin) cost?
What are alternatives to Jardiance (empagliflozin)?
Type 2 diabetes (in addition to diet and exercise) in people age 10 years and older
Lowering the risk of death due to heart problems in adults with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease
Lowering the risk of hospitalization and death due to heart problems in adults with heart failure
Lowering the risk of worsening kidney problems, hospitalization, and death due to heart problems in adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD)
Type 2 diabetes
Lowering the risk of major heart events (e.g., heart attack, stroke) in adults with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease
Lowering the risk of hospitalization for heart failure, death due to heart problems, and worsening of kidney problems in certain adults with Type 2 diabetes and diabetic kidney disease
Type 2 diabetes (in addition to diet and exercise) in people age 10 and over
Lowering the risk of hospitalization for heart failure in adults with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease
Lowering the risk of hospitalization and death due to heart problems in people with heart failure
Lowering the risk of worsening kidney problems, hospitalization for heart failure, and death due to heart problems in adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD)
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References
Best studies we foundAmerican Diabetes Association. (n.d.). Diabetes & DKA (ketoacidosis).
American Diabetes Association. (n.d.). Low blood glucose (hypoglycemia).
Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (2024). Jardiance- empagliflozin tablet, film coated [package insert]. DailyMed.
California State Board of Pharmacy. (2013). Splitting pills: Understanding the benefits and the risks.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). About diabetic ketoacidosis.
Dave, C. V., et al. (2019). Comparative risk of genital infections associated with SGLT2 inhibitors: A real-word retrospective cohort study. Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism.
Kolwelter, J., et al. (2023). The SGLT2 inhibitor empagliflozin reduces tissue sodium content in patients with chronic heart failure: Results from a placebo-controlled randomised trial. Clinical Research in Cardiology.
Schulze, P. C., et al. (2022). Effects of early empagliflozin initiation on diuresis and kidney function in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (EMPAG-HF). Circulation.
Vallon, V., et al. (2021). Effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on kidney and cardiovascular function. Annual Review of Physiology.
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