Jardiance, known by its generic name empagliflozin, is a prescription oral medication primarily used to manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes.
As a member of a class of drugs called sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, it offers a unique mechanism of action.
Beyond its role in diabetes management, it has also been approved to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death in adults with both type 2 diabetes and established heart disease, and to treat certain types of heart failure and chronic kidney disease.
In fact, SGLT2 inhibitors have revolutionized the treatment landscape for these interconnected conditions.
This comprehensive guide will explore everything you need to know about Jardiance, from how it works and its approved uses to its potential side effects, drug interactions, and what to discuss with your healthcare provider before starting treatment.
In This Article
What is Jardiance (Empagliflozin)?
Jardiance is the brand name for the medication empagliflozin. It is an oral tablet taken once daily to help manage several chronic health conditions.
It belongs to a class of drugs known as SGLT2 inhibitors. Unlike many other diabetes medications that work by affecting insulin production or sensitivity, has a distinct mechanism that involves the kidneys.
Initially approved for type 2 diabetes, the therapeutic applications for Jardiance have expanded significantly.
It is now also a cornerstone therapy for reducing risks associated with heart and kidney complications, which are often linked to diabetes but can also occur independently.
What Conditions Does Jardiance Treat?
According to information from regulatory bodies like the FDA and clinical institutions, Jardiance is approved for several key uses:
- Type 2 Diabetes: It is used along with diet and exercise to improve glycemic control (lower blood sugar) in adults and children aged 10 years and older with type 2 diabetes.
- Cardiovascular Risk Reduction: In adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease, Jardiance is used to lower the risk of death from cardiovascular causes.
- Heart Failure: It is approved to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for adults with heart failure, a condition where the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs.
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): It is used to lower the risk of worsening kidney disease, end-stage kidney disease, cardiovascular death, and hospitalization in adults with CKD.
It’s important to note that Jardiance is not for treating type 1 diabetes. Using it in this population can significantly increase the risk of a serious condition called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
How Does Jardiance Work?
To understand how Jardiance works, it’s essential to first understand the role of the sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2). SGLT2 is a protein primarily found in the kidneys.
Its main job is to reabsorb glucose (sugar) from the urine back into the bloodstream, preventing it from being lost.
Jardiance is an SGLT2 inhibitor. This means it blocks the action of this protein.
By inhibiting SGLT2, Jardiance prevents the kidneys from reabsorbing glucose. Instead, the excess glucose is flushed out of the body through the urine.
This process achieves several therapeutic effects:
- Lowers Blood Sugar: By removing excess glucose from the body, Jardiance directly lowers blood sugar levels, which is its primary benefit for patients with type 2 diabetes.
- Reduces Stress on the Heart and Kidneys: The SGLT2 protein also reabsorbs sodium. By inhibiting it, promotes the removal of sodium and water from the body. This has a mild diuretic effect, which can lower blood pressure and reduce the volume of fluid the heart has to pump. This reduction in workload is believed to be a key reason why Jardiance is beneficial for heart failure and chronic kidney disease.
This dual action on glucose and sodium makes Jardiance and other SGLT2 inhibitors a powerful tool in managing the interconnected systems of metabolic, cardiovascular, and renal health.
How Should I Take Jardiance?
Following your healthcare provider’s instructions is crucial for the safe and effective use of Jardiance. The medication is typically taken as a once-daily tablet.
Dosing and Administration
- How to take it: Take the tablet by mouth with a glass of water.
- When to take it: It should be taken at the same time each day, usually in the morning.
- With or without food: You can take Jardiance with or without food.
- Consistency is key: Continue taking the medication every day unless your care team specifically tells you to stop. Abruptly stopping can affect your blood sugar control and other conditions it is managing.
Your pharmacist will provide a special MedGuide with each prescription and refill. It is vital to read this information carefully each time, as it contains important safety details about Jardiance.
What if I Miss a Dose?
If you miss a dose of Jardiance, the general advice is to take it as soon as you remember.
However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, you should skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule.
Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed one. Taking a double or extra dose can increase your risk of side effects.
Overdose Information
If you suspect you have taken too much Jardiance, it is considered a medical emergency.
You should contact a poison control center or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
Signs of an overdose could potentially include exaggerated side effects, such as severe dehydration or dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), especially if taken with other diabetes medications.
What are the Side Effects of Jardiance?
Like all medications, Jardiance can cause side effects.
These can range from mild to serious. It’s important to remember that the side effects a person experiences can depend on their age, other health conditions they have, and other medications they are taking.
The following lists describe some of the more common side effects but do not include all possibilities.
Your doctor or pharmacist is the best source of information about the potential side effects of Jardiance. They can provide a complete list and suggest ways to manage or reduce them.
Mild Side Effects
Many mild side effects may resolve on their own within a few days or a couple of weeks as your body adjusts to the medication.
However, if they become persistent or bothersome, you should talk to your doctor.
Mild side effects of Jardiance can include:
- Nausea: A feeling of sickness or an urge to vomit.
- Increased Urination: Urinating more often than usual or producing more urine than usual. This is a direct result of the drug’s mechanism of flushing out glucose and water.
- Genital Yeast Infections: These are among the more common side effects. More details are provided below.
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Another common side effect related to changes in the urinary system. More details are provided below.
Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects from Jardiance are not common, but they can occur.
If you experience symptoms of a serious side effect, you must call your doctor right away.
If you believe you are having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.
Serious side effects can include:
- Ketoacidosis (Diabetic Ketoacidosis or DKA): A dangerous buildup of acids called ketones in your blood. This can happen even with normal or only slightly elevated blood sugar levels when taking Jardiance. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, fatigue, and trouble breathing.
- Dehydration: A low fluid level in the body, which can lead to a drop in blood pressure (hypotension). Symptoms include dizziness, feeling faint, weakness, or dark-colored urine.
- Serious Urinary Tract Infections: While mild UTIs are common, they can sometimes become severe and spread to the kidneys (pyelonephritis) or bloodstream (urosepsis).
- Fournier’s Gangrene: A very rare but life-threatening bacterial infection of the tissue under the skin of the perineum (the area between the genitals and rectum).
- Kidney Damage: While Jardiance is used to protect the kidneys in the long term, it can cause a sudden, temporary decline in kidney function in some individuals, especially if dehydration occurs.
- Serious Allergic Reactions: Anaphylaxis is a rare but possible reaction. Symptoms include swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, which can cause difficulty breathing or swallowing.
- New pain, tenderness, sores, or infections in the leg or foot: This can be a sign of reduced circulation or nerve problems, which in rare cases have been associated with a higher risk of lower limb amputations with SGLT2 inhibitors.
Side Effect Focus: An In-Depth Look
Some side effects of Jardiance warrant a more detailed explanation due to their frequency or severity.
Fournier’s Gangrene
Fournier’s gangrene is an extremely rare but very serious side effect associated with all SGLT2 inhibitors, including Jardiance.
It is a necrotizing fasciitis (flesh-eating disease) that affects the perineal, genital, or perianal regions. It requires immediate medical intervention.
Symptoms of Fournier’s gangrene include:
- Severe pain, tenderness, redness, or swelling in the genital or perineal area.
- Fever or a general feeling of being unwell .
What Might Help: This is a medical emergency. If you have any of these symptoms, seek medical care immediately. Treatment involves aggressive antibiotics and often requires surgery to remove the dead tissue. Your doctor will instruct you to stop taking Jardiance and will manage your blood sugar with other medications during treatment.
Genital Yeast Infections
Because Jardiance increases the amount of sugar in the urine, it can create an environment where yeast can thrive.
This makes genital yeast infections (candidiasis) a common side effect.
According to clinical studies, these infections are more common in females than in males . Having a history of yeast infections may increase your risk.
Symptoms of a genital yeast infection may include:
- Itching, pain, or soreness in the genital area.
- Redness, swelling, or a rash.
- For females, a thick, white, cottage cheese-like vaginal discharge.
- For males, discharge from the penis.
What Might Help: If you suspect a yeast infection, contact your doctor. They can confirm the diagnosis and may recommend an over-the-counter antifungal cream or prescribe an oral medication. Practicing good hygiene and drinking plenty of water can help reduce the risk.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Similar to yeast infections, the increased sugar in the urine can also promote bacterial growth, leading to urinary tract infections (UTIs).
While most UTIs are mild and affect the bladder (cystitis), they can become serious if the infection travels to the kidneys.
Studies show UTIs are more common in females taking Jardiance. A prior history of UTIs is also a risk factor.
Symptoms of a UTI might include:
- A burning sensation or pain when urinating.
- Frequent or urgent need to urinate, often passing only small amounts.
- Cloudy, dark, or bloody urine.
- Pain in the lower back or sides (flank pain), which could indicate a kidney infection.
- Fever, chills, nausea, and fatigue.
What Might Help: Contact your doctor if you have UTI symptoms. They will likely test your urine and prescribe antibiotics if an infection is present. To help prevent UTIs, drink plenty of water to help flush out bacteria and practice good hygiene. For more prevention tips, see this article or speak with your doctor.
Jardiance Side Effects: Mild vs. Serious (Comparison Table)
This table provides a quick reference to help distinguish between mild and serious side effects of Jardiance and the appropriate actions to take.
| Side Effect Category | Examples | Common Symptoms | What to Do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mild | Nausea, Increased Urination | Feeling sick to your stomach, needing to urinate more frequently or in larger volumes. | Monitor symptoms. If they are persistent or bothersome, contact your doctor. Stay hydrated. |
| Common but Potentially Bothersome | Genital Yeast Infections, Mild UTIs | Itching, redness, discharge (yeast), burning with urination, frequency (UTI). | Contact your doctor. These often require treatment with antifungal or antibiotic medication. |
| Serious | Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) | Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, fruity-smelling breath, trouble breathing, unusual fatigue. | Stop taking Jardiance and seek immediate medical attention. This is a medical emergency. |
| Serious | Dehydration / Low Blood Pressure | Dizziness, lightheadedness (especially when standing up), weakness, dry mouth, dark urine. | Contact your doctor. They may need to adjust your dose or other medications. Drink fluids as advised. |
| Very Rare but Life-Threatening | Fournier’s Gangrene | Severe pain, swelling, or redness in the genital or perineal area, accompanied by fever. | Go to the nearest emergency room immediately. This is a life-threatening emergency. |
| Serious | Serious Allergic Reaction | Skin rash, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing. | Call 911 or seek immediate emergency medical help. |
Who Should Be Cautious Before Taking Jardiance?
Before you start taking Jardiance, it is essential to have a thorough discussion with your healthcare provider.
They need a complete picture of your health history to determine if Jardiance is safe and appropriate for you.
What to Tell Your Care Team
Be sure to inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have any of the following conditions or circumstances:
- Kidney or Liver Disease: Your kidney function will be assessed before starting Jardiance, as the drug’s effectiveness depends on it.
- History of UTIs or Genital Infections: You may be at a higher risk of developing these side effects.
- Pancreas Problems: A history of pancreatitis may be a consideration.
- Type 1 Diabetes: Jardiance is not approved for type 1 diabetes and increases the risk of DKA.
- History of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA): If you’ve had DKA before, your risk may be higher.
- Planned Surgery: Your doctor may advise you to temporarily stop taking Jardiance before a scheduled surgery to reduce the risk of ketoacidosis.
- Dietary Changes: If you are on a very low-carbohydrate (ketogenic) diet, eating less, or have changes to your insulin dose, your risk of DKA may be higher.
- Dehydration or Low Blood Pressure: Jardiance can worsen these conditions.
- Frequent Alcohol Use: Alcohol can affect blood sugar and increase the risk of side effects like DKA.
- History of Foot Sores or Amputation: Discuss any history of diabetic foot ulcers, nerve damage (neuropathy), or peripheral vascular disease.
- Pregnancy or Breastfeeding: Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Jardiance is generally not recommended during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.
- Allergies: Tell your doctor if you have ever had an unusual or allergic reaction to empagliflozin or any other medications.
What are the Potential Drug Interactions with Jardiance?
Jardiance can interact with other medications, which can alter its effectiveness or increase the risk of side effects.
It is crucial to provide your healthcare provider with a complete list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, and dietary supplements you use.
Some key interactions include:
- Diuretics (Water Pills): Taking Jardiance with diuretics can increase the risk of dehydration and low blood pressure (hypotension) because both cause the body to lose fluid.
- Insulin or Insulin Secretagogues: When used with insulin or medications that increase insulin production (like sulfonylureas), Jardiance can increase the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Your doctor may need to lower the dose of your other diabetes medication.
- Alcohol: Drinking alcohol can increase the risk of both hypoglycemia and DKA.
- Lithium: Jardiance may decrease the levels of lithium in the blood, potentially reducing its effectiveness. Your doctor may need to monitor your lithium levels more closely.
This list is not exhaustive. Always consult your care team before starting or stopping any medication while you are taking Jardiance.
Does Jardiance Help with Weight Loss?
This is a common question, as weight loss is a known effect of SGLT2 inhibitors like Jardiance.
The mechanism of action provides a clear reason for this effect.
By causing the body to excrete excess glucose in the urine, Jardiance also causes a loss of calories.
Each gram of glucose contains about four calories.
Many patients taking Jardiance experience modest weight loss, typically in the range of 2-3% of their body weight.
This is considered a beneficial side effect, especially for individuals with type 2 diabetes, where weight management is a key part of treatment.
However, it is crucial to understand that Jardiance is not a weight-loss drug. It is not approved for this purpose, and its primary role is to manage blood sugar, heart failure, and kidney disease.
The weight loss experienced is a secondary effect of its main function. You should not take Jardiance solely for the purpose of losing weight.
What Should I Watch For While Using Jardiance?
While taking Jardiance, proactive monitoring and communication with your healthcare team are essential for your safety and for ensuring the medication is working effectively.
- Regular Check-ups: Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. They will monitor your blood sugar (often via an A1C test), kidney function, blood pressure, and cholesterol.
- Monitor for DKA: Be aware of the symptoms of DKA (nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, fatigue, trouble breathing). Your doctor may ask you to check for ketones in your urine or blood, especially if you are sick or planning surgery.
- Stay Hydrated: Be mindful of fluid loss, especially if you experience severe diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or sweat a lot. Dehydration can make it dangerous to take Jardiance.
- Know the Signs of Low Blood Sugar: If you take Jardiance with insulin or other diabetes drugs, be aware of hypoglycemia symptoms (shakiness, sweating, confusion, rapid heartbeat). Always carry a source of quick sugar, like glucose tablets or hard candy.
- Urine Glucose Tests: While taking Jardiance, your urine will test positive for glucose. This is expected and shows the medication is working. This means urine glucose tests are not a reliable way to monitor your blood sugar control.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the best time of day to take Jardiance?
It is best to take Jardiance once a day in the morning, at the same time each day. This helps maintain a consistent level of the drug in your body. It can be taken with or without food.
2. Can Jardiance damage your kidneys?
Jardiance is approved to protect the kidneys in people with chronic kidney disease. However, it can cause a temporary decrease in kidney function when first started or during times of dehydration. Your doctor will monitor your kidney health.
3. Why does Jardiance cause yeast infections?
Jardiance works by removing sugar from the body through urine. This extra sugar in the urinary tract can create a favorable environment for yeast to grow, leading to infections in both men and women.
4. Can I stop taking Jardiance suddenly?
No, you should not stop taking Jardiance without consulting your doctor. Stopping suddenly can cause your blood sugar levels to rise and may worsen the heart or kidney conditions it is being used to treat.
5. Is Jardiance the same as metformin?
No. While both are used for type 2 diabetes, they work differently. Metformin primarily reduces glucose production by the liver and improves insulin sensitivity. Jardiance (an SGLT2 inhibitor) removes glucose through the kidneys.
6. How long does it take for Jardiance to start working?
Jardiance begins to work within hours of the first dose to remove sugar from the body. However, it may take several weeks to see the full effect on your blood sugar levels as measured by an A1C test.
7. Can you drink alcohol while taking Jardiance?
It is best to limit alcohol consumption. Alcohol can increase the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and may also increase the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in certain situations while taking Jardiance.
8. What is the generic name for Jardiance?
The generic name for Jardiance is empagliflozin. A generic version may become available in the future, but you should consult your pharmacist about availability and insurance coverage.
9. Does Jardiance make you tired?
Fatigue or weakness can be a symptom of dehydration or low blood pressure, which are potential side effects of Jardiance. It can also be a symptom of DKA. If you experience unusual fatigue, contact your doctor.
Conclusion
Jardiance (empagliflozin) is a significant and versatile medication in modern medicine.
As an SGLT2 inhibitor, its unique kidney-based mechanism offers powerful benefits not only for managing type 2 diabetes but also for protecting the heart and kidneys from progressive disease.
We’ve learned that Jardiance works by flushing excess sugar and sodium from the body, which helps lower blood sugar, reduce blood pressure, and decrease the workload on the heart.
While effective, it comes with a specific set of potential side effects, including an increased risk of genital and urinary tract infections, dehydration, and, in rare cases, more serious conditions like DKA and Fournier’s gangrene.
The key to using Jardiance safely and effectively lies in open and continuous communication with your healthcare provider.
A thorough review of your health history is essential before starting, and diligent monitoring is required during treatment.
Your next step: If you have been prescribed Jardiance or believe it might be an option for you, use this guide as a starting point for a conversation with your doctor.
Discuss your personal health profile, ask questions about potential side effects, and work together to create a treatment plan that is right for you.
We hope this guide has been informative. If you have experiences with Jardiance you’d like to share or questions that weren’t answered, please leave a comment below to engage with the community.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.