What are the dangers of taking jardiance?

Jardiance (empagliflozin) is prescribed for type 2 diabetes, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease. While beneficial, it carries risks. Below are the most common and serious adverse effects to watch for.

Most common side effects

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Upper respiratory tract infections
• Vaginal yeast infections (females)
• Increased triglyceride or cholesterol levels
• Increased urination
• Other mild effects: nausea, joint pain, genital yeast infection (males), weight loss, increased thirst

Serious side effects

• Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA): high ketones in blood. Symptoms include:
  • Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain
  • Fruity-smelling breath
  • Unusual tiredness, increased thirst, dry mouth
  • Difficulty breathing
• Dehydration: can lead to low blood pressure (hypotension) and decreased kidney function. Risk increased if you:
  • Take diuretics (water pills)
  • Are ≥ 65 years old
  • Have kidney problems
  • Are on a low‑sodium diet
• Hypoglycemia (with insulin or sulfonylureas): anxiety, shakiness, weakness, confusion, fatigue, hunger, fast heart rate, chills
• Serious kidney infections (pyelonephritis, urosepsis): bloody/dark/cloudy urine, painful urination, fever, chills, loss of appetite, lower back pain, nausea, vomiting
• Necrotizing fasciitis (Fournier’s gangrene): life‑threatening perineal infection requiring surgery
• Amputations: rare, higher risk with peripheral artery disease or diabetic foot ulcers; report new sores, pain, tenderness, ulcers, or infections on legs/feet
• Serious allergic reactions: hives, rash, swelling of face/lips/tongue/throat, trouble breathing

When to contact your healthcare provider

Seek immediate medical attention for any serious side effects above. Also contact your provider for yeast infections or UTIs. Report any mild side effects that persist or become bothersome.

What does Jardiance treat?

• Lowers blood sugar with diet and exercise in people ≥ 10 years with type 2 diabetes
• Reduces risk of heart attack and stroke in adults with type 2 diabetes and heart disease
• Reduces hospitalization and death from heart failure
• Reduces risk of worsening kidney disease and cardiovascular death in CKD

Not approved for type 1 diabetes or DKA.

What drugs can interact with Jardiance?

• Gatifloxacin (antibiotic)
• Sotalol, propranolol, atenolol, bisoprolol (beta‑blockers)
• Amlodipine, felodipine, nifedipine (calcium channel blockers)
• Prednisone, dexamethasone, betamethasone (corticosteroids)
• Furosemide (diuretic)
• Enalapril, ramipril, captopril (ACE inhibitors)

Inform your provider of all prescription, O