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What are the side effects of jardiance?

Jardiance (empagliflozin) is used to lower blood sugar in type 2 diabetes and reduce cardiovascular and kidney risks. As with any medication, it can cause side effects, though not everyone experiences them.

Common side effects

  • Urinary tract infection (UTI)
  • Vaginal yeast infection (females)
  • Upper respiratory tract infection
  • High cholesterol or triglyceride levels
  • Increased urination

Other mild side effects

  • Nausea
  • Genital yeast infection (males)
  • Joint pain
  • Increased thirst
  • Weight loss

Serious side effects

  • Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA): nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue, increased thirst, fruity breath, breathing difficulty
  • Dehydration/hypotension: dizziness, lightheadedness, reduced urine output
  • Hypoglycemia (with insulin or sulfonylureas): anxiety, shakiness, confusion, sweating, fast heartbeat
  • Serious kidney infections (pyelonephritis, urosepsis): fever, back pain, painful urination
  • Necrotizing fasciitis (Fournier’s gangrene): severe genital pain, redness, swelling
  • Amputations (rare): new foot or leg sores, ulcers, infections
  • Allergic reactions: hives, rash, swelling of face/lips/tongue, breathing difficulty

What is Jardiance used for?

  • Type 2 diabetes: lower blood sugar with diet and exercise
  • Type 2 diabetes + cardiovascular disease: reduce risk of cardiovascular death
  • Heart failure: lower risk of hospitalization and death
  • Chronic kidney disease: slow progression, reduce cardiovascular risk

How does Jardiance work?

Jardiance is an SGLT2 inhibitor that blocks sugar and sodium reabsorption in the kidneys, causing excess glucose to be excreted in urine, lowering blood sugar, and reducing cardiac and renal stress.

Drug interactions

Discuss all medications with your provider. Notable interactions include:

  • Diuretics (furosemide, spironolactone)
  • Insulin or insulin secretagogues (sulfonylureas)
  • Lithium
  • Alcohol

Recommended dose

Start with 10 mg once daily in the morning, with or without food. May increase to 25 mg once daily if needed for glucose control.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Jardiance may harm an unborn baby. Avoid if pregnant or planning pregnancy. Unknown if excreted in breast milk; discuss alternatives if breastfeeding.

Sources

  • Jardiance [package insert]. Boehringer Ingelheim. Last updated 02/2022. Accessed Dec 9, 2024.
  • Sizar O, et al. Empagliflozin. StatPearls. Accessed Dec 9, 2024.