Jardiance

The active ingredient in Jardiance is empagliflozin. It is part of the drug class known as sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. Its mechanism of action includes stopping the kidneys from absorbing sugar and salt back into your body. With Jardiance, your body will use urine as a way for glucose excretion. This, in turn, will help lower your glucose levels. With less sodium (salt) being absorbed into your body, your heart fills and pumps blood more easily.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Jardiance. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Jardiance:

You can take Jardiance with or without food. Make sure to drink liquids because your risk of dehydration is high with Jardiance. Also, be sure to check your blood glucose levels as Jardiance may put you at risk of having low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

If you miss a dose, take your missed dose immediately. However, if it is closer to the time of your next dose, don’t take this dose, and, instead take your next dose at the normal time.

Get medical attention right away if you feel faint, weak, or have a fever.

The most common side effects of Jardiance seen in clinical trials as compared to placebo include:

• Nausea
• Changes in cholesterol levels
• Urinary tract infection (UTI) and yeast infection in women
• Lightheadedness

Other possible mild side effects include:

• Weight loss
• Joint pain
• Increased thirst

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Jardiance. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Diabetic ketoacidosis (increased ketones in the blood or urine) with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, tiredness, and trouble breathing
• Decrease in kidney function
• Serious urinary tract infections
• Dehydration and low blood pressure
• Necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum (Fournier's gangrene)
• Severe and possibly life-threatening allergic reactions causing trouble breathing/severe hypersensitivity

These are not all of the possible side effects of Jardiance. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Jardiance, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Severe kidney problems, such as kidney disease, or you have been on dialysis.
• Jardiance is not indicated to treat people with issues with their kidney function.
• Type 1 diabetes
• Jardiance is not recommended for people with Type 1 diabetes; it may increase the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis.
• A bladder infection or urination problems
• Low blood pressure
• A genital infection (penis or vagina)
• Issues with your pancreas, including surgery
• Alcoholism, or if you currently drink alcohol in large amounts
• A pregnancy, plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding
• Pancreas issues
• You may be at an increased risk of getting ketoacidosis.

Hypersensitivity to empagliflozin or any of the ingredients in Jardiance.

Jardiance (empagliflozin) typically starts working within a few days to lower blood glucose levels, but the full effects may take a few weeks to become evident. It's best to monitor your blood sugar levels closely when starting Jardiance and consult your doctor to evaluate its effectiveness and make any needed adjustments.

When Jardiance is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking so they can check for drug interactions, including:

• Sulfonylurea or insulin
• Diuretics
• Assess and monitor renal (kidney) function. Dosage changes might be necessary depending on renal function.

Jardiance comes in the following dosage forms and strengths:

• 10 mg tablets

• 25 mg tablets

The starting dose is usually 10 mg once a day, and then for more glycemic control, dosages may be changed to 25 mg in patients who are tolerating Jardiance well.

Store at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C), away from light and moisture. You can briefly store Jardiance between 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C), if needed.

Jardiance is manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company.

Currently, there is no generic available for Jardiance in the United States.

To stop taking Jardiance, it’s important to consult your doctor first, as stopping suddenly without guidance can lead to changes in blood sugar control or risk other health complications.

Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you. Currently, there are some recorded risks to your unborn baby if you are taking Jardiance, especially during the second or third trimester.

Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you. Currently, Jardiance is not recommended while breastfeeding.