Why is Jardiance prescribed?

Jardiance (empagliflozin) is an oral diabetes medicine that helps control blood sugar levels. Empagliflozin works by helping the kidneys get rid of glucose from your bloodstream. It is used together with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Jardiance is also used to lower the risk of death from a heart attack, stroke, or heart failure in those adults with type 2 diabetes and existing heart disease. Jardiance is not for treating type 1 diabetes. Empagliflozin is available in the strengths of 10mg and 25mg. 

How is Jardiance taken most effectively?

Read all the information provided by your pharmacist or doctor before you start taking Empagliflozin and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

• Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily in the morning.
• The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
• Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens (such as if your blood sugar remains high or increases).

Before taking Jardiance, tell your doctor:

• if you are allergic to empagliflozin
• if you have severe kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis)
• if you have ever had: liver or kidney disease; bladder infections or other urination problems; low blood pressure; heart problems; problems with your pancreas, including surgery;
• if you drink alcohol often; 
• if you are on a low salt diet
• if you are pregnant, follow your doctor's instructions about using Jardiance. Blood sugar control is very important during pregnancy, and your dose needs may be different during each trimester. You should not use Jardiance during the second or third trimester of pregnancy.
• You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.
• Jardiance is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Common side effects include:

• frequent urination
• dizziness or lightheadedness

To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor promptly. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:

• Signs of a urinary tract infection - including burning/painful/frequent/urgent urination, pink/bloody urine
• Signs of kidney problems - including change in the amount of urine
• Symptoms of high blood sugar - including thirst, increased urination, confusion, drowsiness, flushing, rapid breathing, and fruity breath odor. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medications.

Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including:

• Unusual tiredness, nausea/vomiting, stomach pain, trouble breathing
• Signs of a yeast infection in the vagina - including unusual vaginal discharge/burning/itching
• Signs of a yeast infection in the penis - including redness/itching/swelling of the penis, unusual discharge from the penis
• If you have any pain/redness/swelling in or around the genital/anal area, along with a fever or feeling unwell.
• symptoms of low blood sugar - including sudden sweating, shaking, fast heartbeat, hunger, blurred vision, dizziness, or tingling hands/feet. Tell your doctor right away about the reaction and the use of this product. To help prevent low blood sugar, eat meals on a regular schedule, and do not skip meals. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to find out what you should do if you miss a meal.
• Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if you are not able to drink fluids as usual, or losing fluid (such as due to vomiting, diarrhea or heavy sweating).
• Signs of dehydration - including urinating less than usual, unusual dry mouth/thirst, fast heartbeat, or dizziness/lightheadedness/fainting
• Signs of a very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms including rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing 

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Q: Why is Jardiance prescribed?

A: This medication is used together with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. 

Q: Are there any precautions I should take before using Jardiance?

A: See Cautions and Side Effects above for more information. 

Q: Are there any lifestyle changes I need to make while starting Jardiance?

A: You may experience blurred vision, dizziness, or drowsiness due to extremely low or high blood sugar. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness or clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely.

Q: Are there any known drug interactions with Jardiance?

A: You should tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially: insulin and other diabetes medications, or diuretics ("water pills"). This list is not complete. 

Q: How should I store this medication?

A: Jardiance should be stored at room temperature away from moisture and heat.