Empagliflozin Tablets (Jardiance): 4 Uses, Dosage & Side Effects

Empagliflozin, sold under the brand name

Jardiance

, is a prescription medication belonging to the class of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (**SGLT2**) inhibitors. It is primarily used to treat

type 2 diabetes

in adults and children aged 10 years and older, alongside diet and exercise. Additionally, it reduces the risk of cardiovascular death in adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease, treats chronic heart failure, and manages chronic kidney disease.

About empagliflozin tablets

Empagliflozin works by blocking the SGLT2 protein in the kidneys, which normally reabsorbs glucose back into the bloodstream. By inhibiting this protein, empagliflozin causes the kidneys to excrete excess glucose through urine, thereby lowering blood sugar levels. This mechanism also promotes the loss of sodium and water, which can benefit heart and kidney function.

Jardiance is available as film-coated tablets in strengths of 10 mg and 25 mg. It is taken orally once daily in the morning, with or without food. The medication is not indicated for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.

Before taking empagliflozin tablets

Who can and cannot take empagliflozin tablets

Empagliflozin is suitable for adults and children over 10 years with type 2 diabetes whose blood sugar is not adequately controlled by diet and exercise alone. It is also approved for adults with chronic heart failure or chronic kidney disease, regardless of diabetes status.

Do not take Jardiance if:

• You have severe kidney problems (eGFR below 20 mL/min/1.73 m²) or are on dialysis.
• You are allergic to empagliflozin or any ingredients in the tablets.
• You have type 1 diabetes or a history of diabetic ketoacidosis.

Caution is needed if you have:

Moderate kidney impairment (dose adjustment may be required).

A history of urinary tract infections, yeast infections, or low blood pressure.

Dehydration, liver problems, or are over 65 years old.

Other medicines, food and drink, and empagliflozin tablets

Inform your doctor about all medications, as empagliflozin can interact with diuretics (increasing dehydration risk), insulin or sulfonylureas (heightening hypoglycemia risk), and drugs affecting kidney function.

Avoid excessive alcohol, which may increase ketoacidosis risk. No specific food interactions, but maintain a balanced diet for diabetes management.

Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility while taking empagliflozin tablets

Empagliflozin is not recommended during pregnancy due to potential risks to fetal kidney development observed in animal studies. Poorly controlled diabetes poses risks to mother and fetus, so discuss alternatives with your doctor.

Do not breastfeed while taking Jardiance, as it passes into breast milk. Effective contraception is advised during treatment and for one month after stopping.

How and when to take empagliflozin tablets

Dosage

The usual starting dose is 10 mg once daily. Your doctor may increase to 25 mg if needed for better blood sugar control. For heart failure or kidney disease, 10 mg is typically used.

Condition	Recommended Dose	Max Dose
Type 2 Diabetes	10 mg once daily	25 mg once daily
Heart Failure / CKD	10 mg once daily	10 mg once daily
Children (10+ years)	10 mg once daily	10 mg once daily

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered unless close to the next dose. Do not double up. For kidney impairment, dosage adjustments apply.

How to take it

Swallow tablets whole with water, morning time, with or without food. If you have swallowing difficulties, consult your doctor.

Side effects of empagliflozin tablets

Common side effects include urinary tract infections (UTIs), genital yeast infections, increased urination, thirst, and mild dehydration. These often improve as your body adjusts.

Serious side effects

Seek immediate medical help for:

• Ketoacidosis: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, confusion, fruity breath.
• Dehydration/Low blood pressure: Dizziness, fainting.
• Kidney problems: Reduced urine, swelling.
• Fournier’s gangrene: Severe genital pain, swelling.
• Severe allergic reactions: Rash, swelling, breathing difficulty.

In clinical trials, adverse reactions like increased LDL cholesterol, hematocrit, and acute renal impairment were noted, often reversible upon discontinuation.

Reporting side effects

Report suspected side effects to your doctor or via national reporting systems like the FDA’s MedWatch.

Cautions of empagliflozin tablets

Monitor blood sugar, kidney function, and hydration. Jardiance may cause weight loss and lower blood pressure. Avoid in severe renal impairment. Regular monitoring is essential for elderly patients or those with comorbidities.

Common questions about empagliflozin tablets

How long do empagliflozin tablets take to work?

Blood sugar improvements may be seen within a week, with full effects in 4-8 weeks. Heart and kidney benefits accrue over months.

How long do you take empagliflozin tablets for?

Usually long-term to maintain control of diabetes, heart failure, or kidney disease.

Can you take paracetamol with empagliflozin tablets?

Yes, no significant interaction.

Can you take empagliflozin tablets if you have CKD?

Yes, specifically indicated to slow progression in CKD.

Can you drink alcohol while taking empagliflozin?

Limit alcohol to avoid dehydration and ketoacidosis.

About patient.info

This article is for informational purposes and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Reviewed by experts; last updated based on latest data.