Jardiance is a prescription medication used to help lower blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. Its active ingredient is empagliflozin, which belongs to a class of drugs called sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. Jardiance works by helping the kidneys remove excess sugar from the body through urine. Read more about the benefits of Jardiance in our curated blog.

To use Jardiance, follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider. Take the medication exactly as prescribed. The usual starting dose is one tablet taken once daily, with or without food. It's important to take it at the same time each day to maintain consistent blood sugar control.

Before using Jardiance, inform your healthcare provider about any existing health conditions, allergies, or medications you're taking. Some conditions, such as kidney problems, liver disease, bladder infections, or a history of low blood pressure, may require special consideration or dosage adjustments. It's also essential to stay adequately hydrated while taking Jardiance. Read our medically reviewed article to find out other things you should know before taking Jardiance.

Jardiance is not recommended for individuals with type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis (a severe complication of diabetes). If you experience symptoms like increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, or fruity-smelling breath, seek immediate medical attention.

Jardiance is generally well-tolerated, but like any medication, it may cause side effects in some people. Common side effects can include urinary tract infections, increased urination, genital yeast infections, and thirst. 

These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own. However, if you experience severe or persistent side effects like signs of dehydration, severe dizziness, or unusual fatigue, notify your healthcare provider.

Does Jardiance cause weight loss?

Jardiance is not an approved weight loss medication. However, weight loss is a side effect for some type 2 diabetes patients. One study published in the National Library of Medicine studied the effect of Jardiance on body weight. This placebo-controlled study involved 986 participants. On average, patients who took Jardiance alone or with other diabetes drugs lost 1.8 percent to 3.2 percent of their body weight during the 6-month study.

Can you mix Jardiance and metformin?

Yes, Jardiance and metformin are safe to take together. Metformin is one of the most common diabetes medications, but you may need additional medications to control type 2 diabetes symptoms. This is usually the case when glucose levels remain elevated despite medical treatment. Your doctor may add Jardiance to your treatment plan if they think it will help your condition.

What are the worst side effects of Jardiance?

The majority of side effects you experience with a new drug will likely go away over time, but if you have persistent and unpleasant side effects, you may want to talk to your doctor. Severe side effects of Jardiance may include shakiness, seizures, rapid breathing, fast heartbeat, and confusion.

How can you avoid yeast infections on Jardiance?

While taking Jardiance, it has been shown that there is an increased incidence of yeast infections in both men and women but are more common in women. Preventative measures include wearing loose-fitting garments, changing out of wet clothing, maintaining a healthy diet, and staying hydrated. Since glucose is excreted through urine, this can lead to yeast infections. It is important to keep your blood sugar levels under control.