Last Updated: December 2024
If you have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, you’ve probably heard about Jardiance. Jardiance, or empagliflozin, is used to help manage type 2 diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels. It can also reduce the risk of cardiovascular death in adults with cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Another benefit is that it can reduce the risk of hospitalization and cardiovascular death in specific adults affected by heart failure. Patients are advised to combine dietary changes with frequent exercise for best results. Many patients ask themselves what are the dangers of taking Jardiance. Being informed about potential side effects is essential. Jardiance side effects are generally categorized into two main groups: common and severe.
Jardiance does offer many benefits; however, you need to be informed about the potential side effects of any medication. Being aware of the side effects of Jardiance, you can make proactive decisions to manage or avoid risk. In the end, possessing a complete comprehension of the advantages and potential side effects of Jardiance plays a role in enhancing health results and elevating the quality of life for individuals who are handling type 2 diabetes. Please note, if you have type 1 diabetes, do not take Jardiance.
What is Jardiance?
We have already established that Jardiance is a pharmaceutical medication primarily used for managing type 2 diabetes. The main ingredient is empagliflozin, so how does empagliflozin work? Empagliflozin belongs to a group of medicines called SGLT2 (sodium-glucose cotransporter 2) inhibitors. Empagliflozin functions by targeting the kidneys’ glucose reabsorption process, thereby promoting the elimination of excess glucose through urine. This unique mechanism reduces blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
What are the Side Effects of Jardiance?
When considering taking the medication, many patients ask themselves what are the dangers of taking Jardiance. Being informed about potential side effects is essential. Jardiance side effects can generally be categorized into two main groups: common and severe.
Common Side Effects of Jardiance
Common side effects are those that a significant number of patients might experience, but they are typically mild and often temporary.
Some of the more common side effects of Jardiance are:
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) – One of the most common side effects of Jardiance is urinary tract infections. A urinary tract infection refers to an infection that can occur in any segment of the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, ureters, urethra, and bladder. Jardiance makes you urinate more glucose than you normally would, making it easier for bacteria to grow in the urinary tract.
Usually, these infections are mild, but it is best to treat it before it worsens. Symptoms include, but are not limited to, a burning sensation when passing urine, bloody or cloudy urine, and lower abdominal discomfort.
- Yeast Infections – Yeast infections, particularly genital yeast infections in men and women, are another common side effect of Jardiance. While vaginal yeast infections are more common, males can also get genital yeast infections around the penis and scrotum.
Just like UTIs, genital yeast infections are caused by the excess sugar being urinated. Most infections are mild and can be easily treated. Symptoms include but are not limited to, in women, vaginal odor, white or yellowish vaginal discharge, or itching. In men, redness, itching, swelling of the penis, rash, and pain in the skin around the penis.
- Increased Urination – Another Jardiance side effect is an increase in urinary frequency. The increased urination is caused by the empagliflozin’s mechanism, which involves getting rid of extra glucose through urine. Also, because of the increased urine, it may lower your body fluids, resulting in you being thirsty.
- Nausea – Nausea, while it isn’t common, is still a possible side effect of Jardiance. Taking Jardiance with your food can also help with nausea.
Serious Side Effects and Concerns
Serious side effects are less frequent but can pose significant health risks, requiring immediate medical attention. While common side effects might cause discomfort or inconvenience, serious side effects can be life-threatening or cause lasting harm.
Some of the more serious side effects of Jardiance include:
- Dehydration and its symptoms – We mentioned before that Jardiance can cause increased urination, decreasing body fluid. Normally, this is mild; however, there are cases in which this can lead to dehydration. Symptoms include, but are not limited to, extreme thirst, dark yellow urine, dizziness, and dry mouth.
Dehydration can also lead to low blood pressure, which can lead to fainting. It is important to drink lots of fluids while taking Jardiance.
- Ketoacidosis – When your body produces too many ketones (a chemical produced by the liver when it breaks down fat), it can cause your blood to become too acidic. This condition is called ketoacidosis, which can be deadly. This condition is mainly seen in people with type 1 diabetes who are taking Jardiance, but it could still happen to those with type 2 diabetes.
Common symptoms of ketoacidosis are nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, tiredness, and trouble breathing. Immediate medical attention is recommended if you have these symptoms.
- Kidney problems – While kidney problems are not common while taking Jardiance, it is still possible if you already have existing kidney problems. It is important to monitor your kidneys by doing regular checkups.
Ensure to speak to your doctor about any current or past kidney problems you’ve had before taking Jardiance.
- Sudden Blood Pressure Drops – Jardiance can cause your blood pressure to drop slightly, which could result in periods of sudden drops in blood pressure levels. While it is not common for Jardiance to cause hypotension, if you have had issues with low blood pressure, it is best to speak to your doctor before taking Jardiance as they may recommend an entirely different medication for you.
Jardiance and Urinary Side Effects
Why does Jardiance make you pee?
As mentioned above, the empagliflozin mechanism causes you to urinate more often. This happens because it is a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor. This causes you to pass the excess glucose through your urine. While the positive is lowering your blood sugar levels, it can also make you dehydrated if you do not continue drinking adequate fluids to replace the lost ones.
How does Jardiance cause yeast infections?
The way the SGLT2 inhibitors work can be responsible for genital yeast infection. The renal tubules of the kidneys house SGLT-2 proteins, which reclaim glucose and return it to the bloodstream. The action of SGLT-2 proteins is inhibited by Jardiance, which leads to an increased excretion of glucose in the urine. Elevated glucose levels in the urine (glycosuria) can contribute to the occurrence of these fungal (yeast) infections. We have already established that yeast infections can happen in both men and women but occur more frequently in women. Individuals who have a background of frequent yeast infections might also face an elevated risk. If you are taking this medicine, it is important to address any signs of infection as soon as they appear.
Jardiance Side Effects on Eyes
While using Jardiance shouldn’t affect your eyes, problems can still arise. A side effect of Jardiance can be diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy emerges as a diabetes-related complication impacting the blood vessels within the eyes. Prolonged elevated blood sugar levels can cause harm to the retinal blood vessels, potentially causing impaired vision and, if unaddressed, eventual blindness.
Jardiance doesn’t directly cause diabetic retinopathy. If you already have diabetes, using Jardiance can heighten the likelihood of developing this condition. Jardiance’s capacity to lower blood sugar levels can lead to the narrowing of blood vessels and reduced blood flow to the eyes.
Jardiance Interactions and Warnings
If you are on Jardiance, it is important to be aware of what actions can cause the risk of having side effects going up. For instance, drugs that also lower blood sugar levels, like insulin or sulfonylureas, could enhance the hypoglycemic effects of Jardiance, potentially leading to dangerously low blood sugar levels. Drinks like alcohol are also not recommended while on Jardiance as it will lower your blood sugar levels, increasing the risk of side effects. Also, do not take Jardiance if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in the product.
To ensure proper management of blood sugar levels, it’s beneficial to restrict the consumption of unhealthy carbohydrates and steer clear of foods with a high glycemic index. The most effective approach involves collaborating with your physician to establish a personalized dietary regimen tailored to your unique health requirements and objectives.
It is important to communicate regularly with your doctor. They can provide you with personalized guidance on managing potential interactions, making necessary medication adjustments, and taking proactive measures to minimize risks. Prioritizing these discussions ensures a safer and more effective management of type 2 diabetes while using Jardiance. You must tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking.
Jardiance 25 mg vs. 10 mg tablets – Dosage and Administration
Always take your Jardiance medication exactly how your doctor prescribed. Empagliflozin tablets are offered in dosages of 10 mg and 25 mg. While the suggested dosage is 10 mg, your doctor may advise an increase to 25 mg if deemed suitable. You can take Jardiance either with or without food.
Adhere to the usage of Jardiance exactly as indicated on the label or as directed by your physician. Avoid using it in quantities larger or smaller than prescribed, and refrain from extending the duration of use beyond the recommended period. Adhere to all instructions on your prescription label, and carefully review all medication guides or instructional materials provided. Your doctor might occasionally make adjustments to your dosage. Ensure that you employ the medication in strict accordance with the provided directions.
What happens if you take Jardiance at night?
Taking Jardiance at night instead of in the morning will not significantly impact its effectiveness. The medication’s mechanism of action remains consistent regardless of the time it’s taken. However, following the prescribed dosing instructions and maintaining a consistent schedule is generally recommended to ensure proper diabetes management.
Managing Jardiance Side Effects
Effectively managing side effects while using Jardiance involves several strategies. To handle urinary side effects like increased urination, staying adequately hydrated can help counteract potential dehydration. Maintaining good hygiene and promptly addressing any symptoms can minimize discomfort for yeast infections. Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels and adhering to a balanced diet can prevent low blood sugar and ketoacidosis.
Regular checkups can help avoid kidney complications. As always, be in constant communication with your doctor about symptoms or any kind of concern you may be feeling. Doing this will ensure that you safely and effectively use the Jardiance medication to manage type 2 diabetes.
Manage Your Jardiance Costs Effectively
Just as it’s vital to understand and manage the potential side effects of Jardiance, it’s equally important to manage its monthly cost effectively to ensure uninterrupted treatment. The Rx Advocates offer a pathway to make your prescription more affordable through patient assistance programs. Not only does this aid in alleviating financial stress, but it ensures that concerns about side effects can be addressed consistently, without breaks in medication. Learn more about how to ease both the physical and financial stresses of managing your type 2 diabetes — explore the savings options available for your Jardiance prescription.
