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This is an information resource — not medical advice.

PillCodex provides general educational information about medications. This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never start, stop, or change a medication based on what you read here. Always speak to your doctor, pharmacist, or qualified healthcare provider with questions about your medications.

🚨 If you are experiencing a medical emergency or think you may have taken too much of a medication, call emergency services (911 in the US) or go to your nearest emergency room immediately.

SGLT-2 Inhibitor🔒 Prescription only

What Is Empagliflozin (Jardiance) Used For?

Brand names: Jardiance

Empagliflozin is an SGLT-2 inhibitor that lowers blood sugar by making the kidneys excrete excess glucose in urine. It also has proven heart and kidney protective benefits.

What is Empagliflozin used for?

  • Type 2 diabetes (blood sugar control)
  • Reducing risk of cardiovascular death in type 2 diabetes with heart disease
  • Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction
  • Chronic kidney disease (slowing progression)

How does Empagliflozin work?

Empagliflozin blocks SGLT-2 transporters in the kidneys, which normally reabsorb glucose back into the bloodstream. By blocking these, excess glucose is excreted in the urine, lowering blood sugar levels.

Dosage information

💊Available forms
  • 10mg tablets
  • 25mg tablets
📏Typical dosage

Usually 10mg once daily in the morning, with or without food. May be increased to 25mg. Take in the morning to avoid nighttime urination.

⚠️ Dosage varies by individual. Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions — never self-dose based on general information.

Side effects

Common

  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
  • Genital yeast infections (especially in women)
  • Increased urination
  • Dehydration and dizziness
  • Low blood pressure

⚠️ Serious — contact your doctor

  • Diabetic ketoacidosis — even with near-normal blood sugar (seek urgent care for nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, tiredness)
  • Fournier's gangrene (rare but serious genital infection — seek emergency care)
  • Acute kidney injury
  • Lower limb amputations (risk observed with some SGLT-2 inhibitors)

Important warnings

Stop before major surgery or prolonged fasting — DKA risk
Maintain adequate hydration
Check feet regularly for sores or infections
Do not use in type 1 diabetes without specific guidance
Stop if eGFR drops below 30

Drug interactions

These substances may interact with Empagliflozin. This is not a complete list — always tell your doctor and pharmacist ALL medications and supplements you take.

Insulin and sulfonylureas (hypoglycemia risk)Diuretics (dehydration risk)NSAIDs (kidney risk)Other blood pressure medications

Pregnancy & breastfeeding

🤰 CONTRAINDICATED in second and third trimester — do not take

Always consult your doctor or obstetrician before taking any medication during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Frequently asked questions

What is empagliflozin (Jardiance) used for?

Empagliflozin lowers blood sugar in type 2 diabetes and has important additional benefits: it reduces the risk of cardiovascular death, hospitalisation for heart failure, and slows kidney disease progression.

Why does empagliflozin cause yeast infections?

By excreting excess glucose in urine, empagliflozin creates a sugar-rich environment in the genital area where yeast thrive. Good hygiene and staying dry helps reduce this risk.

Does empagliflozin cause weight loss?

Yes — modest weight loss of 2–3kg is common because the body is excreting calories as glucose in urine. This is considered a beneficial side effect for many patients.

Can I take empagliflozin if I have kidney disease?

It depends on kidney function. Empagliflozin is actually used to slow kidney disease progression, but it's not recommended if eGFR drops below 30. Your doctor will monitor kidney function.

What is diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and should I worry?

DKA is a serious condition where acids build up in the blood. SGLT-2 inhibitors can cause DKA even with normal blood sugar levels. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain — seek emergency care immediately.

Related medications

💊MetforminBiguanide💊SitagliptinDPP-4 Inhibitor💊LisinoprilACE Inhibitor💊AtorvastatinStatin (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor)
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This is an information resource — not medical advice.

PillCodex provides general educational information about medications. This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never start, stop, or change a medication based on what you read here. Always speak to your doctor, pharmacist, or qualified healthcare provider with questions about your medications.

🚨 If you are experiencing a medical emergency or think you may have taken too much of a medication, call emergency services (911 in the US) or go to your nearest emergency room immediately.

Information on this page is sourced from general pharmaceutical references and is provided for educational purposes only. Drug information may change — always verify with your pharmacist or prescriber. PillCodex.com is not affiliated with any pharmaceutical company.