Jardiance

Jardiance contains empagliflozin, an SGLT2 inhibitor used for type 2 diabetes and, more recently, for heart failure (with or without diabetes). By blocking the SGLT2 transporter in the kidney, empagliflozin prevents glucose reabsorption, causing excess glucose to be excreted in the urine. This provides insulin-independent glucose lowering along with modest weight loss and blood pressure reduction. The EMPA-REG OUTCOME trial demonstrated significant cardiovascular and renal benefits.

How to Take Jardiance

Take one 10 mg tablet once daily in the morning, with or without food. If additional blood sugar control is needed, your doctor may increase the dose to 25 mg once daily. Make sure you drink enough fluids throughout the day, as Jardiance (empagliflozin) causes the kidneys to excrete more glucose in urine, which slightly increases urination.

It is especially important to stay well hydrated in hot weather, during illness, or before surgery. Let your doctor know if you feel persistently unwell, very thirsty, or notice a fruity smell to your breath, as these can be signs of a rare but serious condition called diabetic ketoacidosis.

Start at 10 mg once daily. May increase to 25 mg if additional glycaemic control is needed. For heart failure: 10 mg once daily.

Common Side Effects

Common side effects include:

• Genital fungal infections (thrush), more common in women
• Urinary tract infections
• Increased urination
• Thirst
• Low blood pressure (especially if you are also taking a diuretic)

Genital thrush is the most commonly reported side effect of Jardiance. Good genital hygiene and staying hydrated can help reduce the risk. Rarely, a serious bacterial skin infection called Fournier's gangrene can occur in the genital area. Seek urgent medical attention if you develop pain, tenderness, or swelling in the genital or perianal region, especially with fever.

Monitor for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which can occur with normal or only slightly elevated blood glucose (euglycaemic DKA). Withhold before major surgery or during acute illness. Maintain good genital hygiene to reduce fungal infection risk.

Contraindicated in type 1 diabetes, severe renal impairment (for glycaemic control), diabetic ketoacidosis, and known hypersensitivity to empagliflozin.