Jardiance (Empagliflozin) is used along with diet and exercise, and sometimes with other medications, to lower blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes (a condition in which blood sugar is too high because the body does not produce or use insulin normally). It is in a class of medications called sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. Empagliflozin lowers blood sugar by causing the kidneys to get rid of more glucose in the urine. It is not used to treat type 1 diabetes (a condition in which the body does not produce insulin and, therefore, cannot control the amount of sugar in the blood) or diabetic ketoacidosis (a serious condition that may develop if high blood sugar is not treated). Over time, people who have diabetes and high blood sugar can develop serious or life-threatening complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney problems, nerve damage, and eye problems. Taking medication(s), making lifestyle changes (e.g., diet, exercise, quitting smoking), and regularly checking your blood sugar may help to manage your diabetes and improve your health. This therapy may also decrease your chances of having a heart attack, stroke, or other diabetes-related complications such as kidney failure, nerve damage (numb, cold legs or feet; decreased sexual ability in men and women), eye problems, including changes or loss of vision, or gum disease. Your doctor and other healthcare providers will talk to you about the best way to manage your diabetes.

Empagliflozin comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day in the morning with or without food. Take empagliflozin at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take empagliflozin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor may start you on a low dose of empagliflozin and increase your dose as needed. Empagliflozin controls type 2 diabetes but does not cure it. Continue to take empagliflozin even if you feel well. Do not stop taking empagliflozin without talking to your doctor. Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.

Before taking empagliflozin,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to empagliflozin, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in empagliflozin tablets. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: diuretics ('water pills'); or insulin or oral medications for diabetes such as chlorpropamide (Diabinese). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• tell your doctor if you are on dialysis and if you have or have ever had kidney disease. Your doctor may tell you not to take empagliflozin.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had urinary tract infections or problems with urination, low blood pressure, if you are on a low sodium diet, if you have yeast infections in the genital area, or liver disease. If you are male, tell your doctor if you have never been circumcised.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Do not breastfeed while you are taking empagliflozin. If you become pregnant while taking empagliflozin, call your doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking empagliflozin.
• you should know that empagliflozin may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting when you get up too quickly from a lying position. If you have this problem, call your doctor. This problem is more common when you first start taking empagliflozin. To avoid this problem, get out of bed slowly, resting your feet on the floor for a few minutes before standing up
• ask your doctor what to do if you get sick, develop an infection or fever, experience unusual stress, or are injured. These conditions can affect your blood sugar and the amount of empagliflozin you may need.

This medication may cause changes in your blood sugar. You should know the symptoms of low and high blood sugar and what to do if you have these symptoms. Empagliflozin may cause side effects including but not limited to:

• urinating a lot, including at night
• increased thirst

Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away. 

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• frequent, urgent, burning, or painful urination
• urine that is cloudy
• pelvic or back pain
• (in women) vaginal odor, white or yellowish vaginal discharge (may be lumpy or look like cottage cheese), or vaginal itching
• (in men) redness, itching, or swelling of the penis; rash on the penis; foul smelling discharge from the penis; or pain in the skin around the penis
• flu-like symptoms
• dry mouth, nausea and vomiting, stomach pain, unusual fatigue or tiredness, difficulty breathing, breath that smells fruity, decreased consciousness or confusion

Empagliflozin may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

Q: Why is Jardiance prescribed?

A: Jardiance is an oral diabetes medicine that helps control blood sugar levels.

Q: Does Jardiance have a generic alternative?

A: Currently, there is no generic version of Jardiance

Q: How long until I see the effects of Jardiance?

A: Results vary but it may take up to 24 weeks before you see results. Patience and regular use is advised. 

Q: Are there any known drugs that interact with Jardiance?

A: Insulin or other oral diabetes medications; or a diuretic or "water pill" may interact with Jardiance. However, this list is not complete. Tell your doctor the complete list of drugs (including non-prescription and over-the-counter) that you are or are planning to take. 

Q: What if I miss a dose of Jardiance?

A: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Q: How should I store this medication?

A: Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).