Empagliflozin

About Empagliflozin

Empagliflozin blocks SGLT2, the main transporter that reabsorbs glucose in the kidney, so more glucose leaves in the urine; it also reduces sodium reabsorption. Jardiance is labeled to lower the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure in adults with heart failure; to lower the risk of sustained loss of kidney function, end-stage kidney disease, cardiovascular death and hospitalization in adults with chronic kidney disease at risk of progression; to lower the risk of cardiovascular death in adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease; and, with diet and exercise, for blood sugar control in adults and children 10 and older with type 2 diabetes. Kidney function and fluid status are checked first. For every use the dose is 10 mg once a day in the morning, with or without food; for blood sugar it can rise to 25 mg. It is not recommended for blood sugar control when eGFR is below 30, and its studies did not include people with an eGFR below 20 or on dialysis.

There is no boxed warning, and the only contraindication is an allergy to empagliflozin or an ingredient. Ketoacidosis, which has been fatal, can occur with blood sugar below the usual level for it, such as under 250 mg/dL, so empagliflozin is not used for type 1 diabetes, is stopped if ketoacidosis is suspected, and is held for at least three days before surgery or prolonged fasting when possible. It can cause dehydration and low blood pressure, especially with reduced kidney function, older age or loop diuretics, and acute kidney injury has been reported. The label also warns of genitourinary infections, including urosepsis, kidney infections, genital yeast infections and Fournier’s gangrene, a rare, life-threatening infection of the perineum that needs urgent surgery; of low blood sugar with insulin or a sulfonylurea, and in children whether or not they use insulin; of lower limb amputations, seen more often in some studies of this class; and of allergic reactions such as angioedema. Urinary tract infections and genital yeast infections in women are the most common side effects.

For chronic kidney disease it is not recommended in polycystic kidney disease or for people who need, or recently had, intravenous immunosuppressive therapy or more than 45 mg of prednisone or an equivalent for kidney disease. Urine glucose tests turn positive and the 1,5-AG blood test is unreliable, so neither is used to judge diabetes control. It is not recommended in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy or during breastfeeding. Its uses widened with approvals for heart failure (2021 and 2022), children 10 and older (June 2023) and chronic kidney disease (September 2023), and the infection warning was revised in October 2025. The label advises routine foot care and prompt treatment of foot infections or ulcers. Combinations with metformin (Synjardy, Synjardy XR), linagliptin (Glyxambi) or both (Trijardy XR) are separate products with their own labels.

Taking Empagliflozin

How to take it

Once a day in the morning, with or without food. Drink enough fluids and get up slowly at first, since standing quickly can cause dizziness. It is usually stopped at least 3 days before surgery.

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for the next dose; then skip the missed dose. Do not double the next dose.

Storage

At room temperature in the container it came in, tightly closed, away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), out of reach of children.

Interactions to know about

Diuretics add to the risk of dehydration and low blood pressure, insulin and sulfonylureas to the risk of low blood sugar, and it can lower lithium levels. It makes urine glucose tests positive and the 1,5-AG test unreliable. Tell the prescriber if you follow a ketogenic diet.

This summarizes the official prescribing information. Your prescriber’s and pharmacist’s instructions, and the leaflet that comes with your medicine, take priority.

Why the cash price for Empagliflozin differs from pharmacy to pharmacy

Jardiance has no generic on the market, so every fill is priced as a brand, and quotes for the same strength can still differ between pharmacies. The combination tablets are separate brands with their own quotes, so compare quotes for the exact product and strength on the prescription.

Ways to pay less for Empagliflozin without insurance

• Ask the maker whether its savings or patient assistance program applies to someone paying cash; many copay cards require commercial insurance.
• Once your dose is stable, ask whether the prescription can cover ninety days, and compare more than one pharmacy.
• If the price is a barrier, ask the prescriber whether generic dapagliflozin, which is labeled for several of the same uses, would suit you.
• If you also take metformin or linagliptin, ask the pharmacy to quote both the combination tablet and the separate tablets your prescriber would accept.
• Upload the prescription to Script Unlock so licensed pharmacies can quote their cash price. You pay the pharmacy directly.

Questions to ask your pharmacist about Empagliflozin

1. 1.Should I stop it before my surgery or procedure, and when do I restart?
2. 2.Which signs of ketoacidosis or a genital infection mean I should get help right away?
3. 3.Does my diuretic, insulin or sulfonylurea dose need to change?
4. 4.How should I look after my feet while I take it?

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