Jardiance, also known by its generic name empagliflozin, is a medication used to control blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes.  If you have unregulated blood sugar levels while living with type 2 diabetes, you are at a greater risk of kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, sexual dysfunction, and the loss of limbs.

Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body cannot properly break down sugar (glucose) to use for fuel. Type 2 diabetes is often caused by poor diet and lifestyle choices (eating unhealthy foods and not exercising regularly), which can lead to increased blood sugar levels over time. The cells do not respond to insulin, so type 2 diabetes patients are insulin-resistant.

Your doctor may prescribe Jardiance if you are at risk of diabetes complications. Jardiance is also prescribed to type 2 diabetes patients with heart disease to reduce their risk of heart attack or stroke.

How does Jardiance work?

Empagliflozin is a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitor that lowers blood sugar by blocking the SGLT-2 proteins in the kidneys. These proteins reabsorb glucose into the body’s cells, so when it is inhibited, glucose is expelled instead of reabsorbed. What this means is that when these proteins are blocked, there is an increased output of glucose through the urine. This reduces the high levels of glucose in the body, regulating blood sugar levels into a more normal range. If taken correctly, there are many benefits of Jardiance and it can improve your type 2 diabetes condition and overall health.

When you are prescribed Jardiance, your doctor will tell you how to take your prescription properly. Empagliflozin comes in tablets and should be taken orally. Jardiance comes in 10 mg and 25 mg dosages, but your prescription depends on your overall health and the function of your kidneys and liver. Most people start with 10 mg and may be raised to 25 mg over time.

If you have type 2 diabetes, you may be taking other medications for your health and your doctor will determine if your prescriptions can interact with Jardiance. Most doctors recommend taking Jardiance in the morning. Jardiance can be taken with other drugs to reduce type 2 diabetes symptoms, so your doctor may add Jardiance to your treatment plan if you are already on other blood sugar-reducing medications.

Can I take Jardiance?

If you have type 2 diabetes, your doctor will want to know your medical history to ensure empagliflozin is right for you. This drug cannot be used if you have type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction where the body mistakenly destroys normal pancreatic cells that make insulin. Most type 1 patients are diagnosed at a young age and type 1 diabetes cannot be reversed like type 2 diabetes.

If you have a long list of allergies, you may want to inquire about the ingredients of Jardiance to ensure that you do not experience an allergic reaction when beginning this medication. Lastly, make sure to tell your doctor if you have severe renal problems or are on dialysis. Your kidney function will be checked before starting Jardiance because this medication will not work as intended if you have serious kidney issues.

Jardiance is an effective medication for type 2 diabetes patients, but you may not be able to afford the high cost of a monthly Jardiance prescription. You can expect to pay over $700 out of pocket for a monthly supply of Jardiance in the United States. However, there is a cheaper generic alternative.

Currently, generic empagliflozin is not available for purchase in the United States, but you can order it online through Canada Pharmacy Depot. You can order generic Jardiance through a Canadian online pharmacy for a much lower cost. You can find the current prices in the product listings at the top of the page.

When beginning a new medication, it is essential to pay attention to any possible side effects. Most side effects will decrease in severity and go away over time, however, it is important to remain aware of any serious side effects that require medical care. Read our complete guide on Jardiance side effects and interactions.

Common side effects may include: Bladder pain

• Frequent urge to urinate
• Lower back pain
• Pain during intercourse
• Bloody or cloudy urine
• Lower back pain

If you experience any unusual symptoms, it is best to talk to your doctor to make sure that there is nothing wrong. It is important for you to know that less common side effects are more cause for concern, including:

• Blurred vision
• Chills
• Cold sweats
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Nightmares
• Sweating
• Slurred speech
• Increased hunger

Does Jardiance cause weight loss?

Jardiance is not an approved weight loss medication, however, weight loss is a side effect for some type 2 diabetes patients. One study published in the National Library of Medicine studied the effect of Jardiance on body weight. This placebo-controlled study involved 986 participants. On average, patients who took Jardiance alone or with other diabetes drugs lost 1.8 percent to 3.2 percent of their body weight during the 6-month study.

Can you mix Jardiance and metformin?

Yes, Jardiance and metformin are safe to take together. Metformin is one of the most common diabetes medications, but you may need additional medications to control type 2 diabetes symptoms. This is usually the case when glucose levels remain elevated despite medical treatment. Your doctor may add Jardiance to your treatment plan if they think it will help your condition.

What are the worst side effects of Jardiance?

The majority of side effects you experience with a new drug will likely go away over time, but if you have persistent and unpleasant side effects, you may want to talk to your doctor. Severe side effects of Jardiance may include shakiness, seizures, rapid breathing, fast heartbeat, and confusion.

How can you avoid yeast infections on Jardiance?

Some studies have found that yeast infections occur more commonly in women taking Jardiance. Since glucose is excreted through urine, the presence of more glucose in the genital area can lead to yeast infections. Yeast infections can occur in both men and women but are more common in women.