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Side Effects of Jardiance: What You Need to Know

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Introduction

If you have type 2 diabetes, your doctor may prescribe Jardiance (empagliflozin) for you. Jardiance is a prescription drug that’s used in adults with type 2 diabetes to:

  • improve blood sugar levels, along with diet and exercise
  • lower the risk of cardiovascular (heart- and blood vessel-related) death in people who also have heart disease

Limitations of use: Jardiance isn’t used to treat type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). (DKA is a buildup of acid in your blood caused by high blood sugar and low insulin levels.)

Jardiance is a tablet that you take by mouth once daily. It’s used as a long-term treatment. For more in-depth information about Jardiance, see this article.

Like all medications, Jardiance can cause mild or serious side effects. Keep reading to learn more.

What are the more common side effects of Jardiance?

Mild or serious side effects can occur in some people using Jardiance. The following list includes some of the more common side effects that have been reported.

The more common side effects of Jardiance may include:

  • urinary tract infection (UTI)
  • vaginal yeast infection

The following sections include more possible side effects of Jardiance.

What are the mild side effects of Jardiance?

Jardiance may cause mild side effects in some people. Mild side effects of Jardiance that have been reported include:

  • upper respiratory infection, such as the common cold
  • urinating more often than usual
  • joint pain
  • nausea
  • increased thirst
  • urinary tract infection (UTI)*
  • vaginal yeast infection*

* For more information on this side effect, see “Side effects explained” below.

In most cases, these side effects should be temporary. And some may be easily managed, too. But if you have any symptoms that are ongoing or that bother you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. And don’t stop using Jardiance unless your doctor recommends it.

The list above doesn’t include all mild side effects that Jardiance may cause. For more information, see the drug’s medication guide.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. If you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Jardiance, visit MedWatch.

What are the serious side effects of Jardiance?

Serious side effects are less common with Jardiance, but they can occur.

Serious side effects that have been reported with this drug include:

  • hypotension (low blood pressure)
  • kidney damage
  • high cholesterol, specifically low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol
  • diabetic ketoacidosis (a buildup of acid in your blood because of high blood sugar and low insulin levels)
  • hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
  • serious urinary tract infection (UTI)*
  • serious genital infections, such as necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum*
  • dehydration* (low fluid levels in the body)
  • allergic reaction*†

Some serious side effects may be more likely to occur in people with certain conditions or other health factors. To learn more, see the “Warnings for Jardiance” section below.

* For more information on this side effect, see “Side effects explained” below.
† An allergic reaction to Jardiance is possible. But this side effect wasn’t reported in studies of Jardiance. To learn more about allergic reaction, see “Side effects explained” below.

FAQs about Jardiance’s side effects

Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about the side effects of Jardiance. If you have other questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

How can I avoid yeast infections while taking Jardiance?

In studies, genital yeast infections were one of the most common side effects in people taking Jardiance. This occurred more often in females, but it also occurred in some males.*

Yeast infections occur when the “good” bacteria (called microflora) in your body get out of balance. The following tips may help prevent yeast infections while taking Jardiance:

  • Avoid sexual activity while you or a partner has a yeast infection. Yeast infections can pass back and forth.
  • Wear breathable cotton underwear, and change it daily. And don’t wear a wet swimsuit for longer than you have to. Tight, non-breathable fabrics may trap moisture. And yeast is a fungus that likes to grow in moist, dark areas.
  • Wipe from front to back after using the restroom. This can prevent the spread of bacteria to the genitals or urinary tract.
  • Choose foods that help support the good bacteria that normally keep yeast from overgrowing. These foods include yogurt that contains natural probiotics.

* Use of the terms “male” and “female” within this article refers to a person’s sex assigned at birth.

Does Jardiance cause any side effects that affect the eyes?

No, using Jardiance shouldn’t affect your eyes. In studies, side effects of the eyes weren’t reported in people who took Jardiance.

But blurry vision and other eye problems can happen when your blood sugar is high. Blurred vision can also be a side effect when starting insulin (a diabetes treatment).

If you have diabetes, it’s important to visit your eye doctor for annual checkups or as needed if you’re having vision problems. If you notice any changes in your vision, call your doctor right away.

Is itching a side effect of Jardiance?

Yes, itching is a possible side effect of Jardiance.

In studies, vaginal yeast infections were one of the most common side effects of Jardiance. And itching of the vagina and surrounding area is a common symptom of vaginal yeast infections. Other symptoms include redness or discoloration, pain, swelling, and thick white discharge.

If you have any symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection, call your doctor. They’ll likely recommend an over-the-counter treatment or prescription drug.

Rash and itching weren’t reported in clinical studies of Jardiance, but they have been reported in people using Jardiance since it’s been on the market. However, it’s not known how often these side effects may have occurred or whether Jardiance was the cause.

Can taking Jardiance cause anxiety?

No, Jardiance doesn’t cause anxiety. This side effect wasn’t reported in people who took Jardiance in studies.

But anxiety is a common condition among people who are dealing with long-term health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

There are many ways to try to cope with anxiety, such as deep breathing exercises. But if these coping strategies aren’t enough, talk with your doctor. They can help you find the right treatment option for treating your anxiety.

Can I do anything to avoid infections of the perineum while taking Jardiance?

In rare cases, a serious infection called necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum (the area between and around your genitals and anus) has been reported in people who took Jardiance. This bacterial infection causes damage to the tissue under the skin of the perineum.

These infections weren’t reported in people who took Jardiance in clinical studies. But rare cases of this infection have been reported in both males* and females* since the drug has been on the market. These infections have led to hospitalization, surgeries, and even death.

The following suggestions can help lower your risk for necrotizing fasciitis:

  • Try to maintain healthy blood sugar levels, and drink plenty of water. When your blood sugar levels are high, your risk for skin infections goes up. High blood sugar levels can cause your skin to become dry. Dry skin is more prone to crack and heals more slowly. Drinking at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day can help keep skin hydrated.
  • Practice good personal hygiene. Wipe from front to back after using the restroom to prevent the spread of bacteria to your urinary tract. Also, wear loose-fitting cotton underwear, and change it daily.
  • Don’t wait to get treatment. If you think you have an infection around your urinary tract or genital area, contact your doctor as soon as possible. The sooner it’s treated, the less likely the infection is to spread or become severe.

* Use of the terms “male” and “female” within this article refers to a person’s sex assigned at birth.

Warnings for Jardiance

Jardiance may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. Talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Jardiance. Factors to consider include those in the list below.

Low blood pressure. Because of the way Jardiance works, it can decrease the total amount of fluid in your body’s blood vessels. This decreased body fluid can cause hypotension (low blood pressure) in certain people. People with a higher risk for hypotension while using Jardiance include:

  • people with kidney disease
  • people ages 65 years and older
  • people who already have low blood pressure
  • people taking diuretic medications, such as furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide

Symptoms of hypotension may include feeling lightheaded or dizzy, especially when standing up. Call your doctor if you have any symptoms of hypotension while using Jardiance. They may want to make changes to your treatment plan.

Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Jardiance or any of its ingredients, you shouldn’t take this drug. Ask your doctor about which other medications are better options for you.

Kidney damage. Because Jardiance can reduce fluids in your body, it can make your kidneys work less effectively. If you have severe kidney damage, such as end stage kidney disease or a need for dialysis, it’s not safe for you to take Jardiance. Your doctor will check your kidneys with a blood test before you start Jardiance. If you have mild-to-moderate kidney damage, your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of taking Jardiance. If you do use Jardiance, you’ll go for blood tests regularly to check if the drug is affecting your kidneys.

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). DKA has been reported in people taking Jardiance. This is a serious, life threatening condition that requires emergency medical treatment in a hospital. With DKA, you have a buildup of acid in your blood caused by high blood sugar and low insulin levels. In most cases, you’ll also have a spike in your blood sugar, but this doesn’t always occur. Get care right away if you have any symptoms of DKA, such as:

  • nausea or vomiting
  • stomach pain
  • generally feeling unwell
  • shortness of breath

Certain factors might raise your risk for ketoacidosis. These factors include pancreas problems, alcohol misuse, and not eating for a long time. If you have any of these risk factors, talk with your doctor. They may monitor you more closely while you’re taking Jardiance.

Recurring urinary tract infection (UTI). One of the more common side effects of Jardiance is UTI. Severe UTIs that require treatment in a hospital are also possible. If you’re already prone to frequent UTIs, talk with your doctor before using Jardiance. They may want to monitor you more closely during your treatment. Or, they may prescribe a different medication that’s safer for you.

Low blood sugar. If you use certain diabetes drugs, including insulin or sulfonylureas such as glyburide, talk with your doctor before using Jardiance. Taking Jardiance with these drugs could raise your risk for hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Before using Jardiance, tell your doctor about all medications you use. If you do use Jardiance, make sure you understand how often you should check your blood sugar and what you should do if it gets too low.

Recurring genital yeast infection. Yeast infections in the genitals are a common side effect of Jardiance. If you’ve had repeated yeast infections or currently have a long-term yeast infection, talk with your doctor before starting treatment. Jardiance could worsen this condition and may not be safe for you to take.

High cholesterol. If you have high cholesterol, talk with your doctor before starting Jardiance. In studies, people who took Jardiance had increases in their low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels. High cholesterol can raise your risk for heart attack or stroke. Your doctor may monitor your cholesterol more closely while you’re taking Jardiance. They may also prescribe a cholesterol medication for you (or increase your dose if you’re already using one).

Alcohol use and Jardiance

It should be safe to drink alcohol in moderation while taking Jardiance.

But excessive alcohol use while taking Jardiance could worsen some of the drug’s side effects, including:

  • urinating more often than usual
  • dehydration (low fluid levels in the body)
  • diabetic ketoacidosis (a buildup of acid in your blood because of high blood sugar and low insulin levels)

Also, many types of alcoholic beverages contain added sugars, which can raise your blood sugar levels.

If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about how much may be safe for you to drink with your condition and treatment plan.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking Jardiance

Taking Jardiance in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy isn’t recommended. The drug may cause harmful effects to a fetus. Before starting Jardiance, talk with your doctor if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant. They’ll discuss the risks and benefits of using Jardiance with you.

Breastfeeding while taking Jardiance isn’t recommended. It’s not known if the drug can pass into breast milk. But if it does, it could cause kidney problems in a breastfed child. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, talk with your doctor about your options.

Side effects explained

Learn more about some of the side effects Jardiance may cause.

Necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum

Although rare, Jardiance may be linked with a severe bacterial infection: necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum. The perineum is the area between and around your anus and genitals. In males, it’s the space between the anus and scrotum. In females, it’s the space between the anus and vulva. This type of infection is also called Fournier’s gangrene.

Necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum wasn’t reported in people who took Jardiance in clinical studies. But rare cases of this infection have been reported in both males* and females* taking Jardiance since the drug has been on the market. These infections have led to hospitalization, surgeries, and even death.

* Use of the terms “male” and “female” within this article refers to a person’s sex assigned at birth.

What might help

It’s important to contact a doctor right away if you start having symptoms of necrotizing fasciitis. These symptoms may include:

  • pain, redness, or swelling in your genitals or perineum
  • fast heartbeat
  • fever
  • generally feeling unwell

With this serious infection, bacteria can quickly destroy the layer of tissue under your skin. Necrotizing fasciitis is a medical emergency and must be treated in a hospital right away. You’ll receive strong antibiotics and may need surgery to remove damaged tissue. Without immediate treatment, the infection can spread into the bloodstream and lead to death.

If you’re concerned about your risk for infection during your Jardiance treatment, talk with your doctor.

Weight loss

Jardiance may cause weight loss in some people. In studies, weight loss was a common side effect seen in people who took the drug long term (24 to 52 weeks).

Jardiance lowers blood sugar by helping the body get rid of sugar. It works to prevent your kidneys from absorbing sugar back into the bloodstream. Instead, sugar (and the calories it contains) is eliminated from your body with your urine. Over time, this may lead to weight loss.

What might help

Losing weight might help lower your average blood sugar levels and reduce your risk for heart problems. But this depends on your weight when you start Jardiance and the healthy weight goal that you and your doctor set for you.

So, for some people, losing weight with Jardiance may help improve their type 2 diabetes. But if you’re underweight when you start Jardiance, losing weight may have a negative effect on your health.

If you’re concerned about weight loss during your Jardiance treatment, talk with your doctor.

Urinary tract infection

Jardiance may cause a urinary tract infection (UTI). In studies, this was one of the most common side effects in people taking Jardiance.

UTI symptoms may include:

  • a burning feeling while urinating
  • urinating more often than usual
  • cloudy or bloody urine
  • lower back pain
  • fever

What might help

If you have any UTI symptoms, call your doctor. They may send you for a urine test or recommend a prescription antibiotic.

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications are available that can provide temporary relief from UTI symptoms. For example, products such as AZO Urinary Pain Relief contain phenazopyridine. This drug works by soothing the urinary tract, temporarily reducing pain, burning, and urgency.

Note that phenazopyridine will not cure a UTI. It also temporarily turns your urine bright orange. Be sure to drink plenty of water while using this medication. For more information about phenazopyridine, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Here are a few good habits that may help prevent recurring UTIs:

  • Wipe from front to back after using the restroom to prevent the spread of bacteria to your urinary tract.
  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Urinate before and after sex to flush out any bacteria that may cause UTIs.
  • Eat fresh cranberries or drink unsweetened cranberry juice. Some research shows that consuming cranberries may help prevent frequent UTIs.

If you have questions about these suggestions or about the risk of UTIs with Jardiance, talk with your doctor.

Genital yeast infection

Some people using Jardiance may have genital yeast infections. In studies, this was one of the most common side effects in people taking Jardiance. This occurred more often in females, but it also occurred in some males.

Genital yeast infection symptoms may include:

  • thick white discharge
  • itching
  • rash
  • pain
  • swelling
  • redness

What might help

If you have symptoms of a yeast infection, call your doctor. It’s important for yeast infections to be treated so they don’t spread or become severe.

Yeast infection treatments are usually 1 to 7 days long. Some drugs come as creams that you apply to the genitals, while others are tablets that you take by mouth. Your doctor may recommend one of the following OTC or prescription treatments:

  • Lotrimin (clotrimazole)
  • Monistat (miconazole)
  • Terazol (terconazole)
  • Diflucan (fluconazole)

Here are some tips that may help prevent yeast infections from recurring:

  • Eat a balanced diet.
  • Eat yogurt or take a probiotic supplement containing lactobacillus.
  • Wear breathable cotton underwear, and change it daily.
  • Wash underwear in hot water.
  • Replace feminine products (such as pads or tampons) regularly. And avoid using scented products.
  • Don’t wear wet clothing, such as workout clothes or a swimsuit, for too long.
  • Don’t wear underwear, pantyhose, or pants that are tight-fitting and non-breathable (they make you sweat).

There are also natural remedies and food choices that may help relieve or prevent yeast infections. If you have questions or concerns about genital yeast infections with Jardiance, talk with your doctor.

Dehydration

Because of the way Jardiance works to lower blood sugar, it may make you urinate more often than usual. In studies, this was a common side effect in people taking Jardiance.

Increased urination could raise your risk for becoming dehydrated. When you’re dehydrated, your body doesn’t have enough water and electrolytes (salt). This may make you feel lightheaded, weak, and dizzy when you stand up. For severe dehydration, treatment in a hospital is often needed so you can get intravenous (IV) fluids.

What might help

The best thing you can do to avoid dehydration is to drink plenty of fluids every day. Most people should aim for at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day. You also increase your fluid intake by drinking decaffeinated teas or eating more fresh fruits or vegetables.

Caffeine can make you urinate more often, and so can Jardiance. Drinking caffeinated beverages during your Jardiance treatment can raise your risk for dehydration even more. If you drink coffee, tea, or other beverages that contain caffeine, it’s best to limit your intake during your Jardiance treatment.

Beverages that contain alcohol can also make you urinate more and should be limited during your treatment. For more information, see the “Alcohol use and Jardiance” section above.

If you take prescription diuretic medications (such as furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide), you may have a higher risk for dehydration with Jardiance. Your doctor may suggest a lower dosage of your diuretic medication during your Jardiance treatment. Talk with your doctor to learn more.

Allergic reaction

Like most drugs, Jardiance can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Symptoms can be mild or serious and can include:

  • rash
  • itchiness
  • flushing (warmth, swelling, redness, or discoloration in your skin)
  • swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
  • swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe

What might help

If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest an OTC oral antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), or topical product, like hydrocortisone cream, to manage your symptoms.

If your doctor confirms that you had a mild allergic reaction to Jardiance, they’ll decide if you should continue using it.

If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.

If your doctor confirms that you had a serious allergic reaction to Jardiance, they may have you switch to a different treatment.

Keeping track of side effects

During your Jardiance treatment, consider keeping notes on any side effects you’re having. Then, you can share this information with your doctor. This is especially helpful when you first start taking new drugs or using a combination of treatments.

Your side effect notes can include things like:

  • what dose of drug you were taking when you had the side effect
  • how soon after starting that dose you had the side effect
  • what your symptoms were from the side effect
  • how it affected your daily activities
  • which other medications you were also taking
  • any other information you feel is important

Keeping notes and sharing them with your doctor will help them learn more about how Jardiance affects you. And your doctor can use this information to adjust your treatment plan, if needed.

What to ask your doctor

Jardiance can be an effective treatment for improving blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes (when used with diet and exercise). Jardiance is also effective for reducing the risk of cardiovascular (heart- and blood vessel-related) death in people who have both type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

But this drug may cause side effects in some people. It’s important to talk with your doctor to determine if the potential benefits of Jardiance treatment outweigh your risk for side effects.

Here are some example questions to get a conversation started with your doctor:

  • Do my other medications raise my risk for side effects from Jardiance?
  • With my current health and medical history, am I at higher risk for serious side effects from this drug?
  • Do I need to stop taking Jardiance before my upcoming surgery?
  • Is there anything I can do to prevent infections during my Jardiance treatment?

If you have type 2 diabetes, subscribe to our diabetes newsletter for blood sugar management tips, treatment updates, and more.

Ask a pharmacist

Q:

If I get a urinary tract infection (UTI) or yeast infection while taking Jardiance, should I temporarily stop the medication until it’s cleared up?

Anonymous patient

A:

No, you most likely won’t have to stop taking Jardiance if you get a UTI or yeast infection. Typically, your infection will clear up with an antibiotic or antifungal medication. Also, you shouldn’t stop taking Jardiance unless your doctor recommends it.

Call your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of a UTI or yeast infection during your treatment. These symptoms may include a burning feeling while urinating, fever, itching, rash, or thick white discharge from the genital area.

Treating your infection as quickly as possible is important. The sooner it’s treated, the less likely the infection is to spread or become severe.

Your doctor won’t have you stop taking your diabetes medications, including Jardiance, while you’re using an antibiotic or antifungal. That’s because it’s extremely important to keep your blood sugar well managed when you’re not feeling your best.

Your doctor will also ask you to stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet to help manage your blood sugar. Also, remember to practice good personal hygiene to prevent the spread of bacteria in and around your urinary tract and genital area.

If you have questions about treating a UTI or yeast infection during your Jardiance treatment, talk with your doctor.

Purva Singla, PharmDAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

Healthline

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or other healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.