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Empagliflozin

Brand names: Jardiance

Empagliflozin is an SGLT2 inhibitor that lowers blood sugar by helping the kidneys remove sugar in the urine. It also protects the heart and kidneys.

Brand namesJardiance
Type of medicineSGLT2 inhibitor
Prescription?Prescription
ImportantThis page is general information, not a prescription. Don't start, stop, or change a medicine without talking to your provider or pharmacist.

Overview

It's used for type 2 diabetes, and also for heart failure and chronic kidney disease even in people without diabetes.

What it's used for

  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Heart failure
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Lowering the risk of heart-related death in people with diabetes and heart disease

How to take it

  • Take it once a day in the morning, with or without food.
  • Drink enough fluids.
  • Your provider may have you stop it a few days before surgery.

Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.

Side effects

Common side effects

  • Peeing more
  • Genital yeast infections
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Thirst
Call 911Nausea, vomiting, belly pain, tiredness, and trouble breathing (possible ketoacidosis), even if blood sugar isn't very high
Call 911Pain, redness, or swelling in the genital or anal area with fever (rare serious infection)
Call your provider todayDizziness, fainting, or very little urine (dehydration)
Call your provider todayBurning when peeing, back pain, or fever (kidney infection)

Warnings

  • Not for type 1 diabetes.
  • Keep the genital area clean to lower the chance of yeast infections.
  • Illness, fasting, and heavy drinking raise the risk of ketoacidosis.

Other medicines, foods, and alcohol

  • Insulin and sulfonylureas may need lower doses to avoid low blood sugar.
  • Water pills add to fluid loss.
  • Lithium levels can drop.

Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Not recommended in the second and third trimesters or while breastfeeding.

Missed doses, overdose, and storage

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. Then skip the missed dose. Don't take two doses at once.

If someone takes too much

Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.

Storing it

Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.

Conditions it's used for

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.