Does Jardiance (empagliflozin) make you dehydrated?
Jardiance is a type of medicine called an SGLT2 inhibitor. It lowers blood sugar by causing the kidneys to release glucose into the urine. That process pulls some extra water into the urine as well, which can increase urination and contribute to feeling “dry” or dehydrated in some people. Clinical use of SGLT2 inhibitors therefore carries a known risk of dehydration and related volume-loss effects, especially when someone is already low on fluids [1][2].
What symptoms might look like dehydration?
People concerned about dehydration from Jardiance often report symptoms such as:
- Feeling very thirsty
- Dizziness or lightheadedness (especially when standing)
- Dry mouth
- Less urine than usual after an episode of increased urination
- Weakness or fatigue
These can overlap with low blood pressure from fluid loss, which is a related concern with SGLT2 inhibitors [1].
Who is most at risk?
Risk is higher if you start with a lower fluid volume or take other factors that can further reduce it, such as:
- Older age
- Using a diuretic (“water pill”), or other blood pressure medicines that lower volume
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Low fluid intake, hot weather, or heavy exercise
- Kidney disease
- Low blood pressure or history of dehydration
Your clinician may recommend extra attention to hydration or monitoring if you have these risk factors [1].
Can Jardiance cause dehydration without obvious “dry mouth”?
Yes. Even if you do not feel obviously dehydrated, increased urination can lower blood volume and lead to dizziness, faintness, or symptoms of low blood pressure. That can happen more quickly during illness (like stomach bugs) or if you miss fluids [1].
What should you do if you think Jardiance is causing dehydration?
Seek medical advice promptly if you have dizziness, fainting, persistent vomiting/diarrhea, or signs of significant dehydration. In the meantime, focus on fluids you can tolerate (oral rehydration solutions can help when you’re losing fluids). If you’re sick, ask your prescriber whether you should temporarily hold Jardiance during that illness, since stopping during acute volume depletion is sometimes recommended for SGLT2 inhibitors [1].
Could it be something else?
Yes. Some serious complications related to SGLT2 inhibitors can start with nonspecific symptoms. If you have nausea, abdominal pain, rapid breathing, extreme fatigue, or feeling very unwell, you should get urgent medical care because these symptoms can also occur with conditions like diabetic ketoacidosis (which can be associated with SGLT2 inhibitors even when blood sugar isn’t extremely high). Dehydration symptoms alone should not delay urgent evaluation when you feel seriously ill [1].
Sources
[1] https://www.drugs.com/jardiance.html
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546617/