Drinking Alcohol while Taking Jardiance: What are the Risks?
Jardiance (empagliflozin) is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a class of medications called SGLT2 inhibitors, which work by increasing the removal of glucose from the body through urine [1]. One of the common questions patients have about Jardiance is whether it's safe to drink alcohol while taking the medication.
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) labeling, there are no specific contraindications for consuming alcohol while taking Jardiance. However, patients should consume alcohol in moderation, as it may lead to increased risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when taken with other diabetes medications.
What's Considered Moderate Drinking?
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines moderate drinking as up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men. Consuming more than this amount of alcohol can lead to adverse effects, especially when combined with Jardiance.
Potential Risks of Combining Alcohol and Jardiance
Consuming excessive amounts of alcohol with Jardiance may lead to increased risk of dehydration, which can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting. Additionally, drinking too much alcohol with Jardiance may mask the symptoms of hypoglycemia, making it more difficult to detect and treat.
Guidelines for Drinking Alcohol while Taking Jardiance
If you take Jardiance and want to drink alcohol, follow these guidelines:
1. Always check with your healthcare provider before consuming any alcohol while taking Jardiance.
2. Consume alcohol in moderation (up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men).
3. Monitor your blood sugar levels closely while drinking alcohol.
4. Have a snack or meal with you while drinking alcohol to help stabilize your blood sugar levels.
References:
[1] Eli Lilly and Company. (2022). Jardiance (empagliflozin) tablets for oral use. In Drug Facts [online]. Available: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2022/204370s015lbl.pdf [Accessed: 10-May-2024]
[2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Alcohol Facts and Statistics. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/alcohol-use-and-health.htm [Accessed: 10-May-2024]
If you have any concerns about taking Jardiance or drinking alcohol, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for personalized advice.