Can Jardiance (empagliflozin) cause diarrhea?
Diarrhea is listed as a possible side effect of Jardiance (empagliflozin). Patients can experience it as part of general gastrointestinal side effects. If diarrhea is persistent or severe, it should be treated as a medical issue rather than something to “wait out.” [1]
What should I do if Jardiance diarrhea starts?
Stop and seek medical advice urgently if diarrhea is severe or comes with signs of dehydration (dizziness, fainting, very dry mouth, low urine output) or if you cannot keep fluids down. Jardiance can increase urination, so dehydration risk can rise when diarrhea is also present. [1]
If diarrhea is mild and short-lived, clinicians often recommend focusing on hydration (oral fluids) and monitoring symptoms, but you should contact your prescriber to confirm whether you should continue Jardiance or adjust your treatment plan. [1]
How long does Jardiance diarrhea last?
For many medication-related gastrointestinal effects, symptoms typically improve after the body adjusts and/or after the triggering factor resolves. If diarrhea continues beyond a few days, worsens, or recurs each time you start or increase Jardiance, you should get medical guidance promptly. [1]
Could diarrhea be a sign of something more serious?
Yes. Persistent diarrhea can also be caused by infections, inflammatory bowel issues, medication interactions, or other conditions unrelated to Jardiance. Because Jardiance increases glucose in urine and can affect urinary and metabolic status, clinicians still take significant GI symptoms seriously—especially if you have fever, blood or mucus in stool, severe abdominal pain, or dehydration symptoms. [1]
Does Jardiance diarrhea happen with a dose change?
Diarrhea can occur after starting therapy or when doses change, as with many side effects. If your symptoms began around the same time as initiation or dose adjustment, tell your prescriber. They can decide whether to continue, switch, or temporarily pause therapy. [1]
When should I contact a doctor right away?
Contact urgent care or your prescriber immediately if diarrhea is severe (for example, many watery stools per day), lasts more than a day or two, or is accompanied by dehydration symptoms, fever, blood in stool, or you feel weak or lightheaded. With Jardiance, the combination of diarrhea plus increased urination can increase dehydration risk. [1]
What are alternatives if Jardiance causes diarrhea?
If Jardiance is the likely trigger, your clinician can discuss alternatives in diabetes treatment (for example, different drug classes or different SGLT2 inhibitors) based on your medical history, kidney function, and the reason you’re taking Jardiance (diabetes control and/or heart/kidney indications). Any switch should be guided by your prescriber. [1]
Source
- https://www.drugs.com/sfx/jardiance-side-effects.html