Common Side Effects of Jardiance
Jardiance (empagliflozin), an SGLT2 inhibitor for type 2 diabetes, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease, most often causes urinary tract infections (UTIs) and yeast infections in the genital area. Other frequent effects include increased urination, thirst, nausea, and mild dehydration symptoms like dizziness or fatigue.[1]
Serious Risks and What to Watch For
Rare but severe side effects include ketoacidosis (high blood acid levels, with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain), even if blood sugar is normal. Fournier's gangrene, a life-threatening genital infection, has been reported. Hypoglycemia risk rises when combined with insulin or sulfonylureas. Acute kidney injury, low blood pressure, and bone fractures also occur. FDA warnings highlight these, especially in dehydrated patients or those with kidney issues.[1][2]
How Side Effects Differ by Patient Group
Older adults face higher dehydration and low blood pressure risks. People with kidney impairment may see reduced drug clearance, amplifying effects. In heart failure patients, benefits often outweigh risks, but monitoring for volume depletion is key. Women report more genital infections than men.[1][3]
Managing and Reporting Side Effects
Drink plenty of fluids to counter dehydration and infections. Maintain genital hygiene. Stop the drug and seek immediate care for ketoacidosis signs or gangrene symptoms like swelling or fever. Report issues to FDA MedWatch or your doctor. Regular kidney function tests are standard.[2]
Comparisons to Other Diabetes Drugs
Unlike metformin (GI upset dominant), Jardiance's hallmark is infection risk from its urinary glucose excretion mechanism. Compared to GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic, it has fewer GI issues but more UTIs. No weight gain risk, unlike sulfonylureas.[1][3]
Sources
[1]: Jardiance Prescribing Information (FDA)
[2]: FDA Safety Communications on SGLT2 Inhibitors
[3]: Drugs.com - Jardiance Side Effects