Empagliflozin
Pronunciation: (JAR-dee-anss).
- Generic name
- empagliflozin
- Brand names
- Jardiance
- Drug class
- SGLT2 inhibitor (Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor)
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country: United States · Canada
Australia: · Full directory
What empagliflozin is and how it works
Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.
Mechanism of action: how empagliflozin works
Empagliflozin selectively inhibits sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) in the proximal renal tubules, reducing reabsorption of filtered glucose and increasing urinary glucose excretion. This leads to lower plasma glucose levels and modest weight loss. SGLT2 inhibition also results in mild diuresis and natriuresis, contributing to cardiovascular and renal benefits. (1)
What empagliflozin is used for
Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (2)
Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF)
Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) (2)
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF)
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) (2)
Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) (2)
Before taking empagliflozin
Do not take / not appropriate for
- Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to empagliflozin, severe renal impairment (eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73m²), end-stage renal disease, or dialysis. (Contraindication) (2)
- Not recommended in pregnancy or breastfeeding. (Contraindication) (2)
Tell your clinician about
(2)How to take empagliflozin
- General Instructions: Take Jardiance exactly as prescribed, usually once daily in the morning, with or without food.. Adult Dosing: The typical starting dose is 10 mg once daily. The dose may be increased to 25 mg once daily if needed and tolerated.. Pediatric Dosing: Jardiance is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes glycemic control in children and adolescents aged 10 years and older, using the same fixed 10 mg or 25 mg once-daily dosing as adults (no weight-based adjustment). Safety and efficacy for the heart failure and chronic kidney disease indications have not been established in pediatric patients.. Administration: Swallow the tablet whole with water. Take at the same time each day for best results.. When To Stop: Do not stop taking Jardiance on your own — if you develop signs of severe kidney problems, diabetic ketoacidosis, or a serious allergic reaction, seek medical attention promptly and let the treating clinician decide whether to continue or stop the medicine.. Storage: Store at room temperature (20–25°C/68–77°F), away from moisture and heat.
- This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (2)
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Overdose
In case of overdose, seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms may include excessive urination, dehydration, or low blood sugar (if taken with other diabetes medications). Supportive care and monitoring of fluid and electrolyte balance are recommended. (2)
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Urinary tract infections
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Genital yeast infections
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Diarrhea
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Nausea
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Ketoacidosis
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Dehydration
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Kidney problems
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Serious warnings
May increase risk of urinary tract and genital infections — serious
Symptoms: May increase risk of urinary tract and genital infections. Can cause dehydration and low blood pressure, especially in older adults. Risk of diabetic ketoacidosis, even with normal blood sugar. Not for use in type 1 diabetes or for treating diabetic ketoacidosis. Rare risk of serious genital infection (Fournier’s gangrene).
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Contraindications recorded in the clinician database — serious
Symptoms: Contraindications recorded in the clinician database: Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to empagliflozin, severe renal impairment (eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73m²), end-stage renal disease, or dialysis. Use with caution in patients with a history of urinary tract or genital infections, hypotension, or elderly patients at risk of dehydration. Not recommended in pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded interactions | Jardiance may interact with diuretics (increasing risk of dehydration), insulin or insulin secretagogues (increasing risk of hypoglycemia), and certain blood pressure medications. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medicines and supplements you are taking. | (1) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
Jardiance is not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimesters, based on animal data suggesting a risk of adverse kidney effects in the developing fetus. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or become pregnant while taking Jardiance, seek medical advice promptly so your clinician can discuss alternative treatment options with you. (2)
Breastfeeding
Jardiance is not recommended while breastfeeding, because of the potential for the developing infant kidney (which continues maturing during the first two years of life) to be affected, and the potential for other serious adverse reactions in a breastfed infant. Discuss feeding options with your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. (2)
Children
Approved for children and adolescents aged 10 years and older, for the type 2 diabetes glycemic-control indication only, at the same fixed 10 mg or 25 mg once-daily dose used in adults (fixed dosing, not weight-based, since pediatric patients weighing 40 kg or more show similar drug exposure to adults). Safety and efficacy for the heart failure and chronic kidney disease indications, and for children under 10, have not been established. (2)
Renal_impairment
For the glycemic-control (type 2 diabetes) use, Jardiance should not be started in patients with an eGFR below 45 mL/min/1.73m2, and is not recommended for glycemic control once eGFR falls below 30 mL/min/1.73m2. Jardiance is contraindicated in patients on dialysis. For the heart-failure and chronic-kidney-disease indications, a clinician may continue Jardiance at lower eGFR levels because those indications were specifically studied in more advanced kidney disease — renal dosing decisions should always be individualised by the prescribing clinician. No specific hepatic-impairment dose adjustment is established in the sources reviewed for this page. (2)
Hepatic_impairment
For the glycemic-control (type 2 diabetes) use, Jardiance should not be started in patients with an eGFR below 45 mL/min/1.73m2, and is not recommended for glycemic control once eGFR falls below 30 mL/min/1.73m2. Jardiance is contraindicated in patients on dialysis. For the heart-failure and chronic-kidney-disease indications, a clinician may continue Jardiance at lower eGFR levels because those indications were specifically studied in more advanced kidney disease — renal dosing decisions should always be individualised by the prescribing clinician. No specific hepatic-impairment dose adjustment is established in the sources reviewed for this page. (2)
Monitoring
(2)Storage
Store at room temperature (20-25C / 68-77F), away from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children.
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
General
Indication: Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Dose summary: Initial dose of 10 mg once daily, may be increased to 25 mg once daily based on glycemic control.
Renal context: Do not initiate at eGFR <45 mL/min/1.73m2; not recommended for glycemic control at eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73m2; contraindicated on dialysis. Lower-eGFR use may still be appropriate for the heart-failure/CKD indications per clinician judgment. (1)
Frequently asked questions
What is Jardiance used for?
Jardiance is used to lower blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes, reduce the risk of cardiovascular death in adults with type 2 diabetes and heart disease, and to treat heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.
How does Jardiance work?
Jardiance works by helping your kidneys remove excess glucose from your blood through urine, which lowers blood sugar and can help protect your heart.
Can Jardiance cause low blood sugar?
Jardiance alone rarely causes low blood sugar, but the risk increases if used with insulin or sulfonylureas. Monitor your blood sugar regularly.
Is Jardiance safe in pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Jardiance is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Discuss alternative treatments with your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
What should I do if I develop signs of infection while taking Jardiance?
Contact your healthcare provider if you notice symptoms of urinary tract or genital infection, such as pain, burning, unusual discharge, or fever.
Can Jardiance be used in people with kidney problems?
Jardiance is not recommended for people with severe kidney impairment (eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73m²) or those on dialysis.
How should Jardiance be stored?
Store Jardiance tablets at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children.
What happens if I take too much Jardiance?
Taking too much Jardiance can lead to symptoms such as severe dehydration, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), and kidney problems. If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate emergency medical attention. Do not attempt to self-treat. Contact your healthcare provider or poison control center right away for guidance and support.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Jardiance?
Drinking alcohol while taking Jardiance can increase the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and dehydration, especially if consumed in large amounts. Alcohol can also worsen some side effects of Jardiance. It is best to discuss alcohol consumption with your healthcare provider to understand the potential risks and receive personalized advice.
Is Jardiance safe during pregnancy?
Jardiance's safety during pregnancy is not fully established, and it is generally not recommended. It falls under a pregnancy category that advises caution. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, it is crucial to consult your doctor to discuss the potential risks and benefits and explore alternative treatment options.
What is the mechanism of action of empagliflozin?
Empagliflozin selectively inhibits sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) in the proximal renal tubules, reducing reabsorption of filtered glucose and increasing urinary glucose excretion. This leads to lower plasma glucose levels and modest weight loss. SGLT2 inhibition also results in mild diuresis and natriuresis, contributing to cardiovascular and renal benefits. (1)
What is the generic name of Empagliflozin?
The generic name is empagliflozin. It is sold under brand names including Jardiance.
What class of drug is empagliflozin?
Empagliflozin is classed as: SGLT2 inhibitor (Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor).
References
- Jardiance – clinician-authored medicine record (internal database)MedGuideGlobal · Global · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 1
- JARDIANCE (empagliflozin) tablets, for oral use – prescribing informationU.S. Food and Drug Administration · United States · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 2
- JARDIANCE (EMPAGLIFLOZIN) TABLET, FILM COATED [APHENA PHARMA SOLUTIONS - TENNESSEE, LLC ] — US prescribing information (DailyMed SPL)U.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 3
- Empagliflozin — patient drug information (MedlinePlus)U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 4
- Synjardy — FDA approval record (Drugs@FDA NDA206111)U.S. Food and Drug Administration · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 5
- empagliflozin — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 1545653)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 6
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient empagliflozin names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.
Priority countries
United States
- Jardiance10 mg, 25 mg · a-s medication solutions
Canada
- JARDIANCE