Jardianceempagliflozin
Also sold as: Synjardy (combination with metformin)
A once-daily tablet that lowers blood sugar by removing glucose through the urine, and is also used to protect the heart and kidneys.
Quick answer
- What it is
- An SGLT-2 inhibitor — it blocks the kidney's reabsorption of glucose so extra sugar leaves the body in the urine.
- What it's used for
- Type 2 diabetes, and in some patients heart failure and chronic kidney disease, where it is used for organ protection rather than blood sugar alone.
- Worth knowing
- Once daily in the morning, with or without food. Drink enough fluid — you will urinate more.
- Main safety point
- Genital yeast infections and urinary tract infections are the most common problems. Hold it during serious illness, dehydration, or before surgery.
Already taking Jardiance? Pill4Me pharmacists in Chilliwack can help.
Drug class
SGLT-2 inhibitor
Use in Canada
6,200,000 prescriptions
DIN (Canada)
02425335, 02425343
What is Jardiance?
Jardiance is used for adults with type 2 diabetes to improve blood sugar control. It also reduces the risk of cardiovascular death in adults with type 2 diabetes and established heart disease, and is used to treat heart failure (HFrEF and HFpEF) and to slow the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD).
How Jardiance works
Empagliflozin blocks a protein in the kidney called SGLT-2, which normally reabsorbs sugar from your urine back into your blood. By blocking this protein, Jardiance causes excess blood sugar to be excreted through your urine. This also causes mild fluid loss (a diuretic effect), which helps lower blood pressure and reduces strain on the heart and kidneys.
Forms and strengths
Tablets: 10 mg and 25 mg. Taken by mouth once daily. Also available as Synjardy (empagliflozin + metformin) combination tablet.
How Jardiance is taken
Usually 10 mg once daily in the morning, with or without food. The 25 mg dose may be used for additional blood sugar lowering in type 2 diabetes. Take in the morning to avoid increased nighttime urination. Hold the dose if you are not eating or drinking (fasting, illness, surgery) — your pharmacist or doctor will advise when to stop and restart.
This is general information, not a dose for you. Dosing depends on the reason you are taking it, your kidney and liver function, your age, and everything else you take — follow the directions on your own label, and ask us if they differ from what you read here.
If you miss a dose
Take the missed tablet as soon as you remember on the same day. If it is nearly time for the next day's dose, skip the one you missed and take the next dose as normal — do not double up.
Side effects
Common — usually manageable
- Genital yeast infections (thrush) — more common in women but also occurs in men
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Increased urination and thirst
- Low blood pressure — especially when also on a water pill (diuretic)
- Dizziness or lightheadedness on standing
- Vaginal or penile itching or discharge
Get medical help for these
- Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) — can occur even with near-normal blood sugar levels; symptoms: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue, difficulty breathing — seek emergency care immediately
- Fournier's gangrene (rare, serious genital infection) — report any pain, tenderness, redness or swelling of the genitals or perineum immediately
- Acute kidney injury — especially if vomiting, diarrhea, or reduced fluid intake
- Serious UTIs, including kidney infection (pyelonephritis) — fever, back pain, nausea with UTI symptoms requires urgent care
- Lower limb amputation risk — ensure good foot care and report any foot sores
Important warnings
Hold Jardiance 3–4 days before any planned surgery — DKA risk increases when fasting perioperatively; confirm with your surgeon and pharmacist when to stop and restart
DKA can occur with near-normal blood sugar — do not assume you are safe because your blood sugar reads normal; watch for the symptoms
Stay well hydrated — Jardiance causes fluid loss through the kidneys; dehydration can rapidly worsen kidney function
Genital hygiene is important — wash the genital area regularly to reduce yeast infection risk, and report recurring infections
Check your feet daily if you have diabetes — Jardiance was associated with increased lower limb amputations in some trials; good foot care is essential
Who should take extra care
- Kidney function
- Effectiveness for blood sugar drops as kidney function falls, and eGFR is checked before starting and periodically after.
- Recurrent genital or urinary infections
- SGLT-2 inhibitors make these more likely. Daily hygiene helps; recurrent infections are worth a pharmacist review.
- Type 1 diabetes
- Not approved for type 1 diabetes because of the risk of ketoacidosis.
- Illness, surgery, fasting or dehydration
- The 'sick day' rule applies — hold the medication and get advice, as ketoacidosis can occur even with near-normal blood sugar.
- Older adults and people on diuretics
- Higher risk of dehydration and low blood pressure on standing.
Who should not take it
- Type 1 diabetes — not approved and significantly increases DKA risk
- Severe kidney impairment (eGFR below 20 mL/min/1.73m²) for the diabetes indication
- Dialysis patients
- Recurrent or serious genital yeast infections — discuss with your doctor
- Previous serious allergic reaction to empagliflozin
Drug interactions
Diuretics (water pills like furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide) increase risk of dehydration and low blood pressure when combined with Jardiance. Insulin and sulfonylureas increase hypoglycemia risk. Lithium levels may increase slightly. NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) can reduce kidney function when combined with the fluid-losing effect of Jardiance.
Commonly asked about alongside Jardiance: Metformin, Ozempic, Mounjaro.
This is not a complete list. If you take several medications, or buy anything over the counter, a pharmacist medication review is the reliable way to catch interactions that matter.
Coverage in British Columbia
Jardiance (empagliflozin) may be covered under BC PharmaCare depending on your plan. Diabetes medications are covered under the National Pharmacare plan (Plan NP) at no cost for eligible BC residents. Note: some diabetes drugs like saxagliptin, linagliptin, and pioglitazone require Special Authority approval — your doctor must apply before you fill. Ozempic and Metformin do not require Special Authority. Coverage amounts vary — Fair PharmaCare covers 70–100% after your annual deductible depending on your income. Call us at 604-705-3644 and we'll check your specific coverage in minutes. No generic version is currently available in Canada. BC PharmaCare covers the brand name where it is on the formulary. Coverage information is a general guide only. Your actual coverage depends on your PharmaCare plan and eligibility. We check coverage for free — call 604-705-3644 or ask at the counter.
Coverage may depend on indication, PharmaCare plan and Special Authority requirements. Ask Pill4Me Pharmacy to check your coverage, or see BC PharmaCare.
Frequently asked questions
Does Jardiance help with heart failure even if I don't have diabetes?
Why do I keep getting UTIs or yeast infections since starting Jardiance?
Do I need to stop Jardiance before surgery?
What is diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and what are the warning signs?
Can Jardiance slow down kidney disease progression?
Related reading
Conditions it’s used for
Already taking Jardiance?
Move your prescription to Pill4Me and we handle the rest — we contact your current pharmacy, and refills, reminders and free local delivery come with it.
Pill4Me Pharmacy is at 5625 Promontory Rd Unit 101, Chilliwack, BC. We deliver free to Chilliwack, Sardis, Promontory, Vedder and Yarrow, and you can reach a pharmacist directly at 604-705-3644.