Dominic Stone
Jardiance (empagliflozin) is a medication used to treat Type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and heart failure. While it is generally considered safe and effective, it can cause a range of side effects, from mild to serious. Some of the most common side effects include urinary tract infections, genital yeast infections, and increased urination. More severe side effects may include low blood glucose (hypoglycemia), dehydration, and, in rare cases, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a serious condition that can be life-threatening. One of the symptoms of DKA is unusual weakness or fatigue, which may be indicative of muscle weakness. Additionally, dehydration caused by increased urination can also lead to feelings of weakness, especially when standing up. Therefore, while Jardiance may not directly cause muscle weakness, the side effects it induces could indirectly contribute to feelings of weakness and muscle fatigue.
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What You'll Learn
Dehydration and low blood pressure
Jardiance (empagliflozin) is an oral tablet used to treat type 2 diabetes. It works by helping the kidneys remove sugar (glucose) and salt (sodium) from the blood through urine, thereby decreasing blood sugar levels.
Dehydration can be a side effect of Jardiance. This is because Jardiance causes the body to remove salt and sugar from the blood through urine, which can lead to a loss of fluid. Additionally, Jardiance may cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which can further contribute to dehydration.
Dehydration can affect blood pressure, causing it to increase or decrease. When dehydrated, the body releases a hormone called vasopressin, which causes the blood vessels to constrict, leading to an increase in blood pressure. At the same time, dehydration can lead to a decrease in blood volume, which can result in a drop in blood pressure.
To prevent dehydration and maintain stable blood pressure, it is important to drink enough fluids throughout the day. The National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine recommend consuming 125 ounces (3.7 liters) of fluid per day for men and 91 ounces (2.7 liters) for women. It is also important to be aware of other factors that can contribute to dehydration, such as frequent urination, increased sweating, vomiting, and diarrhea.
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Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
Jardiance (empagliflozin) is a medication used to treat Type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and heart failure. It works by helping the kidneys remove sugar (glucose) from the blood through urine, thereby decreasing blood sugar levels.
One of the rare but serious side effects of Jardiance is diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). DKA is a condition where high ketone levels make the blood too acidic. Jardiance users may be asked to check for ketones in their urine or blood while taking this medication. If you experience nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, unusual weakness or fatigue, or trouble breathing, stop taking Jardiance and contact your care team immediately. These could be symptoms of DKA, and the condition can be life-threatening.
DKA can also lead to dehydration, which is another serious side effect of Jardiance. Dehydration may cause low blood pressure, especially when standing (orthostatic hypotension), and can lead to kidney damage. If you experience symptoms of dehydration, contact your healthcare provider right away. To prevent dehydration, it is important to drink plenty of fluids, especially water, during Jardiance treatment. Caffeinated beverages should be avoided, as they can further increase the risk of dehydration.
In addition to DKA and dehydration, other serious side effects of Jardiance include low blood glucose (hypoglycemia), urinary tract infections, genital yeast infections, and, rarely, necrotizing fasciitis (Fournier's gangrene). It is important to be aware of these potential side effects and to seek medical attention if any symptoms occur.
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Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia)
Jardiance (empagliflozin) is a medication used to treat Type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and heart failure. It is generally considered safe and effective. However, like most medications, it can cause a range of side effects, from mild to serious. One of the more serious side effects is low blood sugar or hypoglycaemia.
Hypoglycaemia can be a life-threatening condition and requires immediate attention. It is more common when Jardiance is taken in combination with other diabetes medications such as insulin, glipizide, or glyburide. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor blood sugar levels closely when taking Jardiance, especially if you are also taking other diabetes medications. The risk of hypoglycaemia may be higher for individuals over 65 years of age and those with kidney problems.
Symptoms of low blood sugar vary from person to person, and it is important to learn your specific symptoms to enable quick treatment. Some common symptoms include blurred vision, cold sweats, confusion, pale skin, difficulty thinking, drowsiness, excessive hunger, a fast heartbeat, headaches, nausea, shakiness, slurred speech, unusual tiredness, and weakness. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical advice promptly.
To manage and prevent hypoglycaemia, it is recommended to always carry a quick source of sugar, such as hard sugar candy or glucose tablets. Additionally, increasing fluid intake, particularly water, can help manage this side effect. However, it is important to consult your healthcare provider for personalised advice and to determine if Jardiance is suitable for you.
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Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Jardiance (empagliflozin) is a medication used to treat Type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and heart failure. It is generally considered safe and effective. However, like many medications, it can cause a range of side effects, from mild to serious. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most commonly reported side effects of Jardiance.
UTIs occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra and multiply in the bladder, causing inflammation and infection. Symptoms of a UTI can include a strong and frequent urge to urinate, a burning sensation when urinating, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, and pelvic pain. In some cases, a UTI can ascend to the kidneys, leading to a more serious condition called pyelonephritis or urosepsis, which requires immediate medical attention.
The increased risk of UTIs with Jardiance is likely due to the medication's mechanism of action. Jardiance works by helping the kidneys remove glucose from the blood through urine, resulting in higher glucose levels in the urinary tract. This increase in glucose can create a favourable environment for bacteria and fungi to grow, leading to a higher risk of infection.
Additionally, Jardiance may cause dehydration, which can further increase the risk of UTIs. Dehydration occurs when the body does not have enough water and electrolytes. It can lead to feelings of weakness, dizziness, and lightheadedness, especially when standing up. Dehydration can be managed by increasing fluid intake, aiming for at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day. However, it is important to avoid caffeine, as it can have a diuretic effect and further contribute to dehydration.
If you experience symptoms of a UTI while taking Jardiance, it is important to consult your healthcare provider. They may recommend treatments such as antibiotics or suggest ways to prevent future infections, such as increasing fluid intake and practising good genital hygiene. It is important to take proactive measures to manage UTIs and prevent them from becoming more severe or spreading to the kidneys.
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Yeast infections
Jardiance (empagliflozin) is a medication used to treat Type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and heart failure. It works by helping the kidneys remove glucose from the blood through urine, thereby decreasing blood sugar levels.
One of the common side effects of Jardiance is yeast infections, particularly in the genital area. This is more common in women, who may experience vaginal yeast infections, but men can also develop yeast infections around the penis and scrotum. These infections occur because the extra glucose in the urine attracts fungi and bacteria to the external genitals. Most of these infections are mild and can be easily treated. However, in rare cases, a life-threatening infection called Fournier's gangrene can develop, causing fever and swollen or painful genital tissues. This may require surgery and antibiotics.
To prevent yeast infections, it is important to maintain good genital hygiene and regularly clean the area. Additionally, staying hydrated is crucial when taking Jardiance, as it can increase urination, which may lead to dehydration. Dehydration can cause further complications such as dizziness, lightheadedness, and low blood pressure.
It is important to consult a healthcare professional if you experience any side effects from taking Jardiance, especially if they persist or become difficult to tolerate. They may suggest ways to manage the side effects or adjust your medication if necessary.
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Frequently asked questions
Jardiance (empagliflozin) is a medication used to treat Type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and heart failure.
Jardiance has been known to cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) which can lead to unusual tiredness or weakness. It can also cause dehydration, which may make you feel weak, dizzy, and lightheaded.
If you experience muscle weakness while taking Jardiance, it is important to consult your doctor or healthcare provider. They may recommend adjusting the dosage or suggest ways to manage the side effects. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water may also help reduce the risk of dehydration-related weakness.
