What Is Jardiance?
Jardiance (Empagliflozin) is a prescription medicine. It belongs to a group of drugs called SGLT2 inhibitors. The medicine comes as a tablet and is usually taken once a day. Doctors prescribe it as part of a long-term treatment plan. Jardiance works differently from many other medicines because it helps the kidneys remove extra glucose from the body.
Jardiance Brand Name and Generic Name
Jardiance is a brand name. The generic name of this is Empagliflozin.
Drug Class: SGLT2 Inhibitor
In the body, the kidneys act as filters. The kidneys filter the body's fluids and help maintain balance. In this process, the SGLT2 (Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2) pathway helps to absorb glucose and return it to the bloodstream. Empagliflozin acts on this pathway and hampers its action. This causes reduced glucose absorption from body fluids. As a result, more glucose goes out of your body through urine. This reduces blood sugar levels.
How Does Jardiance Work in the Body?
Jardiance belongs to a group of medicines called SGLT2 inhibitors. It works by helping the body excrete excess sugar in the urine. It helps lower blood sugar. It can also protect the heart and kidneys.
What Is Jardiance Used For?
Most people think of Jardiance as a diabetes medicine, but it does more than help with blood sugar. Doctors might also prescribe Jardiance for the following:
Heart failure.
Chronic kidney disease.
Type 2 Diabetes Management
One of the most common uses of Jardiance is to treat type 2 diabetes. Jardiance helps lower blood sugar levels. It removes extra sugar from the body through urine.
This medication is approved for the following groups:
Adults who have type 2 diabetes.
Children aged 10 and older who have type 2 diabetes.
Jardiance is most effective when used together with:
Healthy eating habits.
Regular physical activity.
Ongoing medical care.
Staying active on a regular basis
Ongoing medical care
Treating Heart Failure and Helping Prevent Hospital Stays
Jardiance can help people with heart failure by improving heart health and lowering the risk of complications.
It may:
Lower the risk of hospital stays
Reduce strain on the heart
Lower the risk of cardiovascular death
People with or without diabetes may benefit from this treatment.
Chronic Kidney Disease Management
Jardiance for kidney disease can slow the loss of kidney function and help keep your kidneys healthy.
It may help you by:
Slowing down kidney damage.
Lowering the risk of kidney failure.
Protecting your kidney function over time.
Reducing Cardiovascular Death Risk in People With Type 2 Diabetes and Heart Disease
People with both type 2 diabetes and heart disease face a higher risk of serious heart problems. Jardiance can help lower the risk of death from cardiovascular causes.
Conditions Treated by Jardiance
Condition | How Jardiance Helps | Approved Population | Key Benefit |
Type 2 Diabetes | Removes excess glucose through urine | Adults and children aged 10+ | Improves blood sugar control |
Type 2 Diabetes with Cardiovascular Disease | Lowers cardiovascular risk | Adults | Reduces cardiovascular death risk |
Heart Failure | Reduces fluid overload and cardiac stress | Adults | Lowers the risk of hospitalization and cardiovascular death |
Chronic Kidney Disease | Slows the decline in kidney function | Adults at risk of progression | Reduces the risk of end-stage kidney disease |
Type 1 Diabetes | Not approved | Not recommended | Increased risk of ketoacidosis |
How Does Jardiance Work?
Jardiance works through the kidneys.
Blocking SGLT2 Proteins in the Kidneys
Your kidneys filter blood all day. Normally, they take sugar from the blood and return much of it to the body. Jardiance blocks proteins called SGLT2 proteins. This means less sugar enters the bloodstream.
How Does the Body Remove Glucose Through Urine?
If the body does not reabsorb glucose, it is excreted in the urine.
This process helps to:
Lower blood sugar levels.
Remove extra glucose.
Help manage diabetes better.
Protect Your Heart and Kidneys
Jardiance does more than just help manage blood sugar.
It may also:
Help protect your heart
Support your kidneys
Reduce extra fluid in your body
Take some pressure off your heart and blood vessels
These are some of the key benefits of Jardiance that make it useful for many patients.
Who Can Take Jardiance?
Age groups that are okay
Jardiance can be used for:
People aged 18 and up with type 2 diabetes.
Adults who have heart failure.
Adults who have long-term kidney problems.
Kids with type 2 diabetes 10 years or older.
When Jardiance May Not Be Appropriate
Jardiance is not right for everyone.
Your doctor will review:
Renal function.
History of illness.
Current drugs you take.
Potential risks.
What Are the Benefits of Jardiance Beyond Blood Sugar Control?
Weight Loss Effects
Some people who take Jardiance may lose a small amount of weight.
This happens when the body gets rid of sugar and calories in the urine.
Blood Pressure Reduction
Jardiance can help lower blood pressure by helping the body get rid of extra fluid.
Protecting the Kidneys
Jardiance can help keep your kidneys healthy in several ways:
Slowing down damage to your kidneys.
Helping your kidneys stay healthy over time.
Reducing your risk of kidney failure.
Heart Health Benefits
Jardiance may also help your heart in these ways:
Lower the risk of heart failure hospitalizations.
Reduce cardiovascular death risk.
Improve long-term heart outcomes.
How Is Jardiance Taken?
Jardiance tablets are available in these strengths:
10 mg.
25 mg.
Typical Jardiance Dosage Recommendations
Dosage Strength | Typical Use |
10 mg once daily | Usually, the starting dose for most patients. |
25 mg once daily | May be prescribed if additional blood sugar control is needed. |
Always follow your doctor’s instructions.
Tips for Taking Jardiance Safely
Get medical help right away if you have:
Trouble breathing.
Severe stomach pain.
Severe vomiting.
Confusion.
Extreme weakness.
What Are the Possible Side Effects of Jardiance?
Common Jardiance side effects may include the following:
Needing to urinate more often than usual.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Yeast infections.
Feeling thirstier than usual.
Mild dehydration.
If you develop any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention without delay:
Trouble breathing.
Severe stomach pain.
Severe vomiting.
Confusion.
Extreme weakness.
Who Should Not Take Jardiance?
Type 1 Diabetes
Jardiance is not approved for people with type 1 diabetes because it may increase the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
Severe Kidney Impairment Considerations
People with severe kidney disease may not be suitable candidates for Jardiance. Your doctor will assess kidney function before treatment.
Risk of Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a dangerous condition that needs quick medical help.
Your risk of DKA goes up in these situations:
When you are seriously ill.
After having surgery.
If you go without food for a long time.
If you drink a lot of alcohol.
If you notice symptoms of DKA, get medical help right away.
Conclusion
Jardiance (Empagliflozin) is a prescription medicine that helps manage type 2 diabetes and supports heart and kidney health. It works by helping the kidneys remove excess sugar from the urine, thereby lowering blood sugar. For some people, it can also reduce the risk of heart failure hospitalization and may help slow the progression of kidney disease.
Since everyone’s health is different, only take Jardiance if your doctor recommends it. If you have questions or notice any unusual symptoms, talk to your healthcare provider.
Key Takeaways
Jardiance (Empagliflozin) is a once-daily SGLT2 inhibitor used to treat type 2 diabetes. It also supports heart and kidney health. It lowers blood sugar through urine.
Usual doses are 10 mg or 25 mg once daily. It may cause mild weight loss and lower blood pressure.
Common side effects include frequent urination, UTIs, and yeast infections. Rare risks include dehydration and DKA. It is not for type 1 diabetes.
Use Jardiance only under medical advice. Report any unusual symptoms early.
