Jardiance is an oral medication used to manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It provides significant benefits for diabetes management. 

However, it is important to be aware of a range of potential side effects, ranging from mild to severe. 

Image of a pharmacist explaining a medication to a customer

Key facts

  • Common Jardiance side effects include urinary tract infections (UTIs), genital yeast infections, frequent urination, and excessive urination.
  • Serious side effects may involve low blood pressure, kidney damage, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), high cholesterol, low blood sugar, severe infections, dehydration, and severe allergic reactions.
  • Most side effects subside within a few weeks, but persistent or severe side effects require immediate medical attention.

Table of Contents

What are the common side effects?

Jardiance may cause side effects, especially when you first start taking the medication. Common side effects include:

  • Urinary tract infection (UTI)
  • Genital yeast infection
  • Frequent urination
  • Excessive urination, or peeing more frequently

What are the mild side effects? 

Jardiance may cause mild and less frequent side effects, including:

  • Upper respiratory infection (such as the common cold)
  • Joint pain
  • Nausea
  • Allergic reaction
  • Increased thirst

Most side effects will subside after a few weeks on the medication. However, if they persist, worsen, or if you suspect an allergic reaction, contact your doctor immediately. Do not stop taking any diabetes medications unless recommended by your doctor.

What are the more serious side effects?

Jardiance may cause more serious side effects, including:

  • Low blood pressure
  • Kidney damage
  • DKA
  • High cholesterol (especially LDL, or “bad” cholesterol)
  • Low blood sugar, especially if you’re on insulin
  • Serious genital infections, including necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum
  • Dehydration
  • Severe UTI
  • Kidney infection
  • Severe allergic reaction

Some of these severe side effects can lead to serious health complications and even death. Contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical assistance if you experience any severe side effects after taking Jardiance.

How long does it take for the side effects to go away?

Side effects from Jardiance are common but typically subside within a few days or weeks after starting the medication. 

If the side effects persist or become more severe, contact your doctor. Your doctor may provide solutions or strategies, or suggest an alternative medication that might be more suitable for you.

How can I manage the side effects? 

Here are some strategies to help manage the side effects of Jardiance:

  • Take your dose in the morning to decrease the need to urinate at night.
  • Stay hydrated with water to prevent dehydration from frequent urination (consult your doctor if you have low blood pressure or heart failure for daily liquid limits).
  • Keep your genital area clean and dry to prevent infections.
  • Take your Jardiance dose with a meal to prevent nausea.
  • See your doctor regularly to monitor for severe side effects.

Is Jardiance safe for long-term use?

Yes, Jardiance is safe for long-term use. If you’ve been prescribed the medication, you should continue taking it as directed by your doctor unless advised otherwise.

Can Jardiance affect your heart?

Yes, Jardiance is proven to improve heart health. 

It reduces the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure in adults with heart failure, a condition where the heart cannot pump enough blood to the rest of the body. 

Jardiance also helps improve cholesterol levels and blood pressure in people with type 2 diabetes, which is crucial since heart disease is the leading cause of death in people with diabetes.

How can I prevent a UTI while taking Jardiance?

UTIs are a common side effect of taking Jardiance. This is because the medication causes the body to remove excess sugar through urine, which can feed bacteria and increase the risk of UTIs. 

While many UTIs are mild and can be treated with antibiotics, untreated UTIs can lead to serious complications like kidney infections or sepsis.

Watch for symptoms of a UTI, such as:

  • Needing to urinate more than usual
  • Pain or burning when urinating
  • Sudden urges to urinate
  • Feeling as though you cannot fully empty your bladder
  • Cloudy urine
  • Feeling tired, fatigued, or lethargic

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.

To help prevent a UTI, follow these tips:

  • Wear loose-fitting underwear and clothing
  • Maintain good hygiene
  • Keep your genital area dry
  • Maintain tight blood sugar management
  • Avoid excess or added sugars in foods and drinks
  • Stay hydrated with water

What medications should I avoid while taking Jardiance?

Before starting Jardiance, talk to your doctor about all the medications you are currently taking to ensure there are no interactions. Jardiance can interact with several medications, including:

Some combinations of these medications can increase the risk of dehydration and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor to ensure your treatment plan is safe and effective.

Can you drink coffee while taking Jardiance?

Both Jardiance and caffeine can increase urination and cause dehydration. Therefore, it is best to limit beverages containing caffeine, such as tea, coffee, and energy drinks, while taking Jardiance.

Is Jardiance hard on the kidneys? 

Jardiance may be hard on the kidneys because it lowers blood sugar by removing excess sugar through the kidneys and urinary tract. If you’re taking Jardiance, watch for symptoms of kidney damage, including:

  • Decreased urination
  • Swelling in the lower legs and ankles
  • Confusion
  • Fatigue

Do not take Jardiance if you have existing kidney damage, kidney disease, or chronic kidney disease (CKD). Talk to your doctor about alternatives that may be more appropriate for you.

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