Jardiance is an oral prescription medication used to manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. 

In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know about taking this treatment.

Image of Jardiance boxes

Key Points:

  • Jardiance is an oral prescription medication for managing blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
  • It helps lower blood sugar, improves heart health, and may help with weight loss.
  • The drug is used particularly in cases of heart or kidney disease and can be taken alone or with other medications like metformin.
  • Side effects include UTIs and frequent urination, with rare but serious risks like low blood pressure and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

Table of Contents

What is Jardiance?

This therapy is a prescription-only oral medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help people with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar levels. 

It belongs to the drug class of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors, commonly known as gliflozins.

What are the benefits of Jardiance?

The diabetes medication offers several benefits, including lowering blood sugar levels, improving heart health, and assisting with weight loss.

Blood sugar management

In a 24-week study of adults with type 2 diabetes, a 10-milligram (mg) dose of the therapy helped 38 percent of participants lower their A1c (a measure of glucose control over the previous 2 to 3 months) below 7 percent. 

A 25-milligram dose showed similar results, with 38 percent achieving A1c levels below 7 percent, compared to just 13 percent in the placebo (inactive treatment) group. 

Additionally, Jardiance reduced fasting blood sugar by up to 25 points, while fasting blood sugars increased in the placebo group.

Heart health

In a 3-year study, the prescription reduced the risk of cardiovascular death by 38 percent in people with type 2 diabetes and heart disease. 

It also lowers the risk of heart disease-related death and hospitalization for heart failure in adults living with heart failure. 

The medication can protect heart health when used alone or in combination with metformin by lowering systolic blood pressure, which is beneficial for those with high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues.

Weight loss

The tablets may contribute to weight loss as a secondary effect. 

In clinical trials, participants taking 10 mg of Jardiance experienced an average weight loss of approximately 2.5 percent of their body weight, while those on the 25-mg dose lost around 2.8 percent. 

Although the medicine is not FDA-approved as a standalone weight loss drug, studies indicate that sustained treatment over 9 months to 2 years can lead to a modest weight reduction of 3 to 5 percent. 

Additional research has linked this SGLT-2 inhibitor use with reductions in weight, waist circumference, and adipose (fat) tissue compared to placebo. 

Successful weight loss with Jardiance is often supported by a healthy diet and regular physical activity. 

However, individual results may vary, and weight loss should be considered part of the overall management of diabetes rather than a primary treatment goal.

Why would you be prescribed Jardiance?

The medication is typically prescribed to people with type 2 diabetes who are having difficulty managing their blood sugar levels. 

It helps improve insulin sensitivity, lowers blood sugar, and reduces A1c levels. Additionally, the treatment may cause modest weight loss in some people.

This medication is also prescribed to lower the risk of heart attack and stroke in people with type 2 diabetes and heart disease. You might be prescribed Jardiance if you have type 2 diabetes and:

Heart failure: The drug is approved to treat two common types of heart failure, reducing the risk of hospitalizations and lowering the risk of heart-related death.

Cardiovascular disease: The medication lowers the risk of heart attack and stroke in people with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Kidney disease: The therapy can slow the progression of kidney disease and reduce the risk of heart-related death in people with chronic kidney disease.

In some cases, Jardiance may be prescribed in combination with metformin, especially if you are dealing with insulin resistance, high blood sugar levels, or weight gain. Jardiance can be used alone or alongside other medications like metformin.

What are the side effects of Jardiance?

Like many medications, this drug can cause side effects, some common and mild, while others are rare and serious.

Common mild side effects:

  • Urinary tract infection (UTI)
  • Genital yeast infection
  • Frequent urination
  • Excessive urination

Rare mild side effects:

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

Rare serious side effects:

  • Low blood pressure
  • Kidney damage
  • DKA
  • High LDL (“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

Most side effects of the therapy diminish after a few weeks as your body adjusts. However, contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency help if your symptoms persist, worsen, or if you suspect an allergic reaction.

If you’re on insulin, be aware of low blood sugar symptoms such as dizziness, weakness, fatigue, shakiness, sweating, rapid heart rate, and anxiety.

See more in: The Common and Serious Side Effects of Jardiance.

What are the Jardiance doses?

The treatment is available in two tablet doses:

  • 10 mg tablet: Used for beginning and ongoing treatment, taken once daily.
  • 25 mg tablet: Prescribed for additional glucose management, taken once daily.

The tablets can be taken with or without food. Always follow your prescribed dosage and never take more than the recommended amount within a 24-hour period.

How much Jardiance should I take?

The appropriate Jardiance dose should be determined by you and your doctor. Typically, starting treatment involves a 10-mg dose taken once daily.

After 4 weeks, if you’re not experiencing significant side effects but still need better blood sugar management, your doctor may increase the dose to 25 mg, taken once daily. However, many people achieve normal blood sugar levels with the 10-mg dose.

The maximum dose is 25 mg, taken once per day.

Read more in: Jardiance Dosage Guide: How Much Should You Take?

How do I take Jardiance?

The treatment is available in tablet form and should be taken once daily with water, either with or without food. Aim to take your medication at the same time each day and avoid skipping doses.

Do not chew, crush, or split the tablet. Never take more than one tablet within a 24-hour period.

What happens if I take too much Jardiance?

Taking more than prescribed within a 24-hour period can lead to severe side effects, most notably dangerously low blood sugar levels, particularly if you’re also on insulin. If left untreated, low blood sugar can be life-threatening.

Monitor for symptoms of extremely low blood sugar and seek emergency medical attention immediately if you suspect an overdose.

Can I miss a dose of Jardiance?

If you miss a dose, do not worry. Try to take your next dose as soon as possible. 

However, never take two doses within a 24-hour period. 

If you’re more than halfway through the day after forgetting to take your medication, it is OK to skip a day and just wait until tomorrow’s dose. 

Missing one day of your medication will not cause you to have higher blood sugar levels or increased insulin resistance. 

Missing a dose every now and then will not cause you to gain weight. 

However, the medication is most effective when it is taken consistently, so try not to forget to take your medication regularly. 

Who shouldn’t take Jardiance?

Do not take this drug unless it has been prescribed to you.

The medication is not intended for treating type 1 diabetes.

Inform your doctor if you have existing kidney or liver issues, a history of urinary tract infections (UTIs) or genital infections, or any problems with urination.

Discuss with your doctor if you are planning to undergo surgery, have a history of pancreatitis, or struggle with alcohol use.

Avoid using this medication if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, as it may harm your unborn baby.

Additionally, inform your doctor of any medication allergies and raise any questions or concerns you may have about taking Jardiance.

How do I stop taking Jardiance?

Never stop taking any diabetes medication, including Jardiance, without first consulting your doctor. Abruptly discontinuing treatment can lead to high blood sugar levels, increased insulin resistance, and potential weight gain.

Your doctor will likely recommend tapering your dose to safely stop the medication. If you’re on 25 mg, they may reduce your dose to 10 mg for several weeks. If you’re taking 10 mg daily, they might suggest taking the medication every other day to minimize the impact on your system.

Additionally, your healthcare provider may discuss alternative medications that could better align with your lifestyle and health goals, such as metformin, Rybelsus (semaglutide), Farxiga (dapagliflozin), or Invokana (canagliflozin).

Does Jardiance replace insulin?

No, this medicine does not replace insulin. If you’ve been prescribed insulin to manage your diabetes, you will need to continue using it unless your doctor advises otherwise. 

Jardiance can be used alongside insulin if you’re unable to meet your blood sugar goals with either medication alone.

Can I take Jardiance with metformin?

Yes, taking the drug with metformin is both safe and effective. There are even combination pills available, such as Synjardy and Synjardy XR, that combine both medications. 

Synjardy is taken twice daily with meals, while Synjardy XR is taken once daily with your morning meal, typically breakfast. 

These combination pills can make it easier to remember and more convenient to take both medications. However, if you prefer, you can take Jardiance and metformin separately.

Learn more in: Jardiance and Metformin: Can You Take Them Together?

How do I store Jardiance?

Store the tablets in their original bottle, away from sunlight. 

Keep them at a temperature of 77°F (25°C), though brief temperature fluctuations between 59°F and 86°F (15°C to 30°C) are safe. 

Ensure the storage area is dry and free from moisture. Do not freeze or refrigerate Jardiance.

How much does Jardiance cost?

The amount you’ll pay each month, known as your co-pay, varies depending on your insurance plan. 

To determine your specific co-pay, you can use your prescription or medical card and the Jardiance coverage and co-pay calculator.

As a diabetes medication, Jardiance is widely covered by major health plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. However, coverage and out-of-pocket costs may vary, so it’s important to check with your insurance provider.

If you have any questions regarding coverage or co-pay costs, you can contact Jardiance support at 1-866-279-8990.

For those who qualify, the Lilly Cares Foundation Patient Assistance Program (PAP) offers free medication. To learn more about this program and check your eligibility, visit the Lilly Cares website or call toll-free at 1-800-545-6962.

How can I get a prescription for Jardiance?

If you have type 2 diabetes and are dealing with insulin resistance or high blood sugar, talk to your doctor about whether this medication may be a suitable option for you. 

Additionally, if you have type 2 diabetes along with heart failure, heart disease, or kidney disease, discuss your treatment options with your healthcare provider, including the possibility of adding this medication to your therapy.

Read Jardiance for Weight Loss: Everything You Need to Know to learn more about the potential weight-loss benefits of this medication. Did you find this article helpful? Click Yes or No below to let us know!