Jardiance Dosage Guide: How Much Should You Take?

Jardiance (empagliflozin) is an SGLT-2 inhibitor oral medication used to manage blood glucose (sugar) and A1c levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. 

The appropriate dosage varies and is determined by considering your health history, goals, and lifestyle in consultation with your doctor. 

How does Jardiance work in the body?

Jardiance actively reduces blood sugar levels by preventing the kidneys from reabsorbing sugar from your food. As a result, excess sugars and calories are released through your urine, which lowers blood sugar and A1c levels and can also lead to weight loss.

The effectiveness of Jardiance is significantly enhanced when it is part of a broader treatment plan that includes diet, exercise, and other prescribed diabetes medications.

What dose do you typically start with? 

Most people begin treatment with Jardiance at the smallest dose of 10 mg, taken once per day as a tablet. 

It can be taken with or without food, and no fasting is required before or after taking the medication.

How and when can you increase your dose?

Initially, your doctor will likely recommend maintaining the starting dose of 10 mg once per day for at least 4 weeks. This period allows them to observe how your body responds to the medication, ensuring that blood sugar levels are improving without significant side effects.

If after 4 weeks, you are tolerating the medication well but not seeing the desired improvement in your blood sugar levels, you should discuss with your doctor the possibility of increasing the dose. It’s important to make such adjustments only under medical supervision to avoid complications.

What is the right dose for me?

Jardiance is available in two dosages: 10 mg and 25 mg, each designed to be taken once per day, with or without food. 

It’s recommended to start with the lower 10 mg dose, as this is sufficient for achieving good blood sugar management for many people. 

If your blood sugar levels remain high with the 10 mg dose, speak with your doctor about increasing to 25 mg. 

On the other hand, if you experience severe side effects at the higher dose, your doctor may recommend reducing it back to 10 mg. 

In addition to managing blood glucose levels, Jardiance is approved for a variety of other uses, including reducing the risk of death for those with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, decreasing the likelihood of death and hospitalization in people with heart failure, and reducing the progression and severe outcomes of chronic kidney disease. 

The standard dosage for these conditions is 10 mg once daily.

Always stick to the dose prescribed by your doctor and never adjust it without their guidance to ensure safety.

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

What is the right dose for weight loss?

Because Jardiance is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for weight loss, there is no recommended dose for this purpose.

One clinical trial showed that people taking 10 mg of Jardiance daily lost an average of 2.5 percent of their body weight, while those on the 25 mg dose lost about 2.8 percent, which equates to 4 to 9 pounds for someone weighing 200 to 300 pounds. 

A 2023 research article noted that weight loss with Jardiance is generally modest, with reductions ranging from 3 to 5 percent of total body weight over continuous treatment. 

In addition to weight loss, studies have observed reductions in waist circumference and fat levels compared to placebo (inactive treatment).

Learn more in: Jardiance for Weight Loss: Everything You Need to Know.

Can I split my dose in half?

No, Jardiance pills should never be crushed, split, or chewed. 

If you’re having trouble swallowing the medication or need to adjust your dosage, consult your doctor. 

For those who have difficulty swallowing pills, they may suggest alternative forms of medication, such as subcutaneous (under-the-skin) injections, which can be easier to administer.

What is the maximum daily dose?

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

It is important never to take more than this amount within a 24-hour period. Overdosing on Jardiance can lead to dangerously low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia), particularly if combined with insulin, and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

Symptoms of severe hypoglycemia include the following: 

• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Increased heart rate
• Shallow breathing
• Shakiness 
• Grogginess
• Fatigue
• Unconsciousness

If you experience any of these symptoms or suspect an overdose, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

What happens if I stop taking Jardiance?

Do not stop taking any diabetes medications without the guidance of your doctor. 

If you encounter severe side effects, find that Jardiance does not suit your lifestyle, or face issues with health insurance coverage, discuss alternative medications with your doctor. Suitable replacements might include metformin, Rybelsus (semaglutide), Farxiga (dapagliflozin), or Invokana (canagliflozin).

What if I forget to take a dose?

If you miss a dose of Jardiance, do not worry. If it’s still early in the day, take your dose as soon as you remember.

However, if you’re more than halfway through the day, it’s safer to skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule the next day. Never double up on doses within a 24-hour period, as it can lead to complications.

Consistent daily intake, combined with a proper diet and exercise, enhances the effectiveness of Jardiance. 

If you find it challenging to maintain a daily medication schedule, discuss with your doctor the possibility of switching to a weekly diabetes medication like Ozempic (semaglutide), Trulicity (dulaglutide), or Mounjaro (tirzepatide), which might better suit your routine.

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