Empagliflozin, sold under the brand name Jardiance, among others, is an antidiabetic medication used to improve glucose control in people with Type 2 diabetes. This oral tablet is a medication used to assist your kidneys in helping to remove sugar from your blood through your urine. In short, it assists in the decrease of blood sugar, lowing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure.
Key Takeaways
Scary side effects to Jardiance (for patients) include ketoacidosis (increased ketones in the blood or urine), dehydration, vaginal and penis yeast infections, serious urinary tract infections, low blood sugar, necrotizing fasciitis, lower limb amputations, and allergic reactions.
While lower limb amputations, ketoacidosis, genital infections, and other scary side effects are listed as part of the Jardiance FDA warning label, it’s important to note that these are very rare side effects.
There isn’t one side effect of Jardiance that is more common in men than women. The only side effect that is more common in women is genital yeast infections, which can be at a higher risk due to the genital environment and increased chances of the yeast infection occurring.
Worst Side Effects of Jardiance for Men and Women
Here are the worst side effects of Jardiance for both men and women:
Side Effect | Percentage of Patients (Approx.) | Affected Population |
Genital Yeast Infections | 5-10% | More common in women |
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) | 10-15% | Both men and women |
Dehydration | 3-7% | Both genders |
Hypotension | 3-5% | Both genders |
Lactic Acidosis | <0.1% | Both genders |
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) | 0.1-0.3% | Both genders |
Acute Kidney Injury | 1-2% | Both genders |
Severe Allergic Reactions | <0.1% | Rare in both men and women |
Genital Yeast Infections in Women
Women are more prone to genital yeast infections on Jardiance (empagliflozin) than men. The female genital tract provides a warm, moist environment that is conducive to yeast growth, especially Candida, the fungus responsible for yeast infections.
Women have a shorter urethra, making it easier for organisms to travel to the bladder and potentially causing urinary tract infections (UTIs), which can be linked to yeast infections.
Lastly, fluctuations in estrogen levels throughout the menstrual cycle can impact the vaginal flora. Higher estrogen levels can promote the growth of yeast by altering the pH balance in the vagina.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) for Men
While urinary tract infections can impact both men and women who are taking Jardiance (empagliflozin), men may describe their experience with UTIs as being more “severe” than women.
Men have a longer urethra compared to women, which can make it less likely for bacteria to reach the bladder. However, once a UTI does occur in men, it may be more complicated due to the longer pathway for infection.
In men, the prostate gland can complicate UTIs. As men age, the prostate can enlarge (a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia), which can obstruct urine flow and create an environment conducive to infections.
UTIs in men are more likely to ascend to the kidneys, leading to a more severe condition known as pyelonephritis (kidney infection), which can require hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics.
Other Common Side Effects of Jardiance
While some of the side effects mentioned above are certainly scary and can cause patients to want to seek alternative options than Jardiance (empagliflozin), there are some other side effects that are less scary and less pronounced.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Urinary tract infections are only seen in around 5-9% of patients who take Jardiance. Symptoms to look out for would include painful urination, frequent urination, cloudy or foul-smelling urine.
Genital infections (yeast infections)
Genital infections are only seen in around 4-7% of patients who take Jardiance. Both men and women may experience yeast infections due to excess glucose in the urine, which promotes fungal growth.
Increased urination
Increased urination is only seen in around 3-4% of patients who take Jardiance. Jardiance works by increasing the excretion of glucose in urine, which leads to more frequent urination.
Dehydration
Dehydration is one the more common side effects seen in most patients who take Jardiance. Symptoms to look out for would include dizziness, lightheadedness, and general thirst.
Hypotension (low blood pressure)
Only seen in around 1-4% of patients who take Jardiance. Jardiance may cause a drop in blood pressure, especially in patients with existing conditions or those on diuretics.
Elevated cholesterol levels
Seen in around 4-5% of patients who take Jardiance. Jardiance can increase both HDL (good) and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.
Upper respiratory tract infections
Only seen in around 3-4% of patients who take Jardiance. Onset symptoms include colds, sore throats, or sinusitis.
Common questions
Questions and answers about Jardiance side effects:
How do I know which Jardiance side effects may impact me?
If you have a weakened immune system or have a history of some of the side effects (like UTIs), it’s best to speak with your primary care provider to learn how you might curb some of the negative side effects from happening.
Your primary care provider may also recommend other medications to either offset some of the side effects from occurring or suggest another SGLT2 inhibitor with less side effects.
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Sources
Aggarwal, A., et al. (2019). High prevalence of genital mycotic infections with sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors among Indian patients with type 2 diabetes. Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism.
Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals. (2022). Jardiance [package insert].