Here are some frequently asked questions about JARDIANCE 25 mg:

What is JARDIANCE used for?

JARDIANCE (empagliflozin) is a prescription medicine used in adults to:

• Help manage blood sugar levels, along with diet and exercise, in adults and children aged 10 years and older with type 2 diabetes.
• Reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure in adults with heart failure.
• Reduce the risk of cardiovascular death in adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease.
• Reduce the risk of sustained decline in kidney function, end-stage kidney disease, cardiovascular death, and hospitalization in adults with chronic kidney disease at risk of progression.

How does JARDIANCE work?

JARDIANCE is a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor. It works by blocking SGLT2 proteins in the kidneys. These proteins are responsible for reabsorbing glucose (sugar) back into the bloodstream. By blocking them, JARDIANCE helps your body remove excess glucose through your urine, which lowers blood sugar levels. This mechanism also helps reduce sodium reabsorption and increase its delivery to the distal tubule, contributing to its effects on heart failure and kidney disease.

What is the usual dosage of JARDIANCE 25 mg?

For adults and children 10 years and older with type 2 diabetes, the typical starting dose is 10 mg once daily in the morning, with or without food. If additional blood sugar control is needed and the 10 mg dose is tolerated, your doctor may increase the dose to 25 mg once daily. For adults with heart failure or chronic kidney disease, the recommended dose is typically 10 mg once daily.

What are the possible side effects of JARDIANCE?

Common side effects include urinary tract infections (UTIs), genital fungal infections (yeast infections of the vagina or penis), increased urination, upper respiratory tract infection, increased cholesterol levels, nausea, and joint pain.

Serious side effects can occur, though they are less common, and may include:

• Ketoacidosis: A serious condition where there is too much acid in your blood, which can be life-threatening. This can occur even with normal blood sugar levels.
• Dehydration: JARDIANCE can cause a loss of body water and salt, leading to dizziness, lightheadedness, faintness, or weakness.
• Serious urinary tract infections (including urosepsis or pyelonephritis)
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia): Especially when taken with insulin or other medications that lower blood sugar (like sulfonylureas).
• Fournier's gangrene: A rare but serious bacterial infection of the area between the genitals and the rectum.
• Allergic reactions: Hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Kidney problems

Is JARDIANCE safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

JARDIANCE is generally not recommended during pregnancy, particularly during the second and third trimesters, as animal studies have shown potential adverse renal effects on the unborn baby.

It is also not recommended while breastfeeding. It is not known if JARDIANCE passes into human breast milk, but if it does, it could potentially harm the baby or lead to kidney development issues. Your doctor may recommend stopping breastfeeding or choosing an alternative medication.

Can JARDIANCE be taken with other medications?

JARDIANCE can interact with several other medications, which may increase the risk of certain side effects. It's important to inform your doctor about all medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements you are taking.

• Diuretics ("water pills"): Taking JARDIANCE with diuretics can increase the risk of dehydration and low blood pressure.
• Insulin or insulin secretagogues (e.g., sulfonylureas like glipizide, glimepiride, glyburide): When taken with JARDIANCE, the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) is increased, and your doctor may need to adjust the dose of these medications.
• Lithium: JARDIANCE may interfere with lithium levels.
• Alcohol: Excessive alcohol intake while on JARDIANCE can worsen dehydration and increase the risk of ketoacidosis.
• Certain herbal supplements: Some, like garlic, may lower blood sugar and could increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with JARDIANCE.

What precautions should be taken while on JARDIANCE?

• Dehydration: Be aware of symptoms like dizziness, lightheadedness, or weakness, especially if you have kidney problems, low blood pressure, are on diuretics, or are 65 years or older. Drink plenty of fluids.
• Ketoacidosis: Monitor for symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, tiredness, or trouble breathing, even if blood sugar levels are normal. Seek immediate medical attention if these occur.
• Kidney or liver problems: Inform your doctor about any history of kidney or liver issues, as this may affect the use of JARDIANCE.
• Urinary tract and genital yeast infections: JARDIANCE can increase the risk of these infections. Seek medical advice if symptoms appear.
• Surgery: If you are scheduled for surgery, your doctor may advise you to temporarily stop taking JARDIANCE for at least 3 days beforehand.
• Type 1 Diabetes: JARDIANCE is not for people with type 1 diabetes as it can increase the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis.

What happens if a dose of JARDIANCE is missed?

If you miss a dose of JARDIANCE, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose, as this could increase the risk of side effects.

How should JARDIANCE be stored?

Store JARDIANCE tablets at room temperature, between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C). Keep the medication in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Always keep JARDIANCE and all other medicines out of the reach of children.