Empagliflozin (Jardiance) is prescribed as a treatment for type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is a chronic condition in which the body does not properly process food into energy. When we eat food (particularly carbs) the body turns it into glucose (sugar), the substance our body uses as energy. Central to this process is insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas to help cells absorb glucose. In people with diabetes, the body either does not produce enough insulin or uses it inefficiently. This causes the blood sugar, or blood glucose levels, to either get too high (hyperglycemia) or too low (hypoglycemia).

Empagliflozin is not used to treat type 1 diabetes – an autoimmune condition in which your body attacks your pancreas with antibodies causing the organ to stop producing insulin. If you have been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, your health care provider will prescribe a different form of medication and therapy for you.

Empagliflozin (Jardiance) belongs to a classification of medication known as sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. These drugs work by blocking the absorption of blood sugar (glucose) into the kidneys. By doing so, empagliflozin encourages the kidneys to release excess blood sugar through urine flow. This can help patients managing type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar levels.

Note that empagliflozin will not cure type 2 diabetes. It is often prescribed in conjunction with dietary changes and lifestyle adjustments (such as physical exercise) to prevent severe complications caused by diabetes.

Empagliflozin (Jardiance) has been shown to cause some side effects. If these adverse reactions do not go away within a few days, talk to your health care provider.

Common side effects reported while taking empagliflozin include:

• Frequent need to urinate
  
• Increased thirst
  
• Bladder pain
  

This is not a complete list of adverse effects – though these are among the most common. Seek medical attention right away if you experience symptoms such as swelling, chest pain, fainting, rash, hives, or difficulty breathing while taking empagliflozin.

As with all prescription medication, be sure to inform the prescribing doctor about any medical conditions you have been previously diagnosed with, as well as any medication/ supplements you are currently taking before starting treatment with empagliflozin. Empagliflozin can interact with other forms of medication and substances, causing potentially serious side effects. In addition, let your doctor know if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant before starting treatment with this medication.

Empagliflozin (Jardiance) is commonly administered as an oral tablet. This pill should be taken once a day, in the morning. You can take empagliflozin with or without food.

Do not discontinue or increase your dosage of empagliflozin without consulting your doctor first. Take the medication exactly as prescribed, and inform your doctor if you begin to experience any side effects while taking the medication.

Empagliflozin is currently only available via prescription under the brand name Jardiance. This means the use of this drug must be authorized by a licensed health care provider. In addition, there is no generic version of this drug. It is only available under its brand name.

Providers on Sesame can write a prescription – or refill an existing one – during a virtual or in-person visit. Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at a pharmacy near you. Book an online consultation with a real, licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not Jardiance is right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Providers on Sesame cannot prescribe controlled substances.