Jardiance is an oral prescription drug used to manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
This article explains everything you need to know to receive this treatment.
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 gliflozin.
What are the benefits of Jardiance?
Diabetes medications have several benefits, including lowering blood sugar levels, improving heart health, and promoting weight loss.
blood sugar management
In a 24-week study of adults with type 2 diabetes, 10 milligrams (mg) of the treatment helped 38% of participants lower their A1c (a measure of blood sugar control over the past two to three months) to less than 7%.
The 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 lowered fasting blood sugar levels by up to 25 points, whereas fasting blood sugar levels increased in the placebo group.
heart health
In a three-year study, this regimen reduced the risk of cardiovascular death by 38 percent in people with type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
It also reduces the risk of heart disease-related death and hospitalization for heart failure in adults living with heart failure.
Used alone or in combination with metformin, this drug can protect heart health by lowering systolic blood pressure, which is beneficial for people with high blood pressure and other cardiovascular diseases.
weight loss
Tablets may contribute to weight loss as a side effect.
In clinical trials, participants who took 10 mg of Jardiance experienced an average weight loss of about 2.5 percent of their body weight, while participants who took a 25 mg dose experienced a weight loss of about 2.8 percent.
Although the drug is not FDA-approved as a standalone weight loss drug, studies have shown that continued treatment for nine months to two years can result in moderate weight loss of 3 to 5 percent.
Additional studies have linked the use of this SGLT-2 inhibitor to reductions in body weight, waist circumference, and adipose tissue compared to placebo.
Successful weight loss with Jardiance is often supported by a healthy diet and regular physical activity.
However, results vary and weight loss should be considered as part of the overall management of diabetes, rather than the primary treatment goal.
Why is Jardiance prescribed?
This drug is usually prescribed to people with type 2 diabetes who have difficulty controlling their blood sugar levels.
It helps improve insulin sensitivity, lower blood sugar levels, and lower A1c levels. Additionally, this treatment may cause some weight loss in some people.
This drug is also prescribed to lower the risk of heart attack or stroke in people with type 2 diabetes or heart disease. Jardiance may be prescribed 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 hospitalization and lowering the risk of heart-related death.
Cardiovascular disease: This drug lowers the risk of heart attack and stroke in people with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Kidney disease: This treatment can slow the progression of kidney disease and reduce the risk of heart-related death in patients 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 in combination with other drugs, such as metformin.
What are the side effects of Jardiance?
Like many drugs, this drug can cause side effects, some of which are common and mild, and others rare and serious.
Common mild side effects:
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
- genital yeast infection
- Frequent urination
- Polyuria
Rare mild side effects:
- Upper respiratory tract infection (cold)
- joint pain
- nausea
- allergic reaction
- increased thirst
Rare and serious side effects:
- low blood pressure
- kidney damage
- DKA
- High LDL (“bad”) cholesterol
- Hypoglycemia, especially if using insulin
- Serious genital infections, including perineal necrotizing fasciitis
- dehydration
- severe urinary tract infection
- kidney infection
- severe allergic reaction
Most side effects from treatment diminish after a few weeks as your body gets used to it. However, if your symptoms persist, worsen, or you suspect an allergic reaction, contact your doctor or seek emergency help immediately.
If you are using insulin, watch for symptoms of hypoglycemia, such as dizziness, weakness, fatigue, tremors, sweating, increased heart rate, and anxiety.
For more information, see: Common and serious side effects of Jardiance.
What is the dosage of Jardiance?
This treatment is available in a two-tablet dose.
- 10mg tablet: It is used at the beginning and during the course of treatment and is taken once daily.
- 25mg tablet: It is prescribed for additional blood sugar control and is taken once daily.
Tablets can be taken with or without food. Always follow the prescribed dosage and do not take more than the recommended amount in a 24-hour period.
How much Jardiance should I take?
The appropriate dosage of Jardiance must be determined by you and your doctor. Treatment usually begins with 10 mg once daily.
After 4 weeks, if you are not experiencing any serious side effects but need better blood sugar control, your doctor may increase your dose to 25 mg once daily. However, many people achieve normal blood sugar levels with a 10 mg dose.
The maximum dose is 25mg, taken once a day.
See below for more information. Jardiance Dosage Guide: How Much Should I Take?
How do I take Jardiance?
This treatment is available in tablet form and must be taken once a day with water, 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 tablets. Do not take more than 1 tablet in 24 hours.
What happens if I take too much Jardiance?
Taking more than the prescribed amount in a 24-hour period can cause serious side effects, especially dangerous low blood sugar levels, especially if you are also taking insulin. Hypoglycemia can be life-threatening if left untreated.
Monitor for symptoms of extreme hypoglycemia and seek emergency medical care immediately if overdose is suspected.
Is it okay if I forget to take Jardiance?
Don’t worry if you forget to take your dose. Be sure to take your next dose as soon as possible.
However, do not take it twice within 24 hours.
If it’s been more than half the day since you forgot to take your medicine, it’s okay to take a day off and wait until you take it tomorrow.
Forgetting to take your medication for a day does not cause your blood sugar levels to rise or your insulin resistance to increase.
Even if you forget to take it from time to time, you won’t gain weight.
However, the medicine becomes more effective if you continue to take it, so be sure to remember to take it regularly.
Who shouldn’t embrace Jardiance?
Do not take this medication unless prescribed.
This medication is not intended to treat type 1 diabetes.
Tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver problems, a history of urinary tract infections (UTIs) or genital infections, or problems with urination.
Tell your doctor if you are planning to have surgery, have a history of pancreatitis, or have trouble drinking alcohol.
Avoid using this medication if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding because it may harm your unborn child.
Additionally, let your doctor know if you have any drug allergies and if you have any questions or concerns about taking Jardiance.
How do I stop taking Jardiance?
Never stop taking diabetes medicines, including Jardiance, without talking to your doctor. Stopping treatment suddenly can cause high blood sugar levels, increased insulin resistance, and weight gain.
Your doctor will likely recommend that you gradually reduce your dose to safely stop the drug. If you are taking 25 mg, your dose may be reduced to 10 mg for a few weeks. If you are taking 10 mg daily, we may suggest taking the medication every other day to minimize the effect on your system.
Additionally, your healthcare provider may discuss alternative medications that better fit your lifestyle and health goals, such as metformin, Libersus (semaglutide), Faxiga (dapagliflozin), or Invokana (canagliflozin).
Can Jardiance replace insulin?
No, this medicine does not replace insulin. If you are prescribed insulin to manage your diabetes, you should continue using it unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
Jardiance can be used with insulin if you are unable to meet your blood sugar goals with either drug alone.
Can I take Jardiance with metformin?
Yes, it is safe and effective to use metformin with the drug. Combination tablets that combine both drugs are also available, such as Synjardy and Synjardy XR.
Sinjardi is taken twice a day with meals, while Sinjardi XR is taken once a day with the morning meal, usually with breakfast.
These combination tablets make it easier to remember and take both medications more conveniently. However, Jardiance and metformin can also be taken separately if needed.
See below for more information. Jardiance and Metformin: Can they be taken together?
How should I store Jardiance?
Store tablets in their original bottles and away from sunlight.
Keep temperature at 77°F (25°C). However, short-term temperature fluctuations between 59°F and 86°F (15°C and 30°C) are safe.
Make sure the storage location is dry and free of moisture. Do not freeze or refrigerate Jardiance.
How much does Jardiance cost?
The amount you pay each month, called your deductible, varies depending on your insurance plan.
To determine your specific copays, you can use your prescription or medical card and Jardiance’s coverage and copay calculator.
As a diabetes treatment, Jardiance is widely covered by major health insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. However, coverage and out-of-pocket costs may vary, so it’s important to check with your insurance company.
If you have questions about coverage or copays, please contact Jardiance Support at 1-866-279-8990.
For those who qualify, the LillyCare Foundation Patient Assistance Program (PAP) will provide free medication. To learn more about this program and qualify, visit the Lilly Cares website or call toll-free 1-800-545-6962.
How do 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 is a good option for you.
Additionally, if you have type 2 diabetes with heart failure, heart disease, or kidney disease, discuss your treatment options with your health care provider, including the possibility of adding this medication to your treatment.
read Criteria for weight loss: everything you need to know To learn more about this drug’s potential weight loss effects. Was this article helpful? Let us know by clicking Yes or No below.
