Jardiance Side Effects and Tips for Managing Them

More common side effects of Jardiance

Jardiance can cause certain side effects, some more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. Talk with your doctor if side effects do not go away, get worse, or become too difficult for you to tolerate.

Jardiance’s commonly reported side effects include:

• mild urinary tract infection (UTI)
• mild genital yeast infection
• urinating more often than usual
• urinating a greater amount than usual

For more information about some of these side effects, see the “Managing side effects” section.

Mild side effects of Jardiance

Mild side effects have been reported with Jardiance. These include:

• upper respiratory infections
• urinating more often than usual
• urinating a greater amount than usual
• joint pain
• nausea
• increased thirst
• mild urinary tract infection (UTI)
• mild genital yeast infection
• mild allergic reaction

In most cases, these side effects should be temporary, and some may be easily managed. But if you have symptoms that are ongoing or bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Do not stop taking Jardiance unless your doctor recommends it.

Jardiance may cause mild side effects other than those listed above. See the drug’s prescribing information for details.

Serious side effects of Jardiance

Jardiance may cause serious side effects. The following list may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, see Jardiance’s prescribing information.

If you develop serious side effects while taking Jardiance, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Serious side effects that have been reported with Jardiance include:

• low blood pressure
• kidney damage
• high cholesterol
• diabetic ketoacidosis
• low blood sugar
• necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum
• serious urinary tract infection (UTI)
• dehydration

For more information about some of these side effects, see the “Managing side effects” section.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Sharing your experience helps make medication safer for everyone by giving doctors and researchers more information about how the drug works in real life. If you develop a side effect while taking Jardiance and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch or call 800-FDA-1088.

Allergic reaction

For some people, Jardiance can cause an allergic reaction.

In general, symptoms of an allergic reaction can be mild or serious.

What might help

If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest a treatment to manage your symptoms and can determine whether you should keep taking Jardiance.

If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.

If your doctor confirms you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Jardiance, they may have you switch to a different treatment.

Tips for managing side effects

While taking Jardiance, you may be able to take steps to make side effects easier to manage.

If you have problems with side effects, they do not go away, or they become worse, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can discuss options for managing side effects or other available treatment options.

Urinary tract infection

Jardiance may cause a urinary tract infection (UTI). This was one of the most common side effects in studies of people taking Jardiance.

UTI symptoms may include:

• a burning feeling while urinating
• urinating more often than usual
• cloudy or bloody urine
• lower back pain
• fever

What might help

If you have any UTI symptoms, call your doctor. They may send you for a urine test or recommend a prescription antibiotic.

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications are available that can provide temporary relief from UTI symptoms. For example, products such as AZO Urinary Pain Relief contain phenazopyridine. This drug works by soothing the urinary tract, temporarily reducing pain, burning, and urgency.

Note that phenazopyridine will not cure a UTI. It also temporarily turns your urine bright orange. Be sure to drink plenty of water while using this medication. For more information about phenazopyridine, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Here are a few good habits that may help prevent recurring UTIs:

• Wipe from front to back after using the restroom to prevent the spread of bacteria to your urinary tract.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Urinate before and after sex to flush out any bacteria that may cause UTIs.
• Eat fresh cranberries or drink unsweetened cranberry juice. Research shows that consuming cranberries may help prevent frequent UTIs.

If you have questions about these suggestions or about the risk of UTIs with Jardiance, talk with your doctor.

Genital yeast infection

Some people using Jardiance may have genital yeast infections. Like UTI, this was one of the most common side effects in studies of people taking Jardiance. Genital yeast infections occurred more often in females, but it also occurred in some males.

Symptoms of genital yeast infection include:

• thick white discharge
• itching
• rash
• pain
• swelling
• skin discoloration

What might help

If you have symptoms of a yeast infection, call your doctor. It’s important for yeast infections to be treated so they don’t spread or become severe.

Yeast infection treatments are usually 1 to 7 days long. Some drugs come as creams that you apply to the genitals, while others are tablets that you take by mouth. Your doctor may recommend one of the following OTC or prescription treatments:

• Monistat (miconazole)
• Terazol (terconazole)
• Diflucan (fluconazole)

Here are some tips that may help prevent yeast infections from recurring:

• Eat a balanced diet.
• Eat yogurt or take a probiotic supplement containing lactobacillus.
• Wear breathable cotton underwear, and change it daily.
• Wash underwear in hot water.
• Replace menstrual products (such as pads or tampons) regularly. And avoid using scented products.
• Don’t wear wet clothing, such as workout clothes or a swimsuit, for too long.
• Don’t wear underwear, pantyhose, or pants that are tight-fitting and non-breathable (they make you sweat).

There are also natural remedies and food choices that may help relieve or prevent yeast infections. If you have questions or concerns about genital yeast infections with Jardiance, talk with your doctor.

Necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum

Although rare, Jardiance may be linked with a severe bacterial infection: necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum. The perineum is the area between and around your anus and genitals. In males,* it’s the space between the anus and scrotum. In females,* it’s the space between the anus and vulva. This type of infection is also called Fournier’s gangrene.

Necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum wasn’t reported in people who took Jardiance in studies. But rare cases of this infection have been reported in both males* and females* taking Jardiance since the drug has been on the market. These infections have led to hospitalization, surgeries, and even death.

* In this article, we use the terms “male” and “female” to refer to someone’s sex assigned at birth. For information about the difference between sex and gender, see this article.

What might help

It’s important to contact a doctor right away if you start having symptoms of necrotizing fasciitis. These symptoms may include:

• pain, skin discoloration, or swelling in your genitals or perineum
• fast heartbeat
• fever
• generally feeling unwell

With this serious infection, bacteria can quickly destroy the layer of tissue under your skin. Necrotizing fasciitis is a medical emergency and must be treated in a hospital right away. You’ll receive strong antibiotics and may need surgery to remove damaged tissue. Without immediate treatment, the infection can spread into the bloodstream and lead to death.

If you’re concerned about your risk for infection during your Jardiance treatment, talk with your doctor.

Dehydration

Because of the way Jardiance works to lower blood sugar, it may make you urinate more often than usual. In studies, this was a common side effect in people taking Jardiance.

Increased urination could raise your risk of becoming dehydrated. When you’re dehydrated, your body doesn’t have enough water and electrolytes. This may make you feel lightheaded, weak, and dizzy when you stand up. For severe dehydration, treatment in a hospital is often needed so you can get intravenous (IV) fluids.

What might help

The best thing you can do to avoid dehydration is to drink plenty of fluids every day. Most people should aim for at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day. You also increase your fluid intake by drinking decaffeinated teas or eating more fresh fruits or vegetables.

Caffeine can make you urinate more often, and so can Jardiance. Drinking caffeinated beverages during your Jardiance treatment can raise your risk for dehydration even more. If you drink coffee, tea, or other beverages that contain caffeine, it’s best to limit your intake during your Jardiance treatment.

Beverages that contain alcohol can also make you urinate more and should be limited (if applicable) during your treatment. For more information about alcohol and Jardiance, see the “Warnings” section.

If you take prescription diuretic medications, you may have a higher risk for dehydration with Jardiance. Your doctor may suggest a lower dosage of your diuretic medication during your Jardiance treatment. Talk with your doctor to learn more.

Weight loss

Jardiance may cause weight loss in some people. In studies, weight loss was a common side effect seen in people who took the drug long term (24 to 52 weeks).

Jardiance lowers blood sugar by helping the body eliminate sugar. It works to prevent your kidneys from absorbing sugar back into the bloodstream. Instead, sugar (and the calories it contains) is eliminated from your body with your urine. Over time, this may lead to weight loss.

What might help

Managing weight might help lower your average blood sugar levels and reduce your risk for heart problems. But this depends on your weight when you start Jardiance and the weight goal that you and your doctor set for you.

So, for some people, losing weight with Jardiance may help improve their type 2 diabetes. But if you’re underweight when you start Jardiance, losing weight may have a negative effect on your health.

If you’re concerned about weight loss during your Jardiance treatment, talk with your doctor.

Allergic reaction

Like most drugs, Jardiance can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Symptoms can be mild or serious and can include:

• rash
• itchiness
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
• swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
• swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe

What might help

If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest a treatment to manage your symptoms. Examples include:

• an antihistamine you take by mouth, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
• a product you apply to your skin, such as hydrocortisone cream

If your doctor confirms that you had a mild allergic reaction to Jardiance, they’ll decide if you should continue using it.

If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.

If your doctor confirms that you had a serious allergic reaction to Jardiance, they may have you switch to a different treatment.

Frequently asked questions about Jardiance side effects

Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about the side effects of Jardiance. If you have other questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

How can I avoid yeast infections while taking Jardiance?

In studies, genital yeast infections were one of the most common side effects in people taking Jardiance. This occurred more often in females,* but it also occurred in some males.*

Yeast infections occur when the “good” bacteria in your body get out of balance. The following tips may help prevent yeast infections while taking Jardiance:

• Avoid sexual activity while you or a partner has a yeast infection. Yeast infections can pass back and forth.
• Wear breathable cotton underwear, and change it daily. And don’t wear a wet swimsuit for longer than you have to. Tight, non-breathable fabrics may trap moisture, which can increase the risk of yeast infection.
• Wipe from front to back after using the restroom. This can prevent the spread of bacteria to the genitals or urinary tract.
• Choose foods that help support the bacteria that usually keep yeast from overgrowing. These foods include yogurt, which contains natural probiotics.

* In this article, we use the terms “male” and “female” to refer to someone’s sex assigned at birth. For information about the difference between sex and gender, see this article.

Does Jardiance cause any side effects that affect the eyes?

No, using Jardiance shouldn’t affect your eyes. In studies, side effects of the eyes weren’t reported in people who took Jardiance.

But blurry vision and other eye problems can happen when your blood sugar is high, which can occur with diabetes. Blurred vision can also be a side effect when starting insulin (a diabetes treatment).

If you have diabetes, it’s important to visit your eye doctor for annual checkups or, as needed, if you’re having vision problems. If you notice any changes in your vision, call your doctor right away.

Is itching a side effect of Jardiance?

Yes, itching is a possible side effect of Jardiance.

In studies, vaginal yeast infections were one of the most common side effects of Jardiance. And itching of the vagina and surrounding area is a common symptom of vaginal yeast infections. Other symptoms include redness or discoloration, pain, swelling, and thick white discharge.

If you have any symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection, call your doctor. They’ll likely recommend an over-the-counter treatment or prescription drug.

Rash and itching weren’t reported in clinical studies of Jardiance, but they have been reported in people using Jardiance since it’s been on the market. However, it’s not known how often these side effects may have occurred or whether Jardiance was the cause.

Can taking Jardiance cause anxiety?

No, Jardiance doesn’t cause anxiety. This side effect wasn’t reported in people who took Jardiance in studies.

But anxiety is a common condition among people who are living with long-term health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

There are many ways to try to cope with anxiety, such as deep breathing exercises. But if these coping strategies aren’t enough, talk with your doctor. They can help you find the right treatment option for treating your anxiety.

Can I do anything to avoid infections of the perineum while taking Jardiance?

In rare cases, a serious infection called necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum (the area between and around your genitals and anus) has been reported in people who took Jardiance. This bacterial infection causes damage to the tissue under the skin of the perineum.

These infections weren’t reported in people who took Jardiance in studies. But rare cases of this infection have been reported in both males* and females* since the drug has been on the market. These infections have led to hospitalization, surgeries, and even death.

The following suggestions can help lower your risk for necrotizing fasciitis:

• Try to maintain healthy blood sugar levels and drink plenty of water. When your blood sugar levels are high, your risk for skin infections goes up. High blood sugar levels can cause your skin to become dry. Dry skin is more prone to crack and heals more slowly. Drinking at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day can help keep skin hydrated.
• Practice good personal hygiene. Wipe from front to back after using the restroom to prevent the spread of bacteria to your urinary tract. Also, wear loose-fitting cotton underwear, and change it daily.
• Do not wait to get treatment. If you think you have an infection around your urinary tract or genital area, contact your doctor as soon as possible. The sooner it’s treated, the less likely the infection is to spread or become severe.

* In this article, we use the terms “male” and “female” to refer to someone’s sex assigned at birth. For information about the difference between sex and gender, see this article.