T2D Treatment: What is Jardiance and How Can It Improve My Life?

Jardiance is a prescription medication used to help adults with type 2 diabetes control blood sugar and lower the risk of serious heart-related complications. It works by helping your body remove excess sugar through urine, making daily blood sugar management easier. For many people, Jardiance supports better energy and improved long-term health.

If you’re among the over 38 million Americans of all ages living with diabetes, according to the CDC, you may be wondering: What is Jardiance, and how can it fit into your routine? Type 2 diabetes represents the vast majority of diagnoses in adults, accounting for a staggering 90% to 95% of all cases. Medications like this one can help manage symptoms, leading to better health outcomes.

Whether you’ve already discussed options with your doctor and have a prescription, or you haven’t even had an appointment yet, you might have more questions. What can it do for me? How does it fit into my overall diabetes management plan?

In this article, we’ll answer your questions and more. That way, you’ll have peace of mind before you commit to a medication and can work with your healthcare provider to develop the best treatment strategy for your needs.

What Is Jardiance Used For?

As aforementioned, Jardiance is a prescription drug approved for adults with type 2 diabetes. It is the brand name for empagliflozin, and it’s classified as an SGLT2 inhibitor.

Unlike medications that increase insulin levels, Jardiance works by blocking a protein in your kidneys called SGLT2. Normally, this protein reabsorbs glucose from your urine back into your bloodstream. 

When Jardiance blocks this process, excess sugar is expelled through your urine instead of being reabsorbed. This unique mechanism helps lower blood sugar levels without stimulating insulin production.

Primary Benefits of Jardiance

This medication has several important purposes:

• It helps lower your blood sugar levels by removing excess glucose through urine
• It reduces your risk of cardiovascular death in adults with type 2 diabetes and heart disease
• It may help with weight loss as your body eliminates extra calories through glucose excretion
• It can lower blood pressure due to the mild diuretic effect of removing excess fluid

However, you shouldn’t rely on Jardiance alone; combine it with an improved diet and regular exercise routine to achieve the best health outcomes. Lifestyle modifications remain the foundation of type 2 diabetes management, and Jardiance serves as a powerful tool to complement these efforts.

Potential Drug Interactions and Safety Considerations

Jardiance may interact with insulin, diuretics, and other diabetes medications. It can also interact with certain supplements or herbal products.

Always provide your doctor with a complete list of medications and supplements that you take. Jardiance may not be suitable for people with severe kidney disease, low blood pressure, or a history of alcohol misuse.

What Is the Best Time to Take Jardiance?

Jardiance is available as an oral tablet in two strengths: 10 mg and 25 mg. Usually, you take it once a day in the morning, with or without food. The morning timing is recommended because it helps establish a consistent routine that’s easy to remember. 

Since the medication causes your body to eliminate glucose through urine, morning dosing means you’ll experience increased urination during daytime hours when it’s more convenient, helping minimize nighttime bathroom trips.

To get the most benefit from Jardiance, take it at approximately the same time each morning. You might link it to an existing habit, such as brushing your teeth or eating breakfast. Consistency helps maintain steady medication levels in your body and improves overall effectiveness.

Always check with your doctor and read the information pamphlet that comes with your medication to ensure you’re taking your dosages correctly. Your healthcare provider will determine the starting dose based on your individual needs and may adjust it over time.

What Are the Side Effects of Jardiance?

If you’re considering taking Jardiance for your type 2 diabetes, you might be wondering if the possible side effects may make the cons outweigh the pros. Understanding these potential effects can help you make an informed decision with your doctor. 

Here are some potential side effects patients experience:

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

You might have trouble or burning when urinating, increased frequency, or cloudy urine. UTIs occur more frequently with Jardiance because the increased sugar in your urine can promote bacterial growth.

Vaginal Yeast Infections

For female patients, you might experience pain while urinating, soreness, itching, or unusual discharge. Like UTIs, yeast infections are more common because of the increased glucose in the urinary tract.

Call your doctor if you experience either infection, as they can prescribe additional medications to treat them. These infections are usually manageable and shouldn’t require you to stop taking Jardiance.

Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure)

Watch for lightheadedness, clammy skin, loss of consciousness, or dizziness. This can occur because Jardiance has a mild diuretic effect, which reduces fluid volume in your body.

Kidney Damage

Be alert for confusion, fatigue, decreased urination, and swelling in your legs and/or ankles. While Jardiance generally protects kidney function in patients, those with existing kidney problems need careful monitoring.

Increased LDL Cholesterol Levels

Some diabetes patients see a slight increase in “bad” cholesterol while taking Jardiance. Your doctor can monitor your cholesterol through regular blood tests. They may stop administering the drug if your LDL cholesterol increases to dangerous levels.

Allergic Reactions

Allergic reactions to Jardiance are uncommon, but they can occur. Mild symptoms include itchiness, red and/or warm skin, and skin rash. Also, watch out for serious symptoms, such as swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, and trouble breathing. 

Other Serious Side Effects to Know

There are two other serious side effects you should watch out for: ketoacidosis and Fournier’s gangrene.

Ketoacidosis can happen to diabetes patients whose bodies can’t produce enough insulin. Because Jardiance changes how your body processes glucose, some people might develop ketoacidosis while on the medication. Tell-tale signs include:

• Sweet-smelling breath
• Rapid breathing
• High blood sugar levels
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Extreme thirst
• Frequent urination
• Confusion

In extremely serious cases, ketoacidosis can lead to a coma. So if you think you have it, get medical help immediately.

Fournier’s gangrene is extremely rare but very serious. This is a severe infection of the tissue beneath the skin in the genital area. Symptoms include fever, tenderness, redness, or swelling in the genital or perineal area. If you experience these symptoms, seek immediate medical treatment.

What Is the Cost of Jardiance?

The cost of Jardiance is a significant consideration for many patients, as it can be expensive without insurance coverage or assistance programs.

Without insurance, Jardiance can cost approximately $500-$700 per month for a 30-day supply, depending on the dosage strength and the pharmacy you use. This high cost reflects the fact that Jardiance is still under patent protection with no generic alternative currently available.

Most insurance plans cover Jardiance, but your out-of-pocket costs will depend on your specific plan. With commercial insurance, copays typically range from $10 to $75 per month. With Medicare, coverage varies by plan, but many Medicare Part D plans include Jardiance with varying copay amounts.

Many patients find significant savings by ordering online from licensed Canadian pharmacies, where prices can be 50-70% lower than U.S. retail prices. Ensure you’re using a legitimate, licensed pharmacy for safety.

Talk to your doctor regarding cost concerns. They may suggest alternative medications or help you apply for assistance programs. Never stop taking Jardiance without consulting your healthcare provider, even if cost is an issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does Jardiance Take to Work?

Jardiance starts working within a few days of your first dose by helping your body remove excess sugar through urine. You may notice improvements in blood sugar readings fairly quickly, especially fasting levels.

However, it can take several weeks of consistent use to see the full effect. Long-term benefits, such as heart protection, develop gradually over time.

Can Jardiance Replace Insulin?

Jardiance does not replace insulin and is not intended to do so. It works differently from insulin by acting on the kidneys rather than increasing insulin levels. Some people take Jardiance along with insulin to improve blood sugar control. Your doctor will decide whether both medications are needed based on your condition.

Does Jardiance Cause Weight Loss?

Some people experience mild weight loss while taking Jardiance. This happens because excess glucose is removed from the body through urine, which also removes calories. Weight loss is usually modest and varies from person to person. Jardiance should not be used as a weight-loss medication on its own.

Is Jardiance Safe for Older Adults?

Jardiance can be safe and effective for older adults when used under medical supervision. However, older patients may be more sensitive to side effects such as dehydration or low blood pressure. Doctors often monitor kidney function and hydration levels more closely in this age group. Regular checkups help ensure safe long-term use.

Can I Drink Alcohol While Taking Jardiance?

Drinking small amounts of alcohol may be allowed for some people taking Jardiance. However, excessive alcohol use can increase the risk of dehydration and diabetic ketoacidosis. Alcohol can also make it harder to manage blood sugar levels. It is best to discuss alcohol use with your doctor before drinking.

What Happens If I Miss a Dose of Jardiance?

Missing a dose occasionally happens to everyone, but knowing how to handle it properly is important for maintaining good blood sugar control.

If you miss a dose of Jardiance, take it as soon as you remember on the same day. However, if it’s almost time for your next scheduled dose (within a few hours), skip the missed dose entirely. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose, as this can increase your risk of side effects.

Get Affordable Diabetes Medications From Canadian Pharmacy Online 

Now you know the answer to the question: what is Jardiance and how can it improve your life? You understand dosing, side effects, costs, and important safety information. With this knowledge, you can have an informed discussion with your doctor about whether Jardiance is right for you. 

Do you have a prescription for Jardiance or another prescription medication? Canadian Pharmacy Online can help you fill it at significantly lower prices than typical U.S. pharmacies. See all our medications to discover how much you can save on the essential medications you need to manage your conditions.