Empagliflozin
Empagliflozin Oral tablet
What is this medicine?
EMPAGLIGLOZIN (EM pa gli FLOE zin) helps to treat type 2 diabetes. It helps to control blood sugar. Treatment is combined with diet and exercise.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
dehydration
diabetic ketoacidosis
diet low in salt
eating less due to illness, surgery, dieting, or any other reason
having surgery
high cholesterol
high levels of potassium in the blood
history of pancreatitis or pancreas problems
history of yeast infection of the penis or vagina
if you often drink alcohol
infections in the bladder, kidneys, or urinary tract
kidney disease
liver disease
low blood pressure
on hemodialysis
problems urinating
type 1 diabetes
uncircumcised male
an unusual or allergic reaction to empagliflozin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take it in the morning, with or without food. Take your dose at the same time each day. Do not take more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you've taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
gatifloxacin
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
alcohol
certain medicines for blood pressure, heart disease
diuretics
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress.
This medicine can cause a serious condition in which there is too much acid in the blood. If you develop nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, unusual tiredness, or breathing problems, stop taking this medicine and call your doctor right away. If possible, use a ketone dipstick to check for ketones in your urine.
A test called the HbA1C (A1C) will be monitored. This is a simple blood test. It measures your blood sugar control over the last 2 to 3 months. You will receive this test every 3 to 6 months.
Learn how to check your blood sugar. Learn the symptoms of low and high blood sugar and how to manage them.
Always carry a quick-source of sugar with you in case you have symptoms of low blood sugar. Examples include hard sugar candy or glucose tablets. Make sure others know that you can choke if you eat or drink when you develop serious symptoms of low blood sugar, such as seizures or unconsciousness. They must get medical help at once.
Tell your doctor or health care professional if you have high blood sugar. You might need to change the dose of your medicine. If you are sick or exercising more than usual, you might need to change the dose of your medicine.
Do not skip meals. Ask your doctor or health care professional if you should avoid alcohol. Many nonprescription cough and cold products contain sugar or alcohol. These can affect blood sugar.
Wear a medical ID bracelet or chain, and carry a card that describes your disease and details of your medicine and dosage times.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
breathing problems
dizziness
fast or irregular heartbeat
feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
muscle weakness
nausea, vomiting, unusual stomach upset or pain
signs and symptoms of low blood sugar such as feeling anxious, confusion, dizziness, increased hunger, unusually weak or tired, sweating, shakiness, cold, irritable, headache, blurred vision, fast heartbeat, loss of consciousness
signs and symptoms of a urinary tract infection, such as fever, chills, a burning feeling when urinating, blood in the urine, back pain
trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine, including an urgent need to urinate more often, in larger amounts, or at night
penile discharge, itching, or pain in men
unusual tiredness
vaginal discharge, itching, or odor in women
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (Report these to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome.):
joint pain
mild increase in urination
thirsty
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
Updated:  
March 21, 2017
Sources:  
U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert