Prescription Required
Known internationally as Jardiance Met
Description
What is Synjardy (Empagliflozin/Metformin) prescribed for?
This medication is a combination of 2 drugs: Empagliflozin and Metformin. Along with a proper diet and exercise program, it is used to help control high blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. Controlling your high blood sugar can help prevent kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, sexual function problems, and loss of limbs.
With proper control of diabetes, it may lessen your risk of a heart attack or stroke. This medication works by helping to restore your body's proper response to the insulin you naturally produce. It will also increase the removal of sugar by your kidneys, and decreases the amount of sugar that is made in your liver, and overall decreases the amount of sugar your body takes in through your stomach and intestines.
Read up on any medication guide provided for you by your doctor. And if you have any questions regarding this medication, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Directions
This medication is to be taken by mouth, usually twice a day with meals. Remember the dosage is based on your medical condition and your response to the treatment. And any other medications you may be taking will be kept in mind as well.
Be sure to tell your doctor of all other medications you may be on including, prescription drugs, non-prescription drugs, and any herbal products.
To reduce the risk of any side effects you doctor may begin you on this medication on a lower dose and then gradually raise it higher as time moves on. Notify your doctor right away if your condition worsens or persists.
Cautions
Before taking this medication, it is best to advise your doctor if you are allergic to Empagliflozin or Metformin; or to any other medications or allergies in general. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems.
You should also let your doctor know of all of your medical history. Especially if you have ever dealt with any of these experiences in the past; breathing problems (such as asthma, obstructive lung disease), kidney disease, liver disease, use/abuse of alcohol, yeast infections in the vagina or penis, loss of too much body water (dehydration), heart disease (such as heart failure, recent heart attack), blood problems (such as anemia, vitamin B12 deficiency).
You may experience blurred vision, dizziness, or drowsiness due to extremely low or high blood sugar. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness or clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely.
Limit alcohol while taking this medication because it can increase your risk of developing lactic acidosis, low blood sugar, and a high ketone level.
High fever, "water pills" (diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide), too much sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting may cause loss of too much body water (dehydration) and increase your risk of lactic acidosis. Stop taking this medication and tell your doctor right away if you have prolonged diarrhea or vomiting. Be sure to drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration unless your doctor directs you otherwise.
It may be harder to control your blood sugar when your body is stressed (such as due to fever, infection, injury, or surgery). Also, if you are eating less or not able to eat due to these conditions or any illness, this can lead to a high ketone level while you are taking this medication. Consult your doctor because this may require a change in your treatment plan, medications, or blood sugar or ketone testing.
Side Effects
While minor, some of these side effects may occur. They are as follows; Headache, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, runny nose, or sore throat may occur. However if any of these persist or worsen, it’s best to speak with your doctor right away.
Stomach symptoms that occur after the first days of your treatment may be signs of lactic acidosis.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: signs of a urinary tract infection (such as burning/painful/frequent/urgent urination, pink/bloody urine), signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine).
This medication may cause a new yeast infection in the vagina or the penis. It may also cause a rare but very serious bacterial infection in the genital/anal area (Fournier's gangrene). Tell your doctor right away if you have signs of a yeast infection in the vagina (such as unusual vaginal discharge/burning/itching/odor) or in the penis (such as redness/itching/swelling of the penis, unusual discharge from the penis). However, get medical help right away if you have any pain/redness/swelling in or around the genital/anal area, along with a fever or feeling unwell.
This medication does not usually cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Low blood sugar may occur if this drug is prescribed with other diabetes medications, if you do not consume enough calories from food, or if you do unusually heavy exercise. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether the dose of your other diabetes medication(s) needs to be lowered. Symptoms of low blood sugar include sudden sweating, shaking, fast heartbeat, hunger, blurred vision, dizziness, or tingling hands/feet. It is a good habit to carry glucose tablets or gel to treat low blood sugar. If you don't have these reliable forms of glucose, rapidly raise your blood sugar by eating a quick source of sugar such as table sugar, honey, or candy, or drink fruit juice or non-diet soda. Tell your doctor right away about the reaction and the use of this product. To help prevent low blood sugar, eat meals on a regular schedule, and do not skip meals. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to find out what you should do if you miss a meal.
Symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) include thirst, increased urination, confusion, drowsiness, flushing, rapid breathing, and fruity breath odor. If these symptoms occur, tell your doctor right away. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medications.
This medication may cause you to lose too much body water (dehydration). This can lead to serious kidney damage. Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if you are not able to drink fluids as usual, or losing fluid (such as due to vomiting, diarrhea, or heavy sweating). Also, tell your doctor right away if you have any signs of dehydration, such as urinating less than usual, unusual dry mouth/thirst, fast heartbeat, or dizziness/lightheadedness/fainting. To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
FAQs
What happens if I suddenly stop taking this medication?
There may be a relapse in symptoms as well as side effects. You should speak your doctor before stop taking this medication.
What is the best dosage to take?
The diagnosis with your doctor will be able to determine the best dosage for your treatment. Work with your doctor closely for dosage and dosing schedules.
What happens if I miss a dose?
You should take the missed dose as soon as you realize you have forgotten. If the forgotten dose is closer to your next scheduled dose, take the next scheduled dose to avoid overlapping in the dose.
What is the best way to store this medication?
This medication is stored at room temperature and should be kept away from children and pets. Do not throw away this medication in the wastebasket. If you are uncertain how to dispose of this medication, speak with your pharmacist for help in safely disposing of this medication.
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