SGLT-2 inhibitor·#5 most prescribed in Canada

Jardianceempagliflozin

Also known as: Synjardy (combination with metformin)

Jardiance (empagliflozin) treats type 2 diabetes, heart failure, and kidney disease. Learn about dosing, side effects, and BC coverage at Pill4Me Chilliwack.

Prescriptions (Canada 2024)

6,200,000 prescriptions

Drug class

SGLT-2 inhibitor

DIN (Canada)

02425335, 02425343

What is Jardiance?

Jardiance is used for adults with type 2 diabetes to improve blood sugar control. It also reduces the risk of cardiovascular death in adults with type 2 diabetes and established heart disease, and is used to treat heart failure (HFrEF and HFpEF) and to slow the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD).

How it works

Empagliflozin blocks a protein in the kidney called SGLT-2, which normally reabsorbs sugar from your urine back into your blood. By blocking this protein, Jardiance causes excess blood sugar to be excreted through your urine. This also causes mild fluid loss (a diuretic effect), which helps lower blood pressure and reduces strain on the heart and kidneys.

Forms & strengths

Tablets: 10 mg and 25 mg. Taken by mouth once daily. Also available as Synjardy (empagliflozin + metformin) combination tablet.

How to take it

Usually 10 mg once daily in the morning, with or without food. The 25 mg dose may be used for additional blood sugar lowering in type 2 diabetes. Take in the morning to avoid increased nighttime urination. Hold the dose if you are not eating or drinking (fasting, illness, surgery) — your pharmacist or doctor will advise when to stop and restart.

Side effects

Common side effects

Genital yeast infections (thrush) — more common in women but also occurs in men
Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Increased urination and thirst
Low blood pressure — especially when also on a water pill (diuretic)
Dizziness or lightheadedness on standing
Vaginal or penile itching or discharge

Serious side effects — seek care immediately

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) — can occur even with near-normal blood sugar levels; symptoms: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue, difficulty breathing — seek emergency care immediately
Fournier's gangrene (rare, serious genital infection) — report any pain, tenderness, redness or swelling of the genitals or perineum immediately
Acute kidney injury — especially if vomiting, diarrhea, or reduced fluid intake
Serious UTIs, including kidney infection (pyelonephritis) — fever, back pain, nausea with UTI symptoms requires urgent care
Lower limb amputation risk — ensure good foot care and report any foot sores

Important warnings

Hold Jardiance 3–4 days before any planned surgery — DKA risk increases when fasting perioperatively; confirm with your surgeon and pharmacist when to stop and restart

DKA can occur with near-normal blood sugar — do not assume you are safe because your blood sugar reads normal; watch for the symptoms

Stay well hydrated — Jardiance causes fluid loss through the kidneys; dehydration can rapidly worsen kidney function

Genital hygiene is important — wash the genital area regularly to reduce yeast infection risk, and report recurring infections

Check your feet daily if you have diabetes — Jardiance was associated with increased lower limb amputations in some trials; good foot care is essential

Who should not take it

Type 1 diabetes — not approved and significantly increases DKA risk
Severe kidney impairment (eGFR below 20 mL/min/1.73m²) for the diabetes indication
Dialysis patients
Recurrent or serious genital yeast infections — discuss with your doctor
Previous serious allergic reaction to empagliflozin

Drug interactions

Diuretics (water pills like furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide) increase risk of dehydration and low blood pressure when combined with Jardiance. Insulin and sulfonylureas increase hypoglycemia risk. Lithium levels may increase slightly. NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) can reduce kidney function when combined with the fluid-losing effect of Jardiance.

BC PharmaCare coverage

Jardiance (empagliflozin) may be covered under BC PharmaCare depending on your plan. Diabetes medications are covered under the National Pharmacare plan (Plan NP) at no cost for eligible BC residents. Note: some diabetes drugs like saxagliptin, linagliptin, and pioglitazone require Special Authority approval — your doctor must apply before you fill. Ozempic and Metformin do not require Special Authority. Coverage amounts vary — Fair PharmaCare covers 70–100% after your annual deductible depending on your income. Call us at 604-705-3644 and we'll check your specific coverage in minutes. No generic version is currently available in Canada. BC PharmaCare covers the brand name where it is on the formulary. Coverage information is a general guide only. Your actual coverage depends on your PharmaCare plan and eligibility. We check coverage for free — call 604-705-3644 or ask at the counter.

Coverage details change — confirm with your Pill4Me pharmacist or visit BC PharmaCare.

Frequently asked questions

Does Jardiance help with heart failure even if I don't have diabetes?

Yes. Jardiance is now approved in Canada and covered under BC PharmaCare (with Special Authority) for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) regardless of whether you have diabetes. It reduces hospitalizations and cardiovascular death in heart failure patients. Its benefit in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) has also been established.

Why do I keep getting UTIs or yeast infections since starting Jardiance?

Jardiance works by excreting sugar in the urine. That sugar creates a more favourable environment for bacteria and yeast to grow. Staying well hydrated, urinating after sex, and maintaining good genital hygiene help reduce the risk. If you have recurrent infections, talk to your doctor — a dose adjustment or alternative medication may be considered.

Do I need to stop Jardiance before surgery?

Yes. Jardiance should be held for at least 3–4 days before any planned surgery or procedure where you will be fasting. Fasting combined with Jardiance significantly increases the risk of a dangerous condition called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Confirm the exact timing with your surgeon, anaesthesiologist, and pharmacist.

What is diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and what are the warning signs?

DKA is a life-threatening condition where your blood becomes too acidic due to a buildup of ketones. With SGLT-2 inhibitors like Jardiance, DKA can occur even when blood sugar is near normal — making it easy to miss. Warning signs include: nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, unusual fatigue, difficulty breathing, or a fruity smell on the breath. Go to the emergency department immediately if you experience these symptoms.

Can Jardiance slow down kidney disease progression?

Yes. Clinical trials have shown that empagliflozin significantly reduces the progression of chronic kidney disease and lowers the risk of needing dialysis. BC PharmaCare covers Jardiance with Special Authority for CKD patients with significant proteinuria, even without diabetes or heart failure.

Related medications

Ozempic (semaglutide)Glucophage (metformin hydrochloride)Eliquis (apixaban)

Questions about Jardiance?

Our Chilliwack pharmacists can review your medications, check for interactions, and answer any questions — at no charge.

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Medical disclaimer: This page is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your pharmacist or prescriber before making any changes to your medications. BC PharmaCare coverage criteria are subject to change.