Are you being treated for Type 2 Diabetes? Your doctor may have prescribed you a medication called Empagliflozin. It is known in our country by the brand name Jardiance. So, I am going to talk about this medication, what it does, and what you should be aware of when using it, in a simple, understandable way.
What really happens with this medicine?
Simply put, this medicine helps control the amount of glucose in your blood if you have diabetes. How do you know? It does this by giving your kidneys a little signal to expel unwanted sugar from your body through your urine. It's like making our body's sugar filter a little more efficient.
Not only that, but this medicine has another great benefit. This medicine also helps reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and hospitalizations due to heart failure that can occur over time in people with diabetes.
But remember one thing. Taking this medicine alone is not enough. A good diet and exercise are also essential parts of this treatment.
What are the things you need to tell the doctor before taking medication?
This is very important. Before you start taking Empagliflozin, you should tell your doctor your complete health history. Be sure to tell him/her if you have any of these conditions.
- Kidney or liver disease: Since this medicine is directly related to the kidneys, it is essential to inform the doctor if you have any kidney problems. Also, tell him about any liver problems. If you are on hemodialysis, tell him that too.
- Other diabetes-related conditions: If you have Type 1 Diabetes, or have previously had a serious condition called Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA).
- Dehydration or low blood pressure: Talk about things like dehydration, eating a low-salt diet, and drinking too much alcohol.
- Infections: If you have frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs), or a history of genital yeast infections.
- Other medical conditions: Pancreatitis, high cholesterol, high blood potassium levels, etc.
- Pregnancy and lactation: If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, be sure to inform your doctor before starting this medication.
- Surgery: If you have any upcoming surgery scheduled, please mention it as well.
- Allergies: Don't forget to mention any allergies to empagliflozin or any other medicine or food.
How should I use this medicine?
Using this is very simple.
- Swallow the pill with a glass of water at the same time every day, as prescribed by your doctor.
- You can take this before or after meals. That's no problem.
- The most important thing is to keep using it until your doctor tells you to stop. Don't stop halfway, even if you feel better.
What if I miss a dose of medicine?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, go to the nearest Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Even though it is a very valuable medicine, never give your medicine to anyone else. It could harm them.
Things to be especially careful about when taking medication
It's a good idea to pay a little attention to your body while taking this medicine.
- Blood tests: Your doctor will likely order a blood test called `HbA1C` at least every 2-3 months to see how well your blood sugar levels are being controlled. This will help you monitor the effectiveness of your treatment.
- Be aware of your blood sugar levels: Learn about the symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). Keep a sugar cube or something to eat, such as a candy bar, in case your blood sugar drops.
- Be careful of dehydration: If you have excessive diarrhea, vomiting, or sweating, you may lose water in your body. In that case, taking this medicine can be a bit risky. Therefore, consult your doctor in such cases.
- Serious condition (DKA): Rarely, this medicine may cause a serious condition called ``Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)``, in which the blood becomes too acidic. If you experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, unusual tiredness, difficulty breathing, or a fruity smell from your breath , stop taking the medicine immediately and call your doctor.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Empagliflozin can cause side effects in some people. Don't worry, not everyone gets them. But it's important to be aware of these symptoms.
| Side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
|---|---|
| Side effect/symptom | Description |
| Allergic Reaction | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Urinary tract infection (UTI) | Burning when urinating, frequent urination, blood in the urine, cloudy urine, lower abdominal or back pain. |
| Genital yeast infections | Redness, swelling, pain, itching, odor, or unusual discharge in the genital area of women or men. |
| Dehydration | Excessive thirst, dry mouth, dizziness, headache, dark yellow or brown urine. |
| Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) | Excessive thirst, frequent urination, dry mouth, extreme fatigue, difficulty breathing, stomach pain, vomiting, and a fruity odor from the mouth. |
| Infections in the leg or foot | New pain, sores, ulcers, skin discoloration, or infection in the leg or foot. |
If you notice anything unusual that is not on this list, talk to your doctor about it too.
Take-Home Message
- Empagliflozin is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes and reduce the risk of heart disease associated with it.
- This works by removing excess sugar from the body through the kidneys and urine.
- Before starting the medication, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and other medications you are taking.
- Be aware of side effects such as urinary tract infections, genital infections, and dehydration.
- If you experience symptoms of DKA such as nausea, vomiting, or stomach cramps, seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with others. Follow the doctor's instructions.
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