Empagliflozin - oral


Patient Medicine Information
Why do I need this medicine?
Empagliflozin is used on its own or together with other medicines to treat type 2 diabetes (a long-term condition in which the body gradually becomes resistant to the effects of insulin or the pancreas does not produce enough insulin). It helps treat your diabetes by keeping your blood sugar under control.

This medicine is meant to be taken as part of a complete diabetes care programme that should include exercise, a healthy diet and regular monitoring of blood sugar levels.

Empagliflozin may also be used to treat heart failure (weakness and inability of the heart to pump blood).
How do I take this medicine?
Take Empagliflozin exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

It is best to take this medicine in the morning with or without food. Take it at the same time each day.

Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.

Empagliflozin must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel well. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
What should I do if I have forgotten to take this medicine?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
When should I not use this medicine?
Alert your doctor if you have severe kidney disease or undergoing dialysis as Empagliflozin may not be suitable for you.

Do not breastfeed while you are being treated with this medicine.
What should I take note of while taking this medicine?
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
  • history of low blood pressure
  • heart disease
  • history of genital fungal infections
  • previous amputation or risk factors for amputation e.g. foot ulcers or sores, peripheral vascular disease (narrowing of the blood vessels supplying the arms and legs), nerve damage in your leg
  • problems with your pancreas e.g. history of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), had undergone pancreatic surgery
  • stress-related events e.g. fever, infection, injury
  • mild to moderate kidney disease
  • severe liver disease
Empagliflozin is not intended for the treatment of type 1 diabetes (a long-term condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin) or diabetic ketoacidosis (complication of diabetes characterised by high levels of blood acid in your body).

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant.

Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to the elderly. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.

Notify your doctor if you consume large amounts of alcohol or if you are a frequent drinker.

It is important to check your feet regularly and adhere to the routine foot care advised by your doctor. Inform your doctor immediately if you notice any wounds or discolouration, or if you experience any tenderness or pain in your feet.

Empagliflozin may interfere with the results of urine tests for sugar. Discuss with your doctor how you should monitor your urine tests while taking this medicine.

If you are going to have an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking Empagliflozin.

Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?

Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
  • Your blood pressure may fall to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure regularly.
  • Routine tests (e.g. blood sugar, electrolytes, kidney function) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you will need to have these tests.
  • Regular monitoring for signs and symptoms of ketoacidosis, genital or bladder infections, and foot sores or ulcers may also be needed.
If you are taking Empagliflozin with other types of oral anti-diabetic medicines, you may have been warned about hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar). This medicine itself does not usually cause hypoglycaemia, but it may increase the hypoglycaemic effect of other oral anti-diabetic medicines.

How do I know if I am experiencing hypoglycaemia?

Hypoglycaemia is the medical term for low blood sugar. Symptoms of hypoglycaemia include dizziness, tremor, shaky hands, feeling hungry, weak or confused, and sweating. These signs are your body's way of warning you that your blood sugar level is low.

It is important to recognise these symptoms and get relief for hypoglycaemia quickly, as the hypoglycaemia may worsen.

What should I do if I am experiencing hypoglycaemia?

Always carry some glucose tablets (also known as dextrose tablets) with you. Take 15 grams of glucose tablet at first sign of hypoglycaemia, wait for 15 minutes and re-check your blood sugar level. If you are not feeling better or if your blood sugar level is still low (less than 4 mmol/L or 70 mg/dL), take another 15 grams of glucose tablet.

If you don't have glucose tablets, you may take any of the following:
  • 1/2 cup (120 mL) of juice or regular soda (not diet)
  • 1 tablespoon of sugar, honey, or corn syrup
  • hard candies, jellybeans, or gumdrops (not sugar-free)
Get medical help should symptoms did not improve after second serving.
What side effects could I experience?
Empagliflozin may cause any of the following side effects: nausea, constipation, thirst, joint pain, rash and frequent urination.

This medicine may cause you to be more prone to genital infections. Maintain good hygiene to reduce the chances of getting an infection. Notify your doctor if you experience genital irritation, redness, itching and an unusual discharge or odour.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
  • signs and symptoms of allergic reactions e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes, mouth or throat
  • signs and symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis e.g. nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, tiredness, shortness of breath, rapid weight loss, breath with a sweet smell
  • frequent or painful urination, back pain or pain in the pelvic area, burning sensation when passing urine
  • pain, redness, swelling of the genitals or anus with fever and tiredness
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Can I take this with other medicines?
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
  • other medicines for diabetes e.g. insulin, glimepiride, glipizide, glibenclamide
  • water pills or medicines for water retention e.g. furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Empagliflozin.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Avoid alcohol.

It is important for you to maintain a healthy diet and weight in order to help keep your diabetes under control.

It may be helpful to discuss your diet plan with your doctor or dietitian to manage your weight and blood sugar levels.Avoid alcohol.
How should I store this medicine?
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. Protect from light.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
This information is independently developed by MIMS based on empagliflozin - oral and is provided for your reference only. It is not a replacement for and should only be used in conjunction with full consultation with a licensed healthcare professional, the information provided by your pharmacist and/or the manufacturer of the medication. It may not contain all the available information you require and cannot substitute professional medical care, nor does it take into account all individual circumstances. Although great effort has been made to ensure content accuracy, we shall not be held responsible or liable for any claims or damages arising from the use or misuse of the information contained herein, its contents or omissions, or otherwise. Copyright © 2024 MIMS. All rights reserved. Powered by MIMS.com
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