Medication Information Leaflet
Empagliflozin is a sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor. SGLT2 inhibitors work by preventing the kidneys from reabsorbing sugar (glucose) back into the blood, and this increases the amount of sugar that is removed in the urine. It is used in the treatment of diabetes. It works together with lifestyle changes, such as having a healthy diet and regular exercise, to reduce blood sugar levels.
If you suffer from heart failure, this medication can also be given to you to help with your heart condition, even if you do not have diabetes.
Follow the instructions on your medication label and take the medication as prescribed by your doctor. It is usually taken once a day. You may take this medication before food or after food.
If you missed a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Then take your next dose at the usual time.
If it is less than 12 hours until your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time.
Do not double your dose or use extra medication to make up for the missed dose.
Inform your healthcare professional if you:
If you need to do fasting blood tests, do not take your medication until your blood has been taken and you have eaten.
Like all medications, this medication may cause some possible side effects but not everyone experiences them. Consult your healthcare professional if any of the side effects becomes severe and bothersome.
The common side effects of Empagliflozin include:
This medication may increase the chances of getting a genital infection of the vagina or penis. Symptoms include itch or unusual discharge from the genitals.
This medication may increase the chances of getting a urinary tract infection. Symptoms include a burning feeling when you pass urine, the need to pass urine more often, feeling like you need to pass urine more often, or if you see blood in your urine.
You may feel giddy or light-headed, especially when you get up from a lying or sitting position. This is more likely to happen in the morning or when you first get out of bed.
You may experience dehydration as it removes the excess sugar in your body through your urine.
Low blood sugar can happen and the chances of this happening are increased when you take this medication with other medications used in diabetes. Please inform your doctor if low blood sugar level occurs as your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medications.
Symptoms of low blood sugar include
If you experience any of these low blood sugar symptoms, do the following immediately:
Step 1: Check your blood sugar level with a home blood sugar meter (glucometer) if available. If your blood sugar level is less than 4 mmol/L, take 15 grams of fast-acting sugar. Examples of 15 grams of fast-acting sugar include:
Step 2: Monitor yourself for 15 minutes. If you have a glucometer (home blood sugar meter), check your blood sugar level again after 15 minutes.
Step 3: If your blood sugar level is still less than 4 mmol/L or you still have symptoms of low blood sugar, you should take another 15 grams of fast-acting sugar as per Step 1.
If your symptoms do not go away, see a doctor or go to the hospital immediately.
Step 4: Take your meal or snack if your blood sugar level is 4 mmol/L and above after consuming the fast-acting sugar earlier on.
The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.
If the following serious side effects happen, you should consult your healthcare professional immediately:
Avoid taking alcohol with this medication as it may cause symptoms such as flushing, nausea, vomiting, headache, fast heartbeat, fast breathing, and giddiness.
Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.
Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing it into the rubbish chute or bin.
When to temporarily stop Empagliflozin?
Ask your doctor if you need to stop this medication or take extra precautions, if you are planning for the following:
You are encouraged to check your blood sugar levels with a glucometer (blood sugar meter) as instructed by your healthcare professional.
Please take note that the above is not a complete list of all possible side effects. If you have any concerns about your medication or if you have other side effects that you think are caused by this medication, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.
If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.
This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup, and supported by the Ministry of Health. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (National Healthcare Group, National University Health System and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity and Watsons) and Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The content does not reflect drug availability and supply information in pharmacies and healthcare institutions. You are advised to check with the respective institutions for such information.
Please visit www.moh.gov.sg/knowyourmeds and www.ndf.gov.sg for more information on medication.
Last updated on May 2023
This article was last reviewed on Monday, June 26, 2023