Jardiance (empagliflozin) is an oral antihyperglycemic medication approved by the FDA as a supplement to diet and exercise for adults with Type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a class of drugs called SGLT2 inhibitors, which lower blood glucose levels by causing the kidneys to remove sugar from the body through urine. While not primarily a weight loss drug, weight loss can be a side effect of SGLT2 inhibitors like Jardiance. This article explores the relationship between Jardiance and weight loss, examining clinical studies, user reviews, and important considerations for those considering its use.
How Jardiance Works
Jardiance contains empagliflozin, an SGLT2 inhibitor. Sodium-glucose cotransporters are responsible for glucose reabsorption in the kidney. SGLT2 inhibitors, such as Jardiance, block these transporters, so excess glucose is not reabsorbed into the bloodstream and is excreted in the urine. This unique mechanism of action lowers blood glucose levels independent of the effects of insulin. As a result, SGLT2 inhibitors promote an average of 75 grams of glucose excretion in the urine per day, which is about 300 excess calories.
Weight Loss as a Side Effect
A stable weight is maintained by balancing caloric intake and energy expenditure, such as when exercising. In Type 2 diabetes, excess calories, in the form of glucose, can lead to fat deposition around the internal organs, such as the liver and pancreas, and in muscle tissue. By promoting glucose excretion, Jardiance can contribute to weight loss.
Controlled clinical studies show some variability regarding the amount of SGLT2 inhibitor-induced weight loss. A recently published clinical study investigated the effect of Jardiance on weight loss in patients with prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes who were not using other glucose-lowering diabetes medications.
Stephanie Redmond, Pharm.D., a pharmacist who specializes in diabetes care and management, notes, “Generally, in practice we see four to eight pounds of weight loss on average.” While this may not seem like a substantial amount, the American Diabetes Association’s (ADA) Diabetes Prevention Program indicates that every two pounds of weight loss is associated with a significant reduction in the likelihood of progressing to Type 2 diabetes.
Read also: Comparing Jardiance and Ozempic
It is also important to note that the effects of Jardiance alone cannot fully explain the weight loss variability seen among patients in clinical studies.
User Reviews and Experiences
Individual experiences with Jardiance and weight loss can vary. One user taking 25 mg of Jardiance daily for about 8 years, alongside Entresto for CHF, did not perceive it as a weight loss drug, unlike Ozempic. The user highlighted the increasing discovery of "off-label" uses for established medications, recalling the development of sildenafil (Viagra) as a cardiac medication initially.
Sermo does not endorse, verify, or validate the content of individual reviews. Prescription medications affect individuals differently, and what works for one person may not work for another. It is essential to consult with a doctor, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed applies to your personal circumstances.
Important Considerations
Dosage and Administration
Jardiance is available in two strengths: 10 mg and 25 mg tablets. The starting dose is 10 mg taken once daily in the morning. There is no approved Jardiance dose for weight loss. Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. You may take it with or without food. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.
Off-Label Use
With obesity affecting up to 500 million people worldwide and several drugs approved by the FDA to treat obesity, healthcare providers are turning to off-label drug use for their patients. If Jardiance is used off-label for weight loss, it is important to follow medical advice and be mindful of side effects while taking the medication.
Read also: Comparing Rybelsus and Jardiance
Lifestyle Changes
Medications used to treat Type 2 diabetes should be used in addition to significant lifestyle changes, including strategies to lower weight and increase exercise and exercise tolerance. According to the ADA, SGLT2 inhibitors improve blood glucose control, lower body weight, improve associated weight-related medical conditions, and lower blood pressure. In individuals with known cardiovascular disease or kidney impairment, SGLT2 inhibitors can also help prevent cardiovascular death from heart attack or heart failure and stabilize some forms of kidney disease.
Proper compliance is required to obtain the maximum Jardiance weight loss effects. There is substantial data demonstrating that low-calorie diets and short-term use of very low-calorie diets are extremely beneficial to individuals with Type 2 diabetes. Exercising regularly is known to increase the rate of fat oxidation and provide protection against all-cause mortality in individuals with Type 2 diabetes. When weight loss is a primary goal, and for all individuals with Type 2 diabetes, alcohol consumption should be limited.
Potential Side Effects
This mechanism of action is responsible for unique side effects of Jardiance, which may include urinary tract infections, female genital yeast infections, and necrotizing fasciitis.
Report side effects to your care team as soon as possible, including:
- Allergic reactions-skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Dehydration-increased thirst, dry mouth, feeling faint or lightheaded, headache, dark yellow or brown urine
- Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)-increased thirst or amount of urine, dry mouth, fatigue, fruity odor to breath, trouble breathing, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting
- Genital yeast infection-redness, swelling, pain, or itchiness, odor, thick or lumpy discharge
- New pain or tenderness, change in skin color, sores or ulcers, infection of the leg or foot
- Infection or redness, swelling, tenderness, or pain in the genitals, or area from the genitals to the back of the rectum
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)-burning when passing urine, passing frequent small amounts of urine, bloody or cloudy urine, pain in the lower back or sides
Precautions
Before taking Jardiance, inform your care team if you have any of the following conditions:
Read also: Type 2 Diabetes Treatment
- Change in diet, eating less
- Changes to your insulin dose
- Dehydration
- Diet low in salt
- Frequently drink alcohol
- Having surgery
- History of amputation
- History of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
- History of foot sores caused by diabetes
- History of genital infections
- History of pancreatitis or pancreas problems
- History of urinary tract infections (UTI)
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Nerve condition that causes pain, tingling, or numbness in the hands or feet
- Peripheral vascular disease, narrowing of the blood vessels
- Serious infection
- Trouble passing urine
- Type 1 diabetes
- An unusual or allergic reaction to empagliflozin, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- Breastfeeding
Drug Interactions
Jardiance may interact with the following:
- Alcohol
- Diuretics
- Insulin
- Lithium
Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs.
Monitoring
Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. You may need blood work done while you are taking this medication. If you have diabetes, your care team will monitor your HbA1C (A1C). This test shows what your average blood sugar (glucose) level was over the past 2 to 3 months.
Alternatives for Weight Loss in Diabetes Management
Several medications used in diabetes management promote weight loss through various mechanisms.
- Metformin: A biguanide medication, often the first-line medication used to treat Type 2 diabetes. Metformin-associated weight loss occurs via several mechanisms, including a reduction in glucose production in the liver, a reduction in insulin production, and changes in appetite.
- Liraglutide (Victoza, Saxenda): A glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. GLP-1 receptor agonists mimic the structure of naturally occurring hormones in the body called incretins. Liraglutide is used to treat Type 2 diabetes and for non-diabetic weight loss.
- Trulicity (dulaglutide): Also a GLP-1 receptor agonist that is FDA-approved for treating Type 2 diabetes, along with diet and exercise.
- Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy): A GLP-1 receptor agonist administered in an injectable pen dosed once weekly.
- Tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound): Another GLP-1 receptor agonist administered in an injectable pen that is dosed once per week.