Jardiance, or empagliflozin, is part of a group of diabetic medications known as sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors.

Other drugs in this class include Invokana (canagliflozin), Invokamet (canagliflozin metformin), Farxiga (daplagliflozin), Xigduo XR (daplagliflozin metformin), and Glyxambi (empagliflozin linagliptin).

But as with other SGLT2 inhibitors, however, Jardiance adverse effects may include ketoacidosis and kidney failure.

SGLT2 inhibitors, when used with diet and exercise, are supposed to work on the kidneys to remove excess sugars from the blood stream through urination. According to the Mayo Clinic, cells that make up your muscles and all your body’s tissues rely upon sugars as a main source of fuel to burn for energy.

With diabetes, the pancreas ceases to produce enough insulin to take sugar from the blood and make it available to the cells for burning. Without the sugars available, the body stimulates release of a hormone that makes fat stores available for metabolic use.

The byproduct of this is a build-up of acids in the blood known as ketoacidosis. Eventually, the acids can reach such a high blood level that they must be released through the urine of the sufferer.

Ketoacidosis Among Jardiance Adverse Effects

Ketoacidosis can be one of the first signs that a person has developed diabetes. It signals a high-level of sugar in the blood, or hyperglycemia, and the failure of the body to produce enough insulin. It also can signal poor insulin therapy or missed dosages or indicate illness that is affecting hormone levels of the body. These hormones in turn work against the action of insulin.

When it comes to Jardiance adverse effects, it is not known why ketoacidosis has been reported to occur. According to the FDA, a safety announcement was released on May 15, 2015 indicating a known relationship between Jardinance and ketoacidosis. The situation was being closely monitored by the FDA after locating at least 20 cases of ketoacidosis in the agency’s adverse event reporting system (FAERS).

This safety announcement was updated in December of 2015 stating that a change in label was underway with warnings added for this significant medical issue.

Symptoms of ketoacidosis are:

• Excessive Thirst
• Frequent Urination
• Confusion
• Fatigue and Weakness
• Fruity Breath
• Nausea and Vomiting

If a diabetic in treatment with Jardiance or other SGLT2 inhibitor experiences these symptoms, they should immediately seek medical attention.

Other Jardiance Adverse Effects

Other Jardiance adverse effects vary from common to rare. The more commonly known side effects are:

• Frequent Urge to Urinate
• Burning, Painful Urination
• Urinary Tract Infection
• Bladder Pain
• Vaginal or Penile Discharge

The less common or even rare side effects are:

• Cold Sweats
• Dizziness
• Slurred Speech
• Seizures
• Rapid Heartbeat
• Rapid Breathing
• Headache
• Increased Hunger

If you feel you or a loved one have suffered because of treatment with Jardiance or other SGLT2 inhibitor, you deserve reasonable compensation. Don’t hesitate to get a free initial consultation with a product liability lawyer.