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Jardiamet

Also called empagliflozin + metformin

Key points about empagliflozin + metformin

Jardiamet is used to treat type 2 diabetes.
It is a combination of 2 medicines, empagliflozin and metformin, in a single tablet.
Find out how to take it safely and possible side effects.

Jardiamet is used to treat type 2 diabetes and protect your kidneys and heart. It is a combination of 2 medicines, empagliflozin and metformin, in a single tablet. Read more about type 2 diabetes.

Jardiamet lowers your blood glucose and blood pressure by helping your kidneys get rid of glucose, salt and fluid when you pass urine (pee). Jardiamet has other benefits such as weight loss, helping your kidneys work better and lowering your chance of having a heart attack or stroke. It may also help you to live longer. Jardiamet is best used together with healthy eating and regular exercise.

Note: Empagliflozin on its own is called Jardiance. Read more about empagliflozin.

In Aotearoa New Zealand Jardiamet tablets are available in 4 strengths
Jardiamet 5 mg/500 mg Jardiamet 12.5 mg/500 mg	Jardiamet 5 mg/1,000 mg Jardiamet 12.5 mg/1,000 mg

Check with your doctor or pharmacist which strength you are taking.

The usual dose of Jardiamet is 1 tablet 2 times a day.
Always take Jardiamet exactly as your doctor has told you.
The pharmacy label on your medicine will tell you how much to take, how often to take it and any special instructions.

Timing: Take Jardiamet 2 times a day – in the morning and the evening. Jardiamet is best taken with or just after food, or a meal, to lessen the chance of stomach upset.
Drink enough water so you don't get thirsty: When you start taking Jardiamet, your may pee more but this gets better over a few weeks. Your doctor may advise how much you should drink, talk to your healthcare team about this if you are not sure.
Avoid or limit alcohol while you are taking Jardiamet: It may affect your blood glucose control and increase your risk of side effects.
Missed dose: If you forget your dose, take it as soon as you remember that day. But if it is nearly time for your next dose, just take the next dose at the usual time. Do not take double the dose.
Don't run out of tablets: Jardiamet works best when taken every day. See your healthcare team every 3 months for a new prescription.

Video: How to take empagliflozin (Jardiance and Jardiamet)

(Healthify NZ and PHARMAC, 2022)
View descriptive transcript in English

Have a sick day plan

If you are unwell, stop taking Jardiamet. Taking Jardiamet when you are unwell increases your risk of high ketones levels, which can cause a serious but rare side effect called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Only restart your Jardiamet when you are well AND eating and drinking normally.

If you have nausea (feeling sick), vomiting (being sick) or tummy pain, you need to have a finger prick blood test immediately at either your GP clinic, after hours medical centre or hospital to check your ketone levels.

Tell your healthcare team before making any big changes to your diet

If you start eating less or go on a keto (low carbohydrate) diet or are fasting, this may increase your risk of diabetic ketoacidosis.

Keep your genitals clean

Because you will pee more and have more glucose in your urine, you have a higher risk of getting thrush or groin infections.

Regular washing helps prevent this. Women should wash their groin and vulval area 2 times a day and men should wash their penis, foreskin and groin area at least once per day.

Prepare before an operation or a procedure

If you are going to have an operation or a procedure such as a colonoscopy, ask your healthcare team when you should stop and restart your Jardiamet. You may need to stop your Jardiamet 2 or 3 days before the operation.

Are you pregnant, trying for a baby or breastfeeding?

It is important to talk to your GP or nurse as soon as possible if you are trying to get pregnant, are pregnant or breastfeeding. You may need to change to another diabetes medicine.

Tell your healthcare team if you are taking any other medicines

Jardiamet may interact some medicines and herbal supplements, so check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting Jardiamet and before starting any new medicines.

Like all medicines, Jardiamet can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Side effects	What should I do?
Peeing more often than usual. Pain or burning feeling when you pee. Mild skin rash or itchy skin. Feeling dizzy.	These are quite common when you start taking Jardiamet, but they are usually mild and go away with time. Talk to your healthcare team if these side effects cause you problems or don’t go away.
Signs and symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) such as: being sick (vomiting) feeling very thirsty (dehydrated) being confused or unusually tired stomach pain sweet-smelling breath deep or fast breathing.	This is a rare but serious side effect of Jardiamet. You are at increased risk if you are dehydrated or experience a sudden illness, have just had surgery, have reduced your calorie intake, or are on a low carbohydrate diet or if your insulin requirements have increased. If you get these signs and symptoms, stop taking Jardiamet and tell your healthcare team or Healthline 0800 611 116 immediately and tell them you are taking Jardiamet.
Signs of Fournier’s gangrene such as: swelling, pain, itching or tenderness in or around your vagina, penis, testicles or bottom changes to the colour of your skin, such as redness or darkened areas around your vagina, penis, testicles or bottom fever or high temperature general unwellness or tiredness.	This is a rare but serious side effect of Jardiamet. If you get these signs and symptoms, stop taking Jardiamet and tell your healthcare team or Healthline 0800 611 116 immediately and tell them you are taking Jardiamet. Read more about Fournier’s gangrene(external link).
Did you know that you can report a side effect to a medicine to CARM (Centre for Adverse Reactions Monitoring)? Report a side effect to a product.(external link)