Empagliflozin Tablet: Uses, Side Effects, and Price Summary - in Australia

General outline and important facts

Empagliflozin is an oral SGLT2 inhibitor sold under brand names such as Jardiance in the Commonwealth of Australia. Taken once daily, it helps reduce blood glucose by increasing urinary glucose loss and has demonstrated benefits for selected cardiovascular and heart failure outcomes in adults who meet approved criteria.

Use the menu to jump to sections on dosing, safety, the exchange that happens when people meets at scale reveal systemic patterns., backup options, price list, or legally permitted access. For specific dosing, see the instructions contained herein. how to view it and dosing.

Applications and signs indicating

Empagliflozin reduces blood glucose by promoting renal glucose excretion. In Australian practice it is prescribed for:

• Adults with type 2 diabetes to improve glycaemic control, typically combined with diet, exercise and sometimes other glucose-lowering agents
• Adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease to lower the risk of cardiovascular death
• Adults with symptomatic heart failure, with or without diabetes, to lower the risk of death or hospitalisation for heart failure

If you are expecting, planning a pregnancy, or currently breastfeeding, speak with your clinician before using empagliflozin; see precautionary actions before starting for extra information, refer to the link below.

Steps to take in facing it and dosing

Follow your prescriber's instructions merged with the official product essential information. Doses are tailored to individual goals, kidney function and tolerability.

• Typical initiation: 10 mg once daily. If needed and tolerated the dose may be increased to 25 mg once daily.
• Take at approximately the same time each day. You may take the tablets with meals or without a meal.
• Expect increased urinary glucose and possibly more frequent urination; maintain fluid intake unless told otherwise.
• Your clinician may recommend routine blood glucose checks and, in some situations, ketone keeping track of metrics if you become unwell because of a rare risk of ketoacidosis.
• Temporary stopping ("sick-day" rules) is sometimes advised during acute illness, dehydration or before major surgery to reduce ketoacidosis risk. Confirm the specific instructions with your clinician; see protective steps before starting.
• Effectiveness is reduced with marked renal impairment; renal function tests influence suitability and dosing.

For guidance after missing a dose, see how to handle a dose you missed.

Skipped dose information and tips

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless the next scheduled dose is close. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed tablet and continue your usual routine. Do not take a second dose to make up for a the dose was omitted.

Steps to take in non-fatal overdose and emergency situations

If someone has taken more than prescribed and develops fainting, extreme weakness, breathlessness, confusion or other worrying signs, seek emergency medical care immediately. In Australia call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 for urgent 24 hour advice.

Indirect effects and cautionary signs

Stop the medicine and obtain urgent medical attention if signs of a severe allergic reaction appear, such as sudden swelling of the face, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing or widespread rash.

Serious adverse reactions — seek urgent care

• Diabetic ketoacidosis (can occur with normal glucose levels): nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, deep or rapid breathing, unusual sleepiness or confusion
• Severe genital and perineal infections, including rare necrotising infections (Fournier's gangrene): severe pain, swelling, redness or fever in the genital/perineal area
• Dehydration and low blood pressure: excessive thirst, lightheadedness on standing, fainting
• Urinary infections that worsen: fever, flank pain, blood in the urine or marked discomfort on urination
• Hypoglycaemia when combined with insulin or sulfonylureas: sweating, trembling, hunger, dizziness, fast heartbeat, confusion

Common, less severe effects

• Genital fungal infections (itching, discharge or unpleasant odour)
• Mild urinary tract infections
• More frequent urination and increased thirst
• Mild reductions in blood pressure with occasional dizziness

If symptoms are severe or persistent contact your healthcare provider. Reviewing protective actions can help reduce individual risk.

Medicinal product effective mutual interactions require clear communication.

List all medications, supplements and herbal products to your prescriber or pharmacist. Distinguished exchanges include:

• Insulin and sulfonylureas (for example gliclazide) — higher chance of low blood glucose and may require dose adjustments
• Diuretics, especially loop diuretics — may increase risk of dehydration and hypotension
• Other glucose-lowering therapies — combined regimens need closer keeping track of metrics

Your prescriber may alter doses or recommend monitoring of operational health when empagliflozin is co-prescribed with these medicines.

Measures to take before you begin the process

Tell your clinician if you have any of the following conditions or lifestyle factors before starting empagliflozin:

• Frequent urinary or genital infections or a prior history of such infections
• Pancreatic disease or previous pancreatic surgery
• High alcohol intake or alcohol dependence
• Recent prolonged fasting, very low calorie intake or major weight loss
• Liver disease or reduced kidney function
• Advanced age (65 years or older) or a tendency to dizziness or falls

Risk-lowering suggestions:

• Stand up slowly from sitting to avoid dizziness from low blood pressure.
• Limit alcohol to reduce dehydration and hypoglycaemia risk when combined with other agents.
• Maintain genital hygiene and seek early care for signs of infection.
• Discuss when to temporarily stop the medicine during acute illness, vomiting or dehydration; see dosing and sick-day guidance.

Empagliflozin is not recommended during pregnancy. If you are expecting a baby, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding, discuss secondary options with your clinician; see exceptions where treatment is contraindicated.

Conditions where use is not advised

• Known hypersensitivity to empagliflozin or any tablet excipient
• Severe renal impairment or patients receiving dialysis
• Use in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy

Breastfeeding is generally not recommended while taking empagliflozin. If these apply, ask your clinician about other treatment choices.

Travel external storage expands available space for files. tips and tricks

• Maintain the tablets at room temperature, free from moisture and heat.
• Store in a location that children and pets cannot access.
• Do not use beyond the expiry date printed on the package.
• When travelling, retain tablets in original packaging with the prescription label. Carry them in your hand luggage to avoid exposure to high temperatures or loss.
• Return unused or expired medicines to a pharmacy for safe disposal rather than discarding them in household rubbish or flushing them.

When crossing time zones, confirm dosing adjustments with your pharmacist or prescriber to keep safe intervals between doses.

Similar medications and a backup option choices

Empagliflozin is one of several SGLT2 inhibitors. Choosing an a rival option depends on factors such as cardiovascular and renal risk, weight goals, hypoglycaemia risk and cost. Have a discussion with your clinician about your options.

Other SGLT2 blocker drugs

• Dapagliflozin (Forxiga) — licensed for type 2 diabetes and heart failure
• Ertugliflozin (Steglatro) — approved for type 2 diabetes

Other classes to consider

• Metformin — often first-line for type 2 diabetes and generally low cost
• GLP-1 receptor agonists (for example semaglutide, dulaglutide) — assist with glucose control and weight loss but usually cost more
• DPP-4 inhibitors (for example sitagliptin, linagliptin) — moderate cost and low hypoglycaemia risk
• Sulfonylureas (for example gliclazide) — effective but carry a higher risk of hypoglycaemia and achievable weight gain
• Insulin (various basal and bolus preparations) — used when oral agents do not achieve targets
• Thiazolidinediones (for example pioglitazone) — consider potential fluid retention and cardiovascular effects

Cost comparison in Australia: metformin is typically the least expensive option (often under AUD 20 for a month when private), DPP-4 inhibitors and SGLT2 inhibitors are mid-range (SGLT2 private prices commonly fall in the range shown under prevailing prices), and GLP-1 receptor agonists and many insulin regimens are commonly more expensive when paid privately.

Prices commonly charged in Australia (AUD)

Out-of-pocket costs depend on brand, pharmacy dispensing fees and whether you receive a PBS subsidy. The following are approximate ranges for a 30 day supply to give a general idea:

• Private purchase (no PBS subsidy): around AUD 85 to 120 per month, depending on brand and pharmacy
• PBS general co-payment: roughly AUD 31 per prescription for those meeting PBS criteria (this figure can change annually)
• PBS concession co-payment: commonly about AUD 7 to 8 per prescription for eligible concession card holders

Compare for differences relative costs: metformin (private) may be under AUD 20 per month; DPP-4 inhibitors and generic SGLT2 options sit in the mid-range; GLP-1 agonists and many insulin products often incur higher private costs. Ask your pharmacist about current PBS listings, Safety Net thresholds and whether you qualify for subsidy to reduce expenses.

Regulatory status and access rights explained for Australia

• Scheduling: empagliflozin is a Schedule 4 prescription medicine in the land of Australia.
• Prescription rule: a current prescription from an Australian-registered prescriber is required. Accepted formats include paper prescriptions and authorised electronic prescriptions, including some telehealth prescriptions.
• Regulatory approval: marketed empagliflozin products in Australia must be approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
• PBS subsidy: some signals and patient groups may qualify for Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme subsidy subject to clinical criteria and approvals.
• Paediatric use: may be prescribed for children aged 10 and older with type 2 diabetes where product information and clinical judgement support its use.
• Driving and safety work: empagliflozin alone has a low inherent risk of hypoglycaemia, but risk increases with insulin or sulfonylureas; follow medical advice regarding driving or operating machinery.
• Importation: personal importation of prescription medicines is strictly regulated somewhere in Australia. Check TGA and Australian Border Force guidance before importing medicines and ensure correct prescription and quantity limits.
• Dispensing: pharmacists will dispense in line with the prescription and PBS rules about repeats and supply quantities.

Always take empagliflozin under medical supervision and in compliance with Australian laws and clinical direction. If you need product-specific information refer to the Consumer Medicine Information supplied with your prescription or speak to your prescriber or pharmacist.

For more information and links

For full product details consult the Consumer Medicine Information provided with your medicine and discuss questions with a prescriber or pharmacist. View the legal and safety information and the full disclaimer: The information provided here is for general guidance only. for medical content at the end of this page.