Synjardy (Empagliflozin/Metformin) for Diabetes

Overview
Synjardy, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is a prescription medication used in combination with diet and exercise to help improve blood sugar control in adults and children over the age of 10 with type 2 diabetes. It is also prescribed to reduce cardiovascular risks, such as heart failure hospitalizations, in adults with existing cardiovascular conditions. Synjardy is intended only for individuals with type 2 diabetes. Synjardy is also available in an extended-release form called Synjardy XR. Synjardy is also known by its drug names, empagliflozin and metformin.

Synjardy includes empagliflozin, which helps the kidneys remove excess sugar through urine, and metformin, which reduces sugar production in the liver and improves the body’s response to insulin. Together, these actions help to manage blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Synjardy is taken orally twice a day with meals, while Synjardy XR (extended-release) is taken once daily with a morning meal. To minimize gastrointestinal side effects, the dose may be gradually increased as directed by a health care provider. The tablets should be swallowed whole, not split, crushed, or chewed. Synjardy and Synjardy XR should be taken exactly as prescribed by a health care provider.

Side effects
Common side effects of Synjardy include urinary tract infections (UTIs), female genital mycotic infections (fungal infections), diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, flatulence (gas), abdominal discomfort, indigestion, asthenia (weakness), and headache.

Rare but serious side effects may include lactic acidosis (a buildup of lactic acid in the blood), diabetic ketoacidosis (especially in type 1 diabetes), volume depletion (dehydration), severe UTIs including urosepsis (a serious infection spreading to the bloodstream) and pyelonephritis (kidney infection), hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum (a life-threatening infection in the genital area, also called Fournier’s gangrene), lower limb amputation, hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., angioedema, or swelling), vitamin B12 deficiency, and severe genital mycotic infections.

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Label: Synjardy — Empagliflozin and Metformin Hydrochloride Tablet — DailyMed