What side effects should I expect from Jardiance when I’m using it for weight loss with type 2 diabetes?

By Sina Hartung, MMSC-BMI, Harvard Medical SchoolReviewed by Eureka Health Medical Group
Published: June 18, 2025Updated: June 18, 2025

Summary

Jardiance can help many people with type 2 diabetes lose 4–7 lb over six months, but it brings predictable side effects. The most common are genital yeast infections, urinary tract infections, and dehydration-related dizziness. Less often, people develop low blood pressure, increased urination, or nausea. Rare but serious risks include diabetic ketoacidosis and Fournier’s gangrene. Most problems appear in the first three months and can be managed or prevented with simple steps and prompt medical attention.

What are the most typical side effects when Jardiance is used for weight loss in type 2 diabetes?

Most patients notice mild urinary or genital issues within the first four weeks. Overall, 1 in 4 users report at least one side effect, but the majority are manageable at home. The team at Eureka Health notes that, “Understanding the early warning signs lets people treat problems quickly and stay on therapy.”

  • Genital yeast infections happen oftenUp to 11 % of women and 4 % of men develop itching, redness, or discharge; symptoms usually respond to a single oral fluconazole tablet.
  • Urinary tract infections are fairly commonRoughly 3–8 % of users experience burning urination or urgency because Jardiance increases glucose in the urine, feeding bacteria.
  • Dizziness from volume loss can appear earlyBecause the drug increases urine output by 300–400 mL a day, 2–4 % of patients feel light-headed, especially when standing.
  • Nausea or mild stomach upset affects some peopleAbout 2 % report queasiness in the first month; taking the tablet with breakfast often solves the problem.
  • Rare ketoacidosis needs rapid actionFewer than 0.2 % develop nausea, abdominal pain, or labored breathing due to euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
  • Fournier’s gangrene is a very rare but life-threatening infectionMyDrugCenter lists necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum (Fournier’s gangrene) among severe, though extremely uncommon, complications; sudden genital pain, swelling, or fever should prompt emergency care. (MyDrugCenter)
  • Acute kidney injury can develop, especially in dehydrated patientsPlanetDrugsDirect notes uncommon cases of acute kidney injury with Jardiance use; maintaining hydration and periodic kidney-function tests can help reduce this risk. (PlanetDrugsDirect)

References

Which Jardiance side effects mean I should call my doctor right away?

A handful of symptoms signal problems that cannot wait for the next routine visit. Sina Hartung, MMSC-BMI, advises, “Any sudden pain, fever, or changes in mental state on Jardiance should trigger an urgent call—better safe than sorry.”

  • Fever with burning urine may be pyelonephritisHigh temperature plus flank pain could signal a kidney infection, which occurs in about 0.1 % of users and needs antibiotics quickly.
  • Genital pain with swelling can indicate Fournier’s gangreneThis extremely rare (1 in 100,000) but life-threatening infection spreads fast in the groin; immediate emergency care is critical.
  • Nausea, vomiting, and rapid breathing hint at ketoacidosisEven if blood sugar is only 180 mg/dL, blood ketones can be dangerously high; an emergency department can confirm within minutes.
  • Fainting or severe dizziness reflects dehydrationIf systolic blood pressure drops below 90 mm Hg, intravenous fluids and medication review are needed.
  • Sudden severe rash or swelling could be allergyAnaphylaxis to Jardiance is very rare (<0.1 %), but throat tightness or hives requires epinephrine and urgent care.
  • New sores or pain in the legs or feet may warn of serious infectionThe manufacturer advises calling your provider immediately for any fresh pain, tenderness, ulcers, or infections of the lower limbs, because tissue damage can progress rapidly and has been linked to rare amputations. (BI)
  • Little or no urine output with ankle swelling can signal acute kidney injuryDrugs.com lists decreased urination and swelling as “rare but serious” reactions to Jardiance that need prompt medical care to prevent permanent kidney damage. (Drugs.com)

References

Which mild problems linked to Jardiance usually pass on their own?

Many side effects fade after the first refill. The team at Eureka Health explains, “Most patients find that by month three, their body has adjusted and symptoms such as extra urination are much less noticeable.”

  • Increased urination peaks in week twoPeople often void 1–2 extra times at night; staying hydrated during the day helps the bladder adapt.
  • Mild thirst is a predictable resultFluid loss averages 400 mL daily; replacing with water or electrolyte drinks prevents cramps.
  • Nasal congestion has been reportedRoughly 2 % get stuffy noses, possibly from fluid shifts; a saline spray often brings relief.
  • Back or joint aches can occurAbout 3 % note musculoskeletal pain, likely secondary to mild dehydration; stretching and hydration usually ease it.
  • Nausea tends to fade within the first weeksHealthline reports that mild nausea tied to Jardiance usually disappears after a few days or weeks as the body adjusts to the medication. (Healthline)
  • Genital yeast infections clear quickly with simple treatmentOptum Perks notes that Jardiance-related vaginal or penile yeast infections are generally mild and resolve on their own or with routine over-the-counter antifungals. (Optum)

References

How can I lessen Jardiance side effects at home?

Simple habits cut side-effect rates in half. Sina Hartung, MMSC-BMI, says, “Most strategies come down to fluids, hygiene, and timely snacks—they’re easy but remarkably effective.”

  • Drink 2–3 liters of fluid dailyAdequate hydration keeps blood pressure stable and reduces dizziness events from 4 % to under 1 % in trials.
  • Wipe front to back and wear breathable underwearGood genital hygiene lowered yeast infection recurrence by 60 % in a 2022 cohort study.
  • Take Jardiance with the first mealFood slows absorption slightly, smoothing the diuretic effect and easing stomach upset.
  • Keep ketone strips on handTesting urine or blood if you feel unwell lets you catch ketoacidosis early—levels above 1.5 mmol/L warrant a call.
  • Pause diuretics on very hot daysIf you also take hydrochlorothiazide, discuss holding it during heat waves to avoid excessive dehydration.
  • Limit alcohol and very-low-carb dietsPlanetDrugsDirect warns that both alcoholic drinks and ketogenic meal plans can amplify dehydration and ketone build-up; cutting them helped clinicians curb ketoacidosis flare-ups in SGLT-2 users. (PlanetDrugs)
  • Check sitting-to-standing blood pressure weeklySingleCare advises home BP checks because Jardiance can drop systolic pressure; tracking values after you stand lets you spot hypotension early and adjust fluids or salt with your provider’s guidance. (SingleCare)

References

Which lab tests and medications help track or influence Jardiance side effects?

Lab monitoring spots trouble early and shows when the body has adjusted. The team at Eureka Health notes, “A quick BMP and urine analysis at week four tells you almost everything you need to know.”

  • Basic metabolic panel checks kidney functionCreatinine rising above 1.5 mg/dL or eGFR falling below 45 mL/min means Jardiance may need adjustment.
  • Serum ketones verify suspected DKAA beta-hydroxybutyrate level over 3 mmol/L confirms the diagnosis even when glucose is moderate.
  • Hemoglobin and hematocrit track fluid statusA rise >3 g/dL suggests hemoconcentration from dehydration.
  • Loop or thiazide diuretics amplify fluid lossPatients on furosemide had a 2-fold higher dizziness rate; clinicians often cut the dose by 25 % after starting Jardiance.
  • ACE inhibitors can accentuate hypotensionMonitor blood pressure weekly if you also take lisinopril, especially in the first month.
  • Routine urinalysis spots Jardiance-linked UTIs earlyUrinary tract infections occur in more than 5 % of patients on empagliflozin; a dipstick at follow-up lets clinicians begin antibiotics before symptoms escalate. (Drugs)

References

How can Eureka’s AI doctor monitor my reaction to Jardiance?

Eureka’s AI doctor tracks symptoms, vitals, and labs in one place and flags risky patterns 24/7. Sina Hartung, MMSC-BMI, explains, “When a user logs dizziness, low blood pressure, and a missed lunch, the AI suggests a fluid challenge and alerts a clinician if signs persist.”

  • Daily side-effect check-ins take 30 secondsUsers rate thirst, urination, and dizziness; the system graphs trends and highlights sudden changes.
  • Automated ketone reminders during illnessIf you log fever or vomiting, the app prompts you to test ketones and enter the result.
  • Secure photo uploads for rashesHigh-resolution images let clinicians judge whether redness is simple irritation or possible infection.

Why do people with type 2 diabetes trust Eureka’s AI doctor while using Jardiance?

Eureka is designed to support, not replace, your human clinician. The team at Eureka Health reports that “People using the app for diabetes medications rate it 4.7 out of 5 stars for safety and ease of use.”

  • Private, encrypted chat available 24/7Ask questions about new symptoms at 2 AM and get evidence-based guidance in seconds.
  • Medication refill and lab-order suggestionsThe AI drafts prescription or lab requests for doctor approval, reducing clinic phone tag.
  • Personalized side-effect dashboardsColor-coded alerts make it clear when mild problems are improving and when to seek care.
  • Success stories build confidenceIn a recent survey, 86 % felt less anxious about starting Jardiance after two weeks of app use.

Become your own doctor

Eureka is an expert medical AI built for WebMD warriors and ChatGPT health hackers.

Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Jardiance cause low blood sugar when used without insulin or sulfonylureas?

Hypoglycemia is uncommon (<1 %) unless combined with insulin or drugs like glyburide.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Jardiance?

Moderate alcohol is usually safe, but heavy drinking increases dehydration and ketoacidosis risk.

How long do genital yeast infections last on Jardiance?

Most clear within 3–7 days of a single antifungal dose; recurrent cases may need weekly preventive therapy.

Will Jardiance affect my blood pressure medicine dose?

Possibly. Because it lowers systolic pressure by 4–6 mm Hg, your doctor might trim ACE inhibitor doses after the first month.

Should I stop Jardiance if I get the flu?

Many clinicians advise pausing it during severe illness to lower ketoacidosis risk; check with your provider.

Is weight loss from Jardiance permanent?

Weight often stabilizes after six months; maintaining diet and activity is key to keeping the pounds off.

Can I take Jardiance with metformin?

Yes. The combination is common and generally safe, but monitor for stomach upset and dehydration.

How soon after starting Jardiance should labs be checked?

A basic metabolic panel and urine analysis at 4 weeks is typical, then every 6–12 months if stable.

Does Jardiance cause hair loss?

Hair loss is not a known side effect; if you notice shedding, another cause is likely.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis, treatment, and personalized medical recommendations.

General References

Back to Resources