Alcohol use
Talk to your healthcare provider about whether alcohol is safe for you while taking Synjardy and how much you can consume.
Alcohol may increase the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), especially when combined with other diabetes medications. It may also increase the risk of lactic acidosis, a rare but serious condition associated with metformin.
Avoid excessive alcohol consumption and follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations.
Kidney function
Synjardy should not be used in people with severe kidney impairment because both empagliflozin and metformin depend on kidney function for safe use.
Your healthcare provider will check your kidney function before starting Synjardy and may continue monitoring it during treatment.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have kidney disease, dehydration, or conditions that may affect kidney function.
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
Synjardy should not be used in people with a history of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) unless specifically directed by a healthcare provider.
Seek medical attention if you develop symptoms that may suggest ketoacidosis, such as nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, unusual tiredness, difficulty breathing, or confusion.
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
Synjardy may cause low blood sugar, especially when taken with other medications that lower blood glucose, such as insulin or sulfonylureas.
Symptoms of low blood sugar may include:
- Shaking
- Sweating
- Hunger
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Fast heartbeat
- Weakness
- Irritability
Your healthcare provider may adjust the doses of your other diabetes medications to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia.
Lactic acidosis
Metformin, one of the ingredients in Synjardy, can rarely cause a serious condition called lactic acidosis, which is a buildup of lactic acid in the blood.
The risk may be higher in people with kidney problems, severe dehydration, excessive alcohol use, liver problems, heart failure, or certain serious infections.
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms such as:
- Severe weakness or tiredness
- Trouble breathing
- Unusual muscle pain
- Stomach discomfort
- Dizziness
- Slow or irregular heartbeat
Genital yeast infections and urinary infections
Empagliflozin increases the amount of glucose removed through urine, which may increase the risk of genital yeast infections.
Symptoms may include:
- Itching
- Redness
- Swelling
- Pain
- Unusual discharge
People with a history of frequent genital infections may have a higher risk. Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms occur.
Older adults
Older adults may have a higher risk of side effects, particularly those related to kidney function, dehydration, dizziness, and low blood pressure.
Your healthcare provider may monitor kidney function more closely and adjust treatment if needed.
Dizziness, vision changes, and driving
Very high or very low blood sugar levels may cause blurred vision, dizziness, drowsiness, or difficulty concentrating.
Do not drive, operate machinery, or perform activities requiring alertness or clear vision until you know how Synjardy affects you and your blood sugar levels are controlled.
Pregnancy
There is limited information about the safety of Synjardy during pregnancy.
Talk to your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant. Your healthcare provider will discuss the potential benefits and risks and determine whether another treatment may be more appropriate.
Birth control and fertility
Metformin may improve ovulation in some people with insulin resistance or certain menstrual irregularities. This may increase the chance of becoming pregnant.
If pregnancy is not desired, discuss reliable birth control options with your healthcare provider or pharmacist while taking Synjardy.
REVIEWS