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Synjardy Information

Synjardy (Empagliflozin/Metformin Hydrochloride) is a prescription medication used along with dietary changes and lifestyle modifications to control high blood sugar in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is typically used to improve glycemic control in patients with diabetes who are not effectively managed with metformin alone or with metformin combined with other antidiabetic medications. Empagliflozin, one of its components, helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular death in adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease.

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition in which the body either doesn't produce enough insulin or can't effectively use the insulin it produces, resulting in high blood glucose (sugar) levels and eventual damage to blood vessels, nerves, and end organs. Synjardy’s control of diabetes may help reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke associated with diabetes. Its active ingredients are empagliflozin and metformin hydrochloride, which belong to the classes of oral hypoglycemic agents, namely sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors and biguanides, respectively.

Empagliflozin reduces renal glucose reabsorption, thereby increasing urinary glucose excretion. Metformin helps reduce glucose production by the liver and the absorption of glucose from the gut. It also improves the body's use of insulin. It is worth noting that this medication is not recommended for the treatment of type 1 diabetes. It should also not be used in life-threatening complications of diabetes known as diabetic ketoacidosis.

Synjardy Side Effects

Synjardy is generally considered safe and effective for people with type 2 diabetes who are appropriate candidates for the medication. However, like all medications, it can have potential side effects, some of which may be serious. Common mild side effects of this medication include diarrhea, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, increased urination, stomachache, joint pain, constipation, increased thirst, and altered taste. Contact your doctor immediately if any of these side effects last or get worse.

Stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects, including the following:
• Allergic reactions such as breathing difficulties, body itching, body rash, skin blistering, swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, lips, or throat;
• Anemia (low red blood cells) with symptoms like dizziness, pale skin, unusual tiredness or weakness, shortness of breath;
• Diabetic ketoacidosis with symptoms like difficulty breathing, nausea, fruity breath smell, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite, confusion, extreme thirst;
• Genital yeast infection with symptoms like vaginal or penile itching, soreness, or discharge;
• Kidney problems with symptoms such as increased urination at night, decreased urine production, blood in the urine, painful or difficult urination;
• Liver problems with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools;
• Low blood glucose with symptoms such as tremors, blurred vision, confusion, difficulty concentrating, difficulty speaking, dizziness, loss of consciousness;
• Low blood pressure, especially from dehydration, with symptoms like dizziness when standing, fainting, lightheadedness;
• Pancreatitis with symptoms such as abdominal pain on the upper left side, back pain, nausea;
• Sepsis (infection that has spread throughout the body) with symptoms like fever, low body temperature, chills, rapid breathing, rapid heartbeat;
• Serious urinary tract infections with symptoms like fever, back pain, frequent and painful urination;
• Vitamin B12 deficiency with symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, tingling or numbness of the fingers/toes

Inform your doctor about any other side effects you notice that are not listed here.

Synjardy Precautions

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to the active or inactive ingredients in Synjardy. Before using this medication, ensure you inform your doctor about any medical conditions you previously or currently have, including the following:
• Alcohol abuse;
• Blood cell problems such as anemia;
• Diabetes ketoacidosis;
• Dehydration;
• Genital yeast infections;
• High cholesterol levels in the blood;
• Kidney disease;
• Lactic acidosis;
• Liver disease;
• Low blood pressure;
• Narrowed blood vessels, especially in the legs;
• Pancreatitis;
• Peripheral neuropathy;
• Thyroid disease;
• Urinary tract infections;
• Vitamin B12 deficiency

Avoid the intake of alcohol or alcoholic beverages while taking this medication, as alcohol can cause you to develop side effects. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous tasks until you have determined how this medication affects you, as Synjardy may cause dizziness due to hypoglycemia. If you are planning to have surgery or are going to get an injection of dye or contrast agents for an X-ray procedure, it is essential to inform your doctor that you are taking this medication, as you may need to stop it days before the procedure. This medication is not recommended for use in children younger than 10 years. Elderly individuals are at an increased risk of experiencing side effects with this medication, so this medication should be used with caution in older adults.

Research suggests that empagliflozin may harm the developing kidneys of a fetus; hence, this medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, your doctor will likely switch you to insulin, which is the preferred treatment for diabetes during pregnancy. Breastfeeding is also not recommended while taking this medication. Metformin can pass into breast milk, and there is a potential risk that empagliflozin could affect kidney development in a nursing infant. It is worth noting that for premenopausal women who do not have regular periods, the metformin component may induce ovulation. This effectively increases your fertility and the chance of an unintended pregnancy, so discussing contraception with your doctor is often advised if you don't want to get pregnant.

Since the empagliflozin component works by making you urinate more to get rid of sugar, adding a diuretic (water pills) on top of that can double down on fluid loss. This increases your risk of severe dehydration and low blood pressure. Therefore, it is imperative to inform your doctor about all the medications, including herbal medicines and supplements, that you are taking before starting Synjardy to prevent drug interactions. Synjardy is available as tablets in various dosages. Follow your physician's instructions and take one tablet twice daily with meals. Your physician will determine the optimal dosage and schedule for you based on your individual needs. Swallow the tablets whole and drink them with water. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablets. Monitor your blood glucose levels closely while taking Synjardy, as it may cause hypoglycemia (low blood glucose). Store Synjardy at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight.

Do I need a prescription to order Synjardy?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Synjardy.