Common tablets include 10 mg and 25 mg; use depends on the approved indication and clinician assessment.
Prescription classification
Prescription only (Schedule H / verified)
Approved routes of administration
Oral
Applies to
IN; product status and availability may vary by jurisdiction
Approved indications
An SGLT2 inhibitor used to improve blood glucose control in type 2 diabetes. Also approved to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death in adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease, and to treat heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.
Contraindications (do not use if…)
Do not use in people with type 1 diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis, severe kidney impairment (eGFR below 20‚30, depending on indication), or known hypersensitivity to empagliflozin.
Important precautions
Monitor kidney function before starting and during treatment. Withold before major surgery or prolonged fasting to reduce the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis. Maintain good genital hygiene. Ensure adequate hydration ‚ especially in hot weather or with illness.
Common side effects
Common effects include genital yeast infections, urinary tract infections, increased urination, and thirst. Volume depletion can occur, particularly in older adults or those on diuretics.
Serious side effects — seek urgent medical care
Seek urgent care for symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis (nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, confusion) ‚ even if blood glucose is not very high. Also watch for Fournier's gangrene (rare but serious genital infection) and lower-limb complications.
Important interactions
Interact with diuretics (increased dehydration risk), insulin and sulphonylureas (increased hypoglycaemia risk), and lithium. Review all medicines with your doctor.
Allergy considerations
Do not use if you have had a hypersensitivity reaction to empagliflozin. Serious reactions include anaphylaxis and angioedema.
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy safety
Generally avoided
Notes
Not recommended during pregnancy. Animal studies raise concern about kidney development. Use effective contraception during treatment.
Information
Lactation safety
Generally avoided
Notes
Not recommended while breastfeeding. The risks to the infant are unknown.
Children and older adults
Not approved for type 1 diabetes or children under 18. Older adults are at higher risk of dehydration, urinary tract infections, and kidney effects.
Storage
Store below 30°C in the original pack, away from moisture and light. Keep out of children's reach.
Missed dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember the same day. If you only remember the next day, skip the missed dose and continue as normal. Do not take two doses in one day.
Overdose
In the event of overdose, contact a poison helpline or doctor. Osmotic diuresis from excessive glucose excretion may cause dehydration.
If you suspect an overdose or accidental poisoning:
contact your local emergency services or the nearest hospital emergency department immediately. Do not wait for symptoms.
Common tablets include 10 mg and 25 mg; use depends on the approved indication and clinician assessment.
Prescription classification
Prescription only (Schedule H / verified)
Approved routes of administration
Oral
Applies to
IN; product status and availability may vary by jurisdiction
Approved indications
An SGLT2 inhibitor used to improve blood glucose control in type 2 diabetes. Also approved to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death in adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease, and to treat heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.
Contraindications (do not use if…)
Do not use in people with type 1 diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis, severe kidney impairment (eGFR below 20‚30, depending on indication), or known hypersensitivity to empagliflozin.
Important precautions
Monitor kidney function before starting and during treatment. Withold before major surgery or prolonged fasting to reduce the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis. Maintain good genital hygiene. Ensure adequate hydration ‚ especially in hot weather or with illness.
Common side effects
Common effects include genital yeast infections, urinary tract infections, increased urination, and thirst. Volume depletion can occur, particularly in older adults or those on diuretics.
Serious side effects — seek urgent medical care
Seek urgent care for symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis (nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, confusion) ‚ even if blood glucose is not very high. Also watch for Fournier's gangrene (rare but serious genital infection) and lower-limb complications.
Important interactions
Interact with diuretics (increased dehydration risk), insulin and sulphonylureas (increased hypoglycaemia risk), and lithium. Review all medicines with your doctor.
Allergy considerations
Do not use if you have had a hypersensitivity reaction to empagliflozin. Serious reactions include anaphylaxis and angioedema.
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy safety
Generally avoided
Notes
Not recommended during pregnancy. Animal studies raise concern about kidney development. Use effective contraception during treatment.
Information
Lactation safety
Generally avoided
Notes
Not recommended while breastfeeding. The risks to the infant are unknown.
Children and older adults
Not approved for type 1 diabetes or children under 18. Older adults are at higher risk of dehydration, urinary tract infections, and kidney effects.
Storage
Store below 30°C in the original pack, away from moisture and light. Keep out of children's reach.
Missed dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember the same day. If you only remember the next day, skip the missed dose and continue as normal. Do not take two doses in one day.
Overdose
In the event of overdose, contact a poison helpline or doctor. Osmotic diuresis from excessive glucose excretion may cause dehydration.
If you suspect an overdose or accidental poisoning:
contact your local emergency services or the nearest hospital emergency department immediately. Do not wait for symptoms.
