Empagliflozin

Diabetes medicine (SGLT2 inhibitor)
PRESCRIPTION ONLY IN INDIA

Empagliflozin is a diabetes medicine (SGLT2 inhibitor) found in 9 medicines sold in India, such as Jardiance 10, Jardiance 25, Arpiempa 10. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.

What it is used for

Lowers blood sugar by passing extra sugar out in urine; also protects heart and kidneys.

How it works

An SGLT2 inhibitor (gliflozin). It makes the kidneys pass extra sugar into the urine. It also protects the heart and kidneys, so it is used in heart failure and kidney disease even without diabetes.

How to take it

Usually 10 mg once a day in the morning, with or without food. Drink enough water and keep the genital area clean.

Common side effects

  • Genital thrush
  • Urinary infections
  • Passing more urine
  • Thirst

Get medical help straight away if

  • Feeling very unwell with nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and fast breathing, even with normal sugar (ketoacidosis)
  • Pain, redness or swelling of the genitals or area behind them
  • Dizziness on standing

Be careful

Drink enough water; can cause genital fungal infections.

Other medicines and interactions

Adds to the effect of diuretics (dehydration). Low sugar more likely with insulin or sulfonylureas. Doctors pause it before surgery and during illness with poor eating.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Not recommended in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Brands of Empagliflozin (9)

Arpiempa 10Cospiaq 10Eliempa 10EmpaHope 10Empaone 10Gibtulio 10Jardiance 10Jardiance 25Vicra 10

Common questions

What is Empagliflozin used for?

Lowers blood sugar by passing extra sugar out in urine; also protects heart and kidneys.

How does Empagliflozin work?

An SGLT2 inhibitor (gliflozin). It makes the kidneys pass extra sugar into the urine. It also protects the heart and kidneys, so it is used in heart failure and kidney disease even without diabetes.

How should I take Empagliflozin?

Usually 10 mg once a day in the morning, with or without food. Drink enough water and keep the genital area clean.

What are the side effects of Empagliflozin?

Common: Genital thrush, urinary infections, passing more urine, thirst. Get help straight away for: Feeling very unwell with nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and fast breathing, even with normal sugar (ketoacidosis), pain, redness or swelling of the genitals or area behind them, dizziness on standing.

Does Empagliflozin interact with other medicines?

Adds to the effect of diuretics (dehydration). Low sugar more likely with insulin or sulfonylureas. Doctors pause it before surgery and during illness with poor eating.

Is Empagliflozin safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Not recommended in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Does Empagliflozin need a prescription in India?

Yes. In India it is a prescription (Schedule H) medicine, so a pharmacist should sell it only with a doctor's prescription.

Which brands contain Empagliflozin?

Arpiempa 10, Cospiaq 10, Eliempa 10, EmpaHope 10, Empaone 10, Gibtulio 10, Jardiance 10, Jardiance 25, Vicra 10.

Sources and further reading

NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.

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For information only, not medical advice. This page is a plain-language summary written from standard prescribing information and the public guides linked below. Brands sometimes change their formula, so always check the composition printed on the pack. Doses here are typical adult doses; yours may differ. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without your doctor or pharmacist, and keep all medicines away from children. In an emergency, call 112 (India) or your local emergency number.