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III. How to Avoid Interactions
Type 2 diabetes is becoming more and more common throughout the United States. Type 2 diabetes is often related to an unhealthy diet and lifestyle, so diabetes rates increase as obesity rates skyrocket in America.
According to the CDC, over 37 million Americans live with type 2 diabetes, and millions more are unaware they are insulin resistant. [1]
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body does not process glucose effectively. Glucose is the body’s fuel, and if you can’t process this vital substance, several dangerous side effects may occur.
As diabetes becomes more prevalent, several medications are coming out on the market to assist in type 2 symptoms. Jardiance is a newer medication used to regulate blood sugar levels and reduce the occurrence of diabetic complications. It is essential to take Jardiance as prescribed to ensure the efficacy of Jardiance 10 mg. Read on to learn more about common interactions with Jardiance.
Jardiance Drug Interactions
Many patients prefer Jardiance because it has fewer side effects, but it may interact with other prescription and over-the-counter drugs. These drugs may include:
- Testosterone
- Atypical antipsychotics
- Antimalarials
- Diuretics
- Corticosteroids
- Estrogen
- Niacin
- Glucagon
- Hepatitis C antivirals
That is not a complete list of what to avoid while taking Jardiance, so talk to your doctor to learn more about all possible interactions. Jardiance may interact with the ingredients in the above-listed drugs, but two types of medications interact with Jardiance most: blood-sugar-lowering medications and diuretics.
If you are prescribed Jardiance, your doctor has determined that you are insulin resistant. Jardiance medication rids the body of excess glucose through the kidneys by excreting glucose through the urine. Empagliflozin is an effective medication, so if you take more than one blood sugar-lowering drug, you are at risk for low blood sugar. Symptoms of low blood sugar include fatigue, anxiety, hunger, irritability, pale skin, and shakiness.
Because Jardiance works by glucose excretion through the urine, diuretics may be dangerous. Diuretics, also known as water pills, increase urination. This could be a problem with Jardiance because you may excrete too much urine and increase your risk of dehydration. [2]
Jardiance Food Interactions
Alcohol may cause a moderate interaction because of its dehydrating characteristics. Your doctor may advise you to abstain from excessive alcohol use while taking Jardiance to reduce the risk of dehydration. Alcohol can also cause severe low blood sugar if you drink on an empty stomach. If you do drink, you may want to monitor your blood sugar regularly to ensure you are not experiencing side effects.
Caffeine has a similar effect on the body because it increases urination. You may further increase your risk of dehydration if you drink a lot of caffeinated beverages during your Jardiance treatment.
Using tobacco can also affect your Jardiance treatment. If you smoke cigarettes, you may need to monitor your blood sugar more often. Tobacco contains nicotine, which is a substance that can increase blood sugar. Quitting smoking can also affect your blood sugar levels, so tell your doctor if you are in the process of kicking your smoking habit. Tobacco use can also aggravate insulin resistance, so tell your doctor if you smoke before starting Jardiance. [3]
How to Avoid Interactions with Jardiance
You can decrease the risk of Jardiance interactions by following your doctor and pharmacist’s directions. Empagliflozin is a once-daily drug that is best taken in the morning. Never increase or decrease your Jardiance dose without speaking with your doctor first. Jardiance can be taken with or without food. Taking it at the same time each day increases the efficacy.
When starting a new medication, you will want to tell your doctor about any other medications or supplements you take. If you do not tell your doctor about your alcohol or tobacco use, you may not get the full benefit of Jardiance and experience dangerous interactions. If you want to read more Jardiance articles, visit MyDrugCenter, a reputable Canadian pharmacy to fill all your prescription needs.
Type 2 Diabetes Complications
Jardiance interactions can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes complications. Diabetic complications can be life-threatening if left untreated, so it is important to follow your treatment plan. Diabetic complications usually occur slowly over time. The most common complications of type 2 diabetes include:
Small blood vessel complications: If you have high blood sugar for long periods, it can affect the body's small blood vessels. It damages the blood vessels, so blood cannot travel as well throughout the body. Most commonly, the eyes, kidneys, and nervous system are affected by blood vessel damage.
Heart disease: Over time, diabetes can also affect large blood vessels and cause plaque to build up in the vessel walls. Built-up plaque can then block blood flow, causing a heart attack. The plaque may shear off the blood vessel and lead to a stroke in other cases.
Hypoglycemia: The most common complication of type 2 diabetes is low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). When you take insulin or supplementary medications like Jardiance 25 mg, your blood sugar can drop suddenly due to medications or your daily activities. A sugary drink or glucose tablet can quickly treat mild hypoglycemia, but you should talk to your doctor to discuss changes to your treatment plan if this occurs frequently. [4]
DISCLAIMER: The information in the article is not meant to be used for treatment or diagnosis. It is designed for general awareness and for information purposes only. Always consult a medical professional for your specific healthcare needs.
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