From the Research
Jardiance (empagliflozin) is not specifically contraindicated in patients with urinary retention, but caution is warranted in these patients. The medication works by inhibiting sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) in the kidneys, which increases urinary glucose excretion and consequently increases urine volume. This diuretic effect could potentially worsen existing urinary retention issues. Patients with a history of urinary retention, benign prostatic hyperplasia, or other urological conditions that affect urination should be monitored closely when starting Jardiance.
The official contraindications for Jardiance include severe renal impairment (eGFR less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m²), end-stage renal disease, dialysis, and hypersensitivity to the medication. If a patient with urinary retention is prescribed Jardiance, they should be advised to report any worsening of urinary symptoms promptly. Healthcare providers may need to consider alternative diabetes medications if urinary symptoms become problematic. The standard dosing of Jardiance is 10 mg once daily, which can be increased to 25 mg once daily if needed for glycemic control.
Key points to consider:
- The most recent and highest quality study, 1, demonstrated that empagliflozin therapy led to a lower risk of progression of kidney disease or death from cardiovascular causes than placebo in patients with chronic kidney disease.
- Another study, 2, found that empagliflozin had a beneficial effect on key efficacy outcomes and slowed the rate of kidney function decline in patients with and without chronic kidney disease.
- The diuretic effect of empagliflozin may increase urine volume, which could potentially worsen existing urinary retention issues, as noted in study 3.
- Patients with urinary retention should be monitored closely when starting Jardiance, and healthcare providers may need to consider alternative diabetes medications if urinary symptoms become problematic.