Does taking Jardiance (empagliflozin) with or without food affect its efficacy or side effects?

Taking Jardiance (Empagliflozin) With or Without Food

Jardiance (empagliflozin) can be taken with or without food as food does not significantly affect its clinical efficacy or safety profile. 1

Pharmacokinetic Effects of Food on Empagliflozin

According to the FDA drug label for Jardiance:

• When empagliflozin 25 mg is taken with a high-fat, high-calorie meal:
  • AUC (area under the curve) decreases by approximately 16%
  • Cmax (maximum concentration) decreases by approximately 37%
  • These changes in pharmacokinetics are not considered clinically relevant 1

The official FDA label specifically states: "The observed effect of food on empagliflozin pharmacokinetics was not considered clinically relevant and empagliflozin may be administered with or without food." 1

Clinical Implications

Efficacy Considerations

• No dosage adjustment is needed based on food intake
• The recommended dose remains 10 mg once daily (can be increased to 25 mg once daily)
• The medication should be taken in the morning, regardless of food status 1

Patient Convenience

• The flexibility to take Jardiance with or without food can improve medication adherence
• Patients can incorporate the medication into their daily routine without strict meal timing requirements 2

Special Considerations

Gastrointestinal Side Effects

• If a patient experiences gastrointestinal side effects with Jardiance, taking it with food might help mitigate these effects, similar to recommendations for other medications that can cause GI upset 2
• However, the most common side effects of SGLT2 inhibitors like empagliflozin are genital mycotic infections rather than GI issues 3

Consistency in Administration

• While food timing is flexible, taking the medication at approximately the same time each day is recommended for consistent drug levels 2
• The medication should be taken in the morning as specified in the dosing guidelines 1

Contrast with Other Diabetes Medications

Unlike some other diabetes medications, Jardiance does not have strict food requirements:

• Metformin: Often recommended to be taken with food to minimize gastrointestinal side effects 3, 2
• GLP-1 receptor agonists: Some require specific timing related to meals 2
• Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors: Must be taken at the start of meals for maximal effect 2
• Insulin secretagogues: Should be taken with meals containing carbohydrates to reduce hypoglycemia risk 2

Conclusion

For patients taking Jardiance (empagliflozin), the decision to take it with or without food can be based on personal preference and tolerance, as food does not significantly impact the medication's effectiveness or safety profile. The most important factor is consistent daily administration rather than timing with respect to meals.