Can Jardiance (Empagliflozin) cause yeast infections?

Jardiance and Yeast Infections

Yes, Jardiance (empagliflozin) can cause yeast infections, particularly genital mycotic infections in both women and men. The FDA drug label specifically warns about this common side effect 1.

Risk of Yeast Infections with Jardiance

• Genital mycotic infections (vulvovaginal candidiasis in women and balanitis/balanoposthitis in men) are well-documented side effects of SGLT2 inhibitors like Jardiance 1
• In clinical trials, genital mycotic infections occurred in 0.9% of placebo patients compared to 4.1% and 3.7% in patients taking Jardiance 10mg and 25mg, respectively 1
• Women experience higher rates of genital yeast infections than men when taking Jardiance 1, 2

Why Jardiance Causes Yeast Infections

• Jardiance works by increasing glucose excretion in the urine (glucosuria) 1
• The increased sugar in genital areas creates an ideal environment for yeast (Candida) growth 3
• High blood glucose levels promote yeast attachment, growth, and interfere with immune responses 3

Risk Factors for Developing Yeast Infections on Jardiance

• Female sex (women have 4.22 times higher risk than men) 2
• Prior history of genital fungal infections (2.41 times higher risk) 2
• Age ≤55 years in women 4
• Poorly controlled diabetes 3
• In men, being uncircumcised increases risk 3

Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

In Women:

• Vaginal odor
• White or yellowish vaginal discharge (may look like cottage cheese)
• Vaginal itching and irritation 1

In Men:

• Redness, itching, or swelling of the penis
• Rash on the penis
• Foul-smelling discharge from the penis
• Pain in the skin around the penis 1

Treatment of Jardiance-Related Yeast Infections

• For uncomplicated vulvovaginal candidiasis:

  • Topical antifungal agents (clotrimazole, miconazole, terconazole) for 3-7 days 5
  • Single 150mg oral dose of fluconazole 5

• For recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis:

  • Initial therapy for 7-14 days 5
  • Followed by maintenance therapy with fluconazole 150mg weekly for 6 months 5

• For male yeast infections (balanitis):

  • Topical antifungal agents applied to affected areas 5, 3

Prevention Strategies

• Maintain good blood glucose control 3
• Practice good genital hygiene 3
• Consider prophylactic antifungal therapy for patients with recurrent infections 5
• For women with recurrent infections, fluconazole 100-150mg weekly may be used for chronic suppression 5, 6

When to Seek Medical Care

• If symptoms persist after using over-the-counter antifungal preparations 5
• If symptoms recur within 2 months of initial treatment 5
• If experiencing severe symptoms or frequent recurrences 5

Special Considerations

• Treatment of sexual partners is not routinely recommended for vulvovaginal candidiasis but may be considered for women with recurrent infection 5
• Male partners with balanitis may benefit from topical antifungal treatment 5
• Discontinuation of Jardiance due to genital infections is rare (0.2% in clinical trials) 1
• Most patients can continue Jardiance while treating the yeast infection 1

Yeast infections are a known and common side effect of SGLT2 inhibitors like Jardiance, but they can be effectively managed with appropriate antifungal therapy while continuing the medication in most cases 1, 3.