What to Avoid When Taking Jardiance (Empagliflozin)
Medically reviewed by Alan Lucks | MD, Alan Lucks MDPC Private Practice - New York on July 29th, 2026.
Published on July 26th, 2026. Updated on July 29th, 2026.
Key takeaways
Jardiance can cause dehydration, so limiting alcohol and staying hydrated are important steps for safety.
Certain medications including diuretics and insulin may increase the risk of low blood sugar or kidney problems when combined with Jardiance.
High-sugar foods and refined carbohydrates may reduce how well Jardiance controls blood glucose levels.
Jardiance raises the risk of genital yeast infections and urinary tract infections, so hygiene habits matter more while on this medication.
Always consult a clinician before stopping Jardiance suddenly, as this can affect heart and kidney protection benefits.
How Jardiance Works and Why Precautions Matter
Jardiance (empagliflozin) belongs to a class of medications called SGLT2 inhibitors. It works by signaling the kidneys to remove excess glucose through urine rather than allowing it to stay in the bloodstream. Beyond blood sugar control, clinical trials have shown it may reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular events and slow the progression of chronic kidney disease in certain people.
Because of how it acts on the kidneys and fluid balance, Jardiance comes with a specific set of considerations. What you eat, drink, and take alongside it can all influence how safe and effective the medication will be for you.
Substances and Beverages to Limit
Alcohol is one of the more significant concerns for people using Jardiance. Drinking alcohol can cause dehydration, which compounds a similar effect that Jardiance already has through increased urination. Together, these effects may put extra strain on the kidneys. Alcohol can also destabilize blood sugar levels, sometimes causing them to drop dangerously low, particularly if you are also taking insulin or a sulfonylurea.
There is also a small but meaningful risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) associated with Jardiance, even when blood sugar levels appear relatively normal. Alcohol may raise that risk further, especially with heavy or binge drinking. If you choose to drink, moderate intake and staying well hydrated are key precautions.
High-caffeine beverages consumed in large amounts can also contribute to dehydration. While a regular cup of coffee is not likely to cause problems, relying on large quantities of caffeinated drinks without balancing them with water may worsen fluid loss.
Medications That May Interact With Jardiance
Some drug combinations with Jardiance require extra monitoring or dose adjustments. The interactions below are among the most clinically relevant.
Medication Type |
Potential Concern |
What to Ask Your Clinician |
|---|---|---|
Insulin or sulfonylureas |
Increased hypoglycemia risk |
Whether dose reduction is needed |
Diuretics (water pills) |
Worsened dehydration and low blood pressure |
Monitoring hydration and electrolytes |
NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) |
Reduced kidney function, possible reduced drug clearance |
Safer pain relief alternatives |
Rifampin (antibiotic) |
May reduce Jardiance effectiveness |
Whether dosing adjustments are needed |
Lithium |
Jardiance may raise lithium levels in the blood |
More frequent lithium level monitoring |
This list is not exhaustive. Over-the-counter medications, herbal supplements, and vitamins can also interact with Jardiance in ways that are not always obvious. Sharing a complete medication list with your clinician or pharmacist is a practical safety step.
Dietary Patterns to Reconsider
The relationship between diet and Jardiance is worth understanding carefully. Because Jardiance works partly by causing glucose to be excreted through urine, eating large amounts of high-sugar or high-glycemic foods can partially offset the medication's blood sugar-lowering effect.
At the same time, very low-carbohydrate or strict ketogenic diets carry their own risk when combined with Jardiance. These diets cause the body to shift toward fat metabolism and ketone production. Jardiance independently raises ketone levels to some degree, and the combination may increase the risk of euglycemic DKA, a condition where ketoacidosis occurs even without dramatically elevated blood sugar. This makes it harder to detect without a specific blood test.
A balanced, moderate-carbohydrate eating pattern is generally considered safer territory while using Jardiance. If you are interested in a specific dietary approach, discussing it with your care team before making significant changes is a reasonable step.
Staying well hydrated throughout the day is also important. Jardiance increases urinary output, which means fluid intake needs to keep pace. Signs of dehydration such as dizziness, dry mouth, or significantly reduced urination should prompt medical attention.
Hygiene and Lifestyle Habits Worth Adjusting
Jardiance increases glucose levels in the urine, which creates conditions that can encourage the growth of bacteria and yeast in the genital area. Genital yeast infections are among the more commonly reported side effects, particularly in women, though men can also be affected. Urinary tract infections may also occur more frequently.
Maintaining good hygiene practices can help reduce these risks. Wearing breathable, cotton underwear, changing out of wet clothing promptly, and avoiding heavily scented soaps or products in the genital area are practical measures. If you experience symptoms of a yeast infection or UTI, reaching out to a clinician early tends to make treatment simpler.
Sitting or standing up slowly is also worth mentioning. Jardiance can cause a modest drop in blood pressure, especially early in treatment or when dehydration is present. Rising quickly from a lying or seated position may cause dizziness or light-headedness in some people.
Situations That Require Pausing or Stopping Jardiance
There are specific circumstances where continuing Jardiance without medical guidance may not be appropriate. These include periods of prolonged fasting, illness involving vomiting or diarrhea, or planned surgical procedures. During these times, fluid intake often drops and metabolic demands shift, raising the risk of DKA.
Most clinical guidelines suggest stopping Jardiance at least three days before elective surgery. If you develop a serious illness or cannot tolerate food or fluids, contacting your clinician about whether to temporarily pause the medication is a sensible precaution.
Jardiance should also not be used in people with severe kidney impairment or end-stage kidney disease, as the medication relies on kidney function to work and may not be effective or safe in that setting. Your clinician will typically check kidney function before and during treatment.
Doctronic, the first AI legally authorized to practice medicine in the United States, has supported over 22 million AI consultations and achieves 99.2% treatment plan alignment with board-certified physicians. If you have questions about your Jardiance regimen between appointments, a free AI consultation or a $39 video visit available around the clock can help you get timely guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Alcohol can increase the risk of dehydration and low blood sugar when combined with Jardiance. It may also raise the risk of a rare but serious condition called diabetic ketoacidosis. Occasional moderate drinking may be acceptable for some people, but it is best to discuss your personal situation with a clinician.
Very low-carbohydrate or ketogenic diets may raise the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis with Jardiance. High-sugar foods can reduce the medication's effectiveness. Eating a balanced diet with steady carbohydrate intake, guided by your care team, is generally the safer approach while using this medication.
Yes. When combined with insulin or sulfonylureas, Jardiance may increase the risk of hypoglycemia. Dose adjustments are sometimes needed. Always give your clinician a full list of medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, so interactions can be identified and managed safely.
Regular use of NSAIDs such as ibuprofen may reduce kidney function, which can affect how Jardiance works and raise the risk of kidney-related side effects. Occasional use may be acceptable for some people, but frequent or long-term NSAID use should be discussed with a clinician before continuing.
Most guidelines recommend stopping Jardiance at least three days before any planned surgical procedure. This helps lower the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis associated with fasting and surgical stress. Your clinician or surgical team will provide specific instructions based on your procedure and overall health situation.
The Bottom Line
Jardiance is an effective medication for managing type 2 diabetes and protecting heart and kidney health, but knowing what to avoid makes a meaningful difference in your safety and outcomes. Limiting alcohol, staying hydrated, watching your diet, and flagging all other medications with your care team are practical steps that support your treatment. Doctronic offers free AI consultations and $39 video visits available 24/7 for questions about your medications. This article is informational and is not a medical diagnosis. Confirm with a licensed clinician, especially for new, worsening, or high-risk symptoms.
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