What is Synjardy XR?
Synjardy XR, a combination of medicine, diet, and exercise, is used to control blood sugar in adults with type II diabetes.
Synjardy XR can also be used to reduce the risk of death due to heart attacks, strokes, or cardiac failure among adults with diabetes type 2 and heart disease. Synjardy XR does not treat type I diabetes. Synjardy XR can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Synjardy XR
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue.
If any of these symptoms apply to you, seek medical assistance immediately. The symptoms can get worse very quickly.
If you experience:
- A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you could pass out.
- dehydration—dizziness, confusion, feeling very thirsty, less urination;
- Ketoacidosis is a condition where there is too much acid in your blood. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, confusion, unusual sleepiness, or difficulty breathing.
- lactic acidosis: unusual muscular pain; difficulty breathing; stomach pain or vomiting; an irregular heartbeat; dizziness; or feeling tired or weak.
- Signs of a urinary tract infection include pain or burning while urinating, blood in the urine, and back or pelvic pain.
Some side effects are more common in older adults.
Synjardy XR side effects may include:
- low blood sugar
- indigestion, stomach pain, gas, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- A bladder infection
- Women with yeast infections (vaginal itching and discharge);
- Headache, weakness,
- Sore throat.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Warnings
If you experience any of the following: nausea, vomiting, fatigue, or difficulty breathing, stop taking Synjardy XR immediately and contact your doctor. If you have diarrhea or vomiting, or if your appetite or drinking are less than normal, tell your doctor. If you experience symptoms such as muscle pains, difficulty breathing, irregular heartbeats, or feeling very weak, you should seek emergency medical attention.
This medication can cause serious infections in the vagina or penis. Seek medical attention immediately if there is burning, itching, or discharge; pain or tenderness around the genital area or rectal region; swelling or redness; fever; or you feel unwell.
Before you take this drug
This medicine should not be used if:
- If you have severe kidney disease and/or are receiving dialysis treatments, or currently experience them yourself, here are a few important points.
- metabolic acidosis or diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment).
You may have to temporarily stop using this medication if you are going to undergo surgery or any type of x-ray or CT scan that uses a dye injected directly into your veins. Let your caregivers and doctors know that you're taking Synjardy XR.
Tell your doctor about any of the following:
- Liver or kidney disease
- A bladder infection or problems with urination;
- Congestive heart failure is caused by a stroke or heart attack.
- A genital infection, either penis or vaginal;
- Pancreas problems, including surgery
- If you're on a diet that is low in salt,
- If you are over 65 years old,
You could develop lactic acidosis. This is a dangerous accumulation of lactic acids in your blood. Consult your doctor to determine your risk. It is important to control diabetes during pregnancy. Do not take Synjardy XR in the second or third trimester.
Metformin can stimulate ovulation and increase the risk of unintended pregnancies in women who are not yet menopausal. Speak to your doctor about the risks. Breastfeeding is not recommended. No one under 18 may use this product.
What is the best way to take Synjardy XR?
Read all the instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow the directions. Sometimes, your doctor will change the dose. You must take the medication exactly as it is prescribed. Take with meals. Do not chew, crush, break, or dissolve the Extended-Release Tablet. If you are having trouble swallowing, tell your doctor. You will need to check your blood sugar often, and you may need to test for ketones in your urine. Empagliflozin may cause life-threatening ketoacidosis. If your blood sugar level is normal but a urine test indicates that you have excessive ketones, call your doctor.
Stress, illness, surgery, or alcohol consumption can affect blood sugar levels. You may feel irritable or shaky if you have low blood sugar. Eat or drink hard candies, crackers, or raisins. Fruit juice or regular soda will also help to treat In severe cases of hypoglycemia, your doctor may prescribe glucagon. Dehydration can occur if you suffer from an extended illness. If you have diarrhea or vomiting or are eating or drinking less than normal, call your doctor.
Inform your doctor of any planned surgeries. Synjardy can interfere with certain medical tests. Inform any doctor that you use Synjardy XR. You may be prescribed extra vitamin B12 by your doctor if you are taking Synjardy XR. Only take the prescribed amount of vitamin B12. Diet, exercise, weight management, and other medical treatments may be part of your treatment. Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If it is close to time for your next dose, simply skip it. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention. An overdose may cause lactic acidosis. You may experience unusual muscle pains, difficulty breathing, irregular heartbeats, or feel weak.
What should be avoided?
Avoid alcohol. Alcohol can increase the risk of lactic acidosis. You could experience dizziness if you suddenly rise from sitting or lying position and stand up too quickly.
Interaction with other drug
Other drugs can increase or decrease the effect of metformin and empagliflozin on lowering blood sugar. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are taking and those that you stop or start using.
- Insulin or oral diabetes medication;
- A diuretic, or "water pill."
This list is incomplete. Synjardy XR may be affected by other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all drug interactions.
