What it is used for

Type 2 diabetes
Heart failure
Chronic kidney disease

Read our guides:

Off-label uses

Doctors sometimes prescribe a medicine for a condition it is not officially licensed for. This is called off-label use. It is legal and common when there is good evidence it helps, and your doctor should explain why they are suggesting it.

Empagliflozin is not commonly used off-label.

How it works

Empagliflozin blocks a protein in the kidneys called SGLT2, so more sugar, salt and water leave the body in your pee. This lowers blood sugar, reduces strain on the heart and slows kidney damage.

Side effects

Like all medicines, Empagliflozin can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Many are mild and ease after the first few weeks.

Common side effects

thrush or other genital infections
urine infections
needing to pee more
feeling thirsty
itching

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if these bother you or do not go away.

Serious side effects

These are rare. Call 111 or contact your doctor straight away if you get:

feeling or being sick, stomach pain, fast breathing or sleepiness, which can be signs of diabetic ketoacidosis
pain, redness or swelling of the genitals or the area behind them, with a high temperature
signs of dehydration, such as dizziness and very dark pee

Call 999 if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of your lips, mouth, throat or tongue, or trouble breathing.

You can report any side effect to the Yellow Card scheme, run by the medicines regulator.

Stopping and withdrawal

Important safety information

Follow sick day rules. Stop it if you are unwell and cannot eat or drink, and restart when you are better.
Stop it before major surgery, as advised by your team.

Questions about your medicine?

A pharmacist can answer questions about your medicines for free, without an appointment. You can also ask your GP for a medication review. Check if you can get free prescriptions.