Empagliflozin Side Effects: Common, Serious & FDA Warnings
Based on 69,000+ FDA adverse event reports, the most-reported empagliflozin reactions include diabetic ketoacidosis, nausea, and blood glucose increased. No active recalls are on record. The FDA-approved label carries a boxed warning.
WARNING: LACTIC ACIDOSIS Postmarketing cases of metformin-associated lactic acidosis have resulted in death, hypothermia, hypotension, and resistant bradyarrhythmias. The onset of metformin-associated lactic acidosis is often subtle, accompanied only by nonspecific symptoms such as malaise, myalgias, respiratory distress, somnolence, and abdominal pain. Metformin-associated lactic acidosis was characterized by elevated blood lactate levels (>5 mmol/Liter), anion gap acidosis (without evidence of ketonuria or ketonemia), an increased lactate/pyruvate ratio; and metformin plasma levels generally >5 mcg/mL [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Risk factors for metformin-associated lactic acidosis include renal impairment, concomitant use of certain drugs (e.g., carbonic anhydrase inhibitors such as topiramate), age 65 years old or greater, having a radiological study with contrast, surgery and other procedures, hypoxic states (e.g., acute congestive heart failure), excessive alcohol intake, and hepatic impairment. Steps to reduce the risk of and manage metformin-associated lactic acidosis in these high risk groups are provided in the full prescribing information [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) , Contraindications (4) , Warnings and Precautions (5.1) , Drug Interactions (7) , and Use in Specific Populations (8.6 , 8.7) ]. If metformin-associated lactic acidosis is suspected, immediately discontinue SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR and institute general supportive measures in a hospital setting. Prompt hemodialysis is recommended [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. WARNING: LACTIC ACIDOSIS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Postmarketing cases of metformin-associated lactic acidosis have resulted in death, hypothermia, hypotension, and resistant bradyarrhythmias. Symptoms included malaise, myalgias, respiratory distress, somnolence, and abdominal pain. Laboratory abnormalities included elevated blood lactate levels, anion gap acidosis, increased lactate/pyruvate ratio; and metformin plasma levels generally >5 mcg/mL. ( 5.1 ) Risk factors include renal impairment, concomitant use of certain drugs, age ≥65 years old, radiological studies with contrast, surgery and other procedures, hypoxic states, excessive alcohol intake, and hepatic impairment. Steps to reduce the risk of and manage metformin-associated lactic acidosis in these high risk groups are provided in the Full Prescribing Information. ( 5.1 ) If lactic acidosis is suspected, discontinue SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR and institute general supportive measures in a hospital setting. Prompt hemodialysis is recommended. ( 5.1 )
Common Side Effects of Empagliflozin
The most-reported reactions in the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) for empagliflozin. Percentages reflect the share of reports mentioning each reaction; a single report may include multiple reactions. Reports indicate co-occurrence, not causation.
| Reaction | Reports | % of total |
|---|---|---|
| Diabetic Ketoacidosis | 4,145 | 6.0% |
| Nausea | 3,714 | 5.4% |
| Blood Glucose Increased | 3,496 | 5.0% |
| Diarrhoea | 3,230 | 4.7% |
| Weight Decreased | 3,094 | 4.5% |
| Fatigue | 2,923 | 4.2% |
| Vomiting | 2,812 | 4.1% |
| Dizziness | 2,728 | 3.9% |
| Dyspnoea | 2,321 | 3.3% |
| Fungal Infection | 2,246 | 3.2% |
Serious Outcomes and FDA Warnings
FAERS reports flagged with a serious outcome (death, hospitalization, life-threatening, disability, or congenital anomaly), plus reactions surfaced in the FDA-approved label's Warnings section. Reports indicate co-occurrence, not causation.
| Outcome flag | Reports | % of total |
|---|---|---|
| Serious reports (any flag) | — | — |
| Hospitalization | — | — |
| Death reported as outcome FAERS outcome flag, not a reaction term. The patient was on the drug when the report was filed; causation is not established. | 1,544 | 2.2% |
From the FDA-approved label, Section 5.1: Lactic Acidosis
There have been postmarketing cases of metformin-associated lactic acidosis, including fatal cases. These cases had a subtle onset and were accompanied by nonspecific symptoms such as malaise, myalgias, abdominal pain, respiratory distress, or increased somnolence; however, hypothermia, hypotension, and resistant bradyarrhythmias have occurred with severe acidosis. Metformin-associated lactic acidosis was characterized by elevated blood lactate concentrations (>5 mmol/Liter), anion gap acidosis (without evidence of ketonuria or ketonemia), and an increased lactate:pyruvate ratio; metformin plasma levels generally >5 mcg/mL.Show full Section 5.1
Metformin decreases liver uptake of lactate increasing lactate blood levels which may increase the risk of lactic acidosis, especially in patients at risk. If metformin-associated lactic acidosis is suspected, general supportive measures should be instituted promptly in a hospital setting, along with immediate discontinuation of SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR. In SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR-treated patients with a diagnosis or strong suspicion of lactic acidosis, prompt hemodialysis is recommended to correct the acidosis and remove accumulated metformin (metformin is dialyzable, with a clearance of up to 170 mL/minute under good hemodynamic conditions). Hemodialysis has often resulted in reversal of symptoms and recovery . Educate patients and their families about the symptoms of lactic acidosis and if these symptoms occur instruct them to discontinue SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR and report these symptoms to their healthcare provider. For each of the known and possible risk factors for metformin-associated lactic acidosis, recommendations to reduce the risk of and manage metformin-associated lactic acidosis are provided below: Renal Impairment: The postmarketing metformin-associated lactic acidosis cases primarily occurred in patients with significant renal impairment. The risk of metformin accumulation and metformin-associated lactic acidosis increases with the severity of renal impairment because metformin is substantially excreted by the kidney. Clinical recommendations based upon the patient's renal function include [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] : Before initiating SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR, obtain an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). SYNJARDY and SYNJARDY XR are contraindicated in patients with an eGFR below 30 mL/min/1.73 m 2 [see Contraindications (4) ]. Obtain an eGFR at least annually in all patients taking SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR. In patients at increased risk for the development of renal impairment (e.g., the elderly), renal function should be assessed more frequently. Drug Interactions: The concomitant use of SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR with specific drugs may increase the risk of metformin-associated lactic acidosis: those that impair renal function, result in significant hemodynamic change, interfere with acid-base balance or increase metformin accumulation [see Drug Interactions (7) ] . Therefore, consider more frequent monitoring of patients. Age 65 or Greater: The risk of metformin-associated lactic acidosis increases with the patient's age because elderly patients have a greater likelihood of having hepatic, renal, or cardiac impairment than younger patients. Assess renal function more frequently in elderly patients [see Use in Specific Populations (8.5) ] . Radiological Studies with Contrast: Administration of intravascular iodinated contrast agents in metformin-treated patients has led to an acute decrease in renal function and the occurrence of lactic acidosis. Stop SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR at the time of, or prior to, an iodinated contrast imaging procedure in patients with an eGFR less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ; in patients with a history of hepatic impairment, alcoholism, or heart failure; or in patients who will be administered intra-arterial iodinated contrast. Re-evaluate eGFR 48 hours after the imaging procedure, and restart SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR if renal function is stable. Surgery and Other Procedures: Withholding of food and fluids during surgical or other procedures may increase the risk for volume depletion, hypotension and renal impairment. SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR should be temporarily discontinued while patients have restricted food and fluid intake. Hypoxic States: Several of the postmarketing cases of metformin-associated lactic acidosis occurred in the setting of acute congestive heart failure (particularly when accompanied by hypoperfusion and hypoxemia). Cardiovascular collapse (shock), acute myocardial infarction, sepsis, and other conditions associated with hypoxemia have been associated with lactic acidosis and may also cause prerenal azotemia. When such events occur, discontinue SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR. Excessive Alcohol Intake: Alcohol potentiates the effect of metformin on lactate metabolism and this may increase the risk of metformin-associated lactic acidosis. Warn patients against excessive alcohol intake while receiving SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR. Hepatic Impairment: Patients with hepatic impairment have developed cases of metformin-associated lactic acidosis. This may be due to impaired lactate clearance resulting in higher lactate blood levels. Therefore, avoid use of SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR in patients with clinical or laboratory evidence of hepatic disease.
From the FDA-approved label, Section 5.4: Genitourinary Infections, including Urosepsis, Pyelonephritis, Necrotizing Fasciitis of the Perineum (Fournier's Gangrene), and Genital Mycotic Infections
Empagliflozin increases urinary glucose excretion [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2) ] and increases the risk of genitourinary infections including urinary tract infections and genital mycotic infections in both male and female patients [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . Serious genitourinary infections, including urosepsis, pyelonephritis, and necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum (Fournier's gangrene, a rare life-threatening infection requiring urgent surgical intervention), have occurred in patients with and without diabetes mellitus receiving SGLT2 inhibitors, including empagliflozin [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ] .Show full Section 5.4
Cases have required hospitalization . In patients with Fournier's gangrene, serious outcomes have included multiple surgeries and death. SYNJARDY and SYNJARDY XR are only indicated for use in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Patients with a history of chronic or recurrent genitourinary infections are more likely to develop genitourinary infections when using SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of genitourinary infections and treat promptly, if indicated. Immediately evaluate patients presenting with pain or tenderness, erythema, or swelling in the genital or perineal area, along with fever or malaise, for necrotizing fasciitis. If suspected, discontinue SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR and promptly institute appropriate medical and/or surgical intervention.
Empagliflozin Recalls
FDA enforcement actions matched to empagliflozin via openFDA's structured generic_name field and the NDC bridge. Ongoing recalls are listed below (verify on FDA →).
No recalls are on record for this drug in the FDA enforcement database.
Empagliflozin Shortages
FDA-listed shortages of empagliflozin products. Strength and dosage-form level detail.
Is Empagliflozin Safe?
Empagliflozin is FDA-approved. The label's Warnings and Precautions section covers lactic acidosis (Section 5.1), diabetic ketoacidosis in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and other (Section 5.2), volume depletion (Section 5.3), genitourinary infections, including urosepsis, pyelonephritis, necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum (fournier's gangrene), and genital mycotic infections (Section 5.4), hypoglycemia (Section 5.5), lower limb (Section 5.6), hypersensitivity reactions (Section 5.7), vitamin b 12 deficiency in metformin (Section 5.8).
As with any prescription, the assessment of safety is individual; consult a clinician about your own risk profile.
FDA-Approved Indications
Empagliflozin is FDA-approved for use in the condition categories below. The FDA-approved label’s Indications and Usage section is shown verbatim.
SYNJARDY SYNJARDY is a combination of empagliflozin, a sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor and metformin hydrochloride (HCl) immediate-release, a biguanide, indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults and pediatric patients aged 10 years and older with type 2 diabetes mellitus. SYNJARDY XR SYNJARDY XR is a combination of empagliflozin, a SGLT2 inhibitor and metformin HCl extended-release, a biguanide, indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus .Show full Indications and Usage
Empagliflozin Empagliflozin, when used as a component of SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR, is indicated in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus to reduce the risk of: Cardiovascular (CV) death in adults with established CV disease. ( 1 ) CV death and hospitalization for heart failure in adults with heart failure. ( 1 ) Sustained decline in eGFR, end-stage kidney disease, CV death, and hospitalization in adults with chronic kidney disease at risk of progression. ( 1 ) Limitations of Use : Not recommended for use to improve glycemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. It may increase the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis in these patients. ( 1 ) Because of the metformin HCl component, the use of SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR is limited to patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus for all indications. ( 1 ) Empagliflozin, when used as a component of SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR, is not recommended for the treatment of chronic kidney disease in patients with polycystic kidney disease or patients requiring or with a recent history of intravenous immunosuppressive therapy or greater than 45 mg of prednisone or equivalent for kidney disease. Empagliflozin is not expected to be effective in these populations. ( 1 ) SYNJARDY SYNJARDY is a combination of empagliflozin and metformin hydrochloride (HCl) immediate-release indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults and pediatric patients aged 10 years and older with type 2 diabetes mellitus . SYNJARDY XR SYNJARDY XR is a combination of empagliflozin and metformin HCl extended-release indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus . Empagliflozin Empagliflozin, when used as a component of SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR, is indicated in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus to reduce the risk of: Cardiovascular (CV) death in adults with established CV disease. CV death and hospitalization for heart failure in adults with heart failure. Sustained decline in eGFR, end-stage kidney disease, CV death, and hospitalization in adults with chronic kidney disease at risk of progression. Limitations of Use SYNJARDY and SYNJARDY XR are not recommended for use to improve glycemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. It may increase the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis in these patients [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . Because of the metformin HCl component, the use of SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR is limited to patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus for all indications. Empagliflozin, when used as a component of SYNJARDY or SYNJARDY XR, is not recommended for the treatment of chronic kidney disease in patients with polycystic kidney disease or patients requiring or with a recent history of intravenous immunosuppressive therapy or greater than 45 mg of prednisone or equivalent for kidney disease [see Clinical Studies (14.5) ] . Empagliflozin is not expected to be effective in these populations.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Data Sources & Methodology
How each section of this page is sourced, and how often the data is refreshed.
| Source | Endpoint | Refresh |
|---|---|---|
| FAERS reactions | openFDA /drug/event.json count API. Aggregated per drug per reaction term; we do not store individual reports. | Daily |
| Recalls | openFDA /drug/enforcement.json. Drugs matched via three confidence-tracked strategies: structured generic name (HIGH), NDC code bridge (MEDIUM), text token parse (LOW). Only HIGH and MEDIUM matches surface here. | 6 hours |
| Shortages | FDA Drug Shortages list. | Daily |
| Boxed warnings & label sections | openFDA /drug/label.json. Labels are stable; monthly cadence is sufficient. | Monthly |
| Condition categories | Synonym-mapped from drug_labels.indications. Methodology at /methodology/. | Per-drug |
What we do not do. We do not invent, paraphrase, or extrapolate drug claims. Every figure on this page comes from a query against an openFDA endpoint. If the data is unavailable, the section gracefully omits rather than filling the space with editorial guesswork.