Can Jardiance Cause Diarrhea? Understanding the Risks and Management

October 8, 2025 •

4 min read

While urinary tract and genital yeast infections are more commonly associated with the diabetes medication Jardiance, some patients do report gastrointestinal side effects. So, can Jardiance cause diarrhea? Yes, though it is not a primary side effect, it can occur and may be linked to other factors or inactive ingredients.

Quick Summary

Jardiance (empagliflozin) can cause diarrhea in some patients, though it's less common than other side effects. This can be exacerbated by dehydration, an increased risk due to the drug's mechanism. Factors like lactose intolerance or other illnesses may also contribute. Managing symptoms involves hydration and dietary changes, while severe cases require medical consultation. This is distinct from the more frequent gastrointestinal issues caused by metformin.

Key Points

Diarrhea is a possible side effect of Jardiance, but it is not among the most common issues reported by patients, with urinary tract and genital infections being more frequent.
Lactose intolerance may be a cause of diarrhea, as Jardiance tablets contain lactose monohydrate as an inactive ingredient.
Dehydration is a serious risk when diarrhea occurs while taking Jardiance, due to the medication's effect of increasing urinary output.
Always consult your doctor for severe or persistent diarrhea, as it may indicate an underlying illness or require temporary medication discontinuation to prevent dehydration and ketoacidosis.
Managing mild diarrhea involves staying hydrated with water and electrolytes, as well as following a bland diet.
Jardiance's diarrhea risk is different from metformin, another diabetes drug known for its frequent gastrointestinal side effects.

Is Diarrhea a Known Side Effect of Jardiance?

Jardiance, with the generic name empagliflozin, is a widely prescribed SGLT-2 inhibitor used to manage type 2 diabetes and reduce cardiovascular risk. Its primary mechanism involves blocking proteins in the kidneys to increase glucose excretion through urine. While clinical studies most frequently cite urinary tract infections and genital mycotic infections as side effects, gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, constipation, or diarrhea have also been reported by some patients.

It is important to understand that while diarrhea is a possible side effect, its occurrence is less frequent than with other common diabetes medications, most notably metformin. The risk of dehydration is a critical consideration with Jardiance, and any significant fluid loss from diarrhea or vomiting can be serious due to the medication's effect on urination.

Potential Causes of Diarrhea with Jardiance

For patients experiencing diarrhea while taking Jardiance, several factors may be at play. Identifying the potential cause is the first step toward effective management. It is crucial to remember that this must be done in consultation with a healthcare provider, who can rule out other medical conditions or medication interactions.

Lactose Intolerance: A significant number of medications contain inactive ingredients to help form the tablet or capsule. The inactive ingredients in Jardiance include lactose monohydrate. For individuals with lactose intolerance, this can be a direct cause of digestive upset and diarrhea. Discussing this possibility with a doctor can lead to alternative medication options if needed.
Exacerbated Dehydration: The core function of Jardiance is to cause increased urination, removing excess glucose from the body. This already places patients at a higher risk of dehydration. If a patient develops diarrhea from any cause—be it the medication or another illness—it can lead to a dangerous cycle of fluid loss. Severe dehydration can lead to lightheadedness, fainting, and potentially harm the kidneys.
Underlying Illness: A case of diarrhea while on Jardiance is not automatically a side effect of the medication. The patient could have a stomach bug, food poisoning, or another illness causing the issue. During any illness involving vomiting or diarrhea, a doctor may recommend temporarily stopping Jardiance to avoid severe dehydration and complications like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

How to Manage Diarrhea While on Jardiance

If you experience diarrhea, especially during the initial phase of taking Jardiance, you can take several steps to manage the symptoms. Remember to always consult your doctor before making any changes to your medication or using over-the-counter remedies.

Hydration is Key

Staying properly hydrated is the most important step. Because Jardiance increases fluid loss through urination, and diarrhea further contributes to this, maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance is vital.

Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Consider oral rehydration solutions, which can replenish lost fluids and electrolytes.
Zero-sugar sports drinks or broth can also help maintain electrolyte balance, but be mindful of their sugar content.

Dietary Adjustments

For mild to moderate diarrhea, certain dietary changes can help ease symptoms. Adopting a bland diet can give your digestive system time to recover.

The BRAT Diet: Bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast are staples of a bland diet that can be helpful for short-term diarrhea relief.
Limit Trigger Foods: Avoid greasy, fatty, sugary, and processed foods that can exacerbate diarrhea. Limiting caffeine and alcohol is also recommended.

Over-the-Counter Medications

Over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications can be used for occasional, acute episodes. However, they should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider, who can ensure they are appropriate and won't interact with your other medications.

Comparison of Gastrointestinal Side Effects

Jardiance is often prescribed to type 2 diabetes patients who may also be taking other medications, such as metformin, which is well-known for its gastrointestinal side effects. This comparison can help clarify the potential cause of digestive issues.


Feature	Jardiance (Empagliflozin)	Metformin
Commonality of Diarrhea	Less common than other side effects (UTIs, yeast infections).	Very common, with high incidence rates reported, especially with immediate-release versions.
Primary Mechanism	Increases glucose excretion via urine, which can lead to dehydration and indirectly exacerbate fluid loss from diarrhea.	Affects gut bacteria, increases bile concentration, and alters motility, directly causing GI issues.
Contributing Factor	Inactive ingredient lactose can trigger symptoms in intolerant individuals.	Extended-release formula reduces, but does not eliminate, the risk of GI side effects.
Timing	May occur during treatment, but potential for illness or dehydration to be primary trigger.	Often starts upon initiation of therapy, but can also manifest after long-term use.

When to Contact Your Doctor

While most mild episodes of diarrhea can be managed, certain signs warrant immediate medical attention, especially when taking a diuretic-like medication such as Jardiance.

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following:

Severe or persistent diarrhea that lasts more than a couple of days.
Signs of dehydration, including excessive thirst, dry mouth, dizziness, or confusion.
Symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, shortness of breath, and unusual fatigue.
Fever, blood in your stool, or severe stomach pain.

Conclusion

For individuals concerned with digestive issues, it's reassuring to know that diarrhea is not one of the most common side effects of Jardiance, especially when compared to other diabetes drugs like metformin. However, it can occur and should be monitored seriously, primarily due to the heightened risk of dehydration and the potential for severe complications like DKA. Recognizing that factors like lactose intolerance or an underlying illness could be the true cause is key to managing symptoms effectively. Always prioritize staying hydrated and communicate any persistent or severe symptoms with your healthcare provider to ensure safe and effective treatment. For more comprehensive information on side effects and drug interactions, consult reliable medical resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Diarrhea is not one of the most common side effects of Jardiance (empagliflozin). Clinical studies and patient reports indicate that urinary tract infections and genital fungal infections are more frequently observed, though gastrointestinal issues can occur.

Jardiance tablets contain the inactive ingredient lactose monohydrate. For patients with lactose intolerance, this can be the direct cause of diarrhea. Additionally, the drug increases urination, and any illness causing diarrhea can lead to severe dehydration.

Yes, there is a significant risk of dehydration. Jardiance increases fluid loss through the kidneys, so when combined with the fluid loss from diarrhea, it can lead to severe dehydration and low blood pressure. It is crucial to stay well-hydrated.

Metformin is much more commonly associated with diarrhea due to its direct effects on the gut. Jardiance is less likely to cause it, and when it does, it may be due to factors like lactose intolerance or general fluid imbalance, rather than the drug's primary mechanism.

You should contact your doctor immediately if you have severe or persistent diarrhea, or if you experience signs of severe dehydration like dizziness, lightheadedness, or confusion. This is especially important during an illness involving vomiting or fever.

If you are ill with vomiting or diarrhea, your doctor may recommend temporarily stopping Jardiance to avoid serious dehydration and complications like diabetic ketoacidosis. Follow a doctor's advice on when to pause and restart your medication.

For mild, acute cases, some over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications might help. However, you should consult your healthcare provider before taking any such medications to ensure they are safe and won't interfere with your overall treatment plan.