Does Jardiance Cause Itchy Skin? Understanding the Connection

October 10, 2025 •

3 min read

While clinical trials for Jardiance did not commonly report itchy skin or a rash, post-marketing reports have indicated that these symptoms can occur. This article explores the various ways Jardiance might be connected to itching and answers the question, 'Does Jardiance cause itchy skin?'.

Quick Summary

Jardiance may cause itchy skin, most often as a symptom of a genital yeast infection or an allergic reaction. Identifying the underlying cause is key to effective management. Consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment of any skin irritation.

Key Points

Indirect Cause: Jardiance can cause itchy skin indirectly by increasing urinary glucose, leading to a higher risk of genital yeast infections.
Allergic Reaction: Itching can also be a symptom of a mild allergic reaction to Jardiance, sometimes accompanied by a rash or hives.
Other Factors: Diabetes-related skin issues, such as dry skin, can contribute to itching and should be considered, especially if symptoms are not confined to the genital area.
Seek Medical Advice: If you experience itching or a rash while taking Jardiance, it is important to contact your doctor for a correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Immediate Help: Severe allergic reactions (e.g., swelling, trouble breathing) or signs of serious infections (e.g., fever, perineal pain) require immediate medical care.
Effective Management: Treatment for itching depends on the cause and can range from OTC antifungal creams for yeast infections to antihistamines for allergic reactions.

The Indirect Link: How Jardiance Can Lead to Itching

Jardiance (empagliflozin) is an SGLT2 inhibitor that helps the kidneys remove glucose through urine. This process can increase the risk of infections, which in turn may lead to itching.

Genital Yeast Infections (Genital Mycotic Infections)

A frequent indirect cause of itching with Jardiance is genital yeast infections. Elevated glucose in the urine creates a favorable environment for fungal growth in the genital area.

Common symptoms include:

Genital itching or soreness.
Redness, swelling, or rash.
Unusual discharge.
Pain during urination or sex.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Jardiance can also increase the likelihood of UTIs, which might indirectly cause localized skin irritation or itching.

Allergic Reactions: A More Direct Cause of Itchy Skin

Less commonly, itching can result from an allergic reaction to Jardiance.

Mild Allergic Reaction

Symptoms can include skin rash, hives, or general itchiness. Report these to your doctor.

Serious Allergic Reaction (Anaphylaxis)

A rare but severe reaction requires immediate medical care. Symptoms include swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, and breathing difficulties.

Other Potential Causes of Skin Issues

Diabetes itself can cause dry skin and nerve damage (neuropathy), which may lead to itching, particularly on the lower limbs. Good blood sugar control is important for managing these issues.

Comparison of Jardiance-Related Itch Causes

To help understand potential causes of itching while taking Jardiance:


Feature	Genital Yeast Infection	Allergic Reaction	Diabetes-Related Dry Skin
Location of Itching	Primarily genital area, may extend to inner thighs	Can be generalized (all over the body) or localized	Can be anywhere, but often on lower legs and feet
Associated Symptoms	Rash, swelling, unusual discharge, pain	Hives, flushing, swelling, trouble breathing (severe)	Skin may look scaly, cracked, or red
Timing of Onset	Often occurs after starting Jardiance or with poor hygiene	Typically shortly after starting or with a new medication exposure	Develops gradually, often worsening with poor glucose control
Mechanism	Increased urinary glucose promotes fungal growth	Immune response to empagliflozin or ingredients	High glucose levels lead to fluid loss and impaired circulation

Managing Itchy Skin When Taking Jardiance

Treatment depends on the cause. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any treatment.

If due to a genital yeast infection:

Use OTC antifungal creams or prescription oral antifungals.
Maintain good personal hygiene.

If due to a mild allergic reaction:

Doctors may suggest OTC antihistamines or topical hydrocortisone.
Medication adjustment may be needed if symptoms persist or worsen.

If due to diabetes-related dry skin:

Apply fragrance-free moisturizer daily.
Use warm water and mild soaps for bathing.
Stay well-hydrated.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Seek immediate medical help if you have:

Worsening or persistent itching.
Signs of a severe allergic reaction (trouble breathing, facial swelling).
Symptoms of a serious infection, such as fever, pain, swelling, or redness in the genital area (potential Fournier's gangrene).
Signs of a worsening UTI (back pain, fever, cloudy urine).

Conclusion

While Jardiance itself doesn't commonly cause itchy skin, it can lead to conditions like genital yeast infections or allergic reactions that do. It's important to be aware of these potential side effects. Good hygiene and diabetes management help reduce risks. If itching or a rash occurs after starting Jardiance, consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Refer to the manufacturer's patient information for detailed safety information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, a rash is a possible side effect of Jardiance, though it was not commonly reported in clinical trials. A rash can indicate a genital yeast infection or a mild allergic reaction, both of which have been associated with the medication.

Itching from a yeast infection is typically localized to the genital area and is often accompanied by swelling, redness, and unusual discharge. An allergic reaction may cause more widespread itching and could include hives or flushing.

If your doctor confirms a yeast infection, they may recommend an over-the-counter antifungal cream or prescribe an oral antifungal medication. Practicing good personal hygiene is also important for prevention.

You should be concerned if the itching is accompanied by signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face or throat, or if you have fever, pain, or redness in the genital area, which could indicate a serious infection.

Yes, the mechanism of SGLT2 inhibitors can cause increased urination, which may lead to dehydration and, consequently, dry skin. However, diabetes itself is a significant contributor to dry, itchy skin.

For general dryness, it is recommended to use fragrance-free moisturizers daily, take warm (not hot) baths, and stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Maintaining good blood sugar control is also crucial.

Your doctor may recommend an antihistamine to help with mild itching, especially if it's caused by an allergic reaction. However, always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new medication to ensure it's safe for you.