SGLT2 inhibitorPrescription only
Empagliflozin
Tablet
Quick Summary
Empagliflozin also helps people with heart failure and chronic kidney disease, even without diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes
Heart failure
Chronic kidney disease
Medical Uses
Type 2 diabetes: Lowers blood sugar.
Heart failure: Reduces hospital stays.
Chronic kidney disease: Slows progression.
How it's taken
Take once a day in the morning.
Your doctor decides the right dose for you and how long to take it.
Your doctor decides the right dose for you. Follow their instructions and the label.
Common Side Effects
Genital fungal infections
Keep the area clean.
Passing more urine
Stay hydrated.
Dizziness
From low fluid.
Interactions
Water tablets
Risk of dehydration.
Insulin or sulfonylureas
Low sugar risk.
Critical Warnings
Ketoacidosis
Black Box Warning: Rare: vomiting, tummy pain and breathlessness need urgent care, even with normal sugar.
Sick-day rules
Pause it when unwell and not eating, as your doctor advises.
Sources and further reading
Last updated 21 October 2026. For more detail, see these trusted health organisations.
- Empagliflozin: drug information(opens in a new tab) · MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Empagliflozin: a medicine to treat type 2 diabetes(opens in a new tab) · NHS