Empagliflozen (Jardiance)

[EngMac]

This is a diabetic drug often used off label for heart failure. It helps to eliminate sugar from the body. For some people taking it for heart failure, it causes urinary tract infections. An urologist told me that he is seeing more instances of this. If you are taking this drug, this is worth knowing since your heart doctor may not be aware of this. Treating urinary tract infections without eliminating this possible cause may not be very effective.

[jeanjeannie50]

Thanks for that information EngMac. It's important people are aware of this.

[ILowe]

I was given a similar drug: dapagliflozin and I was warned more than once about the increased danger of infection. I was told to stop taking it for a week or so at the first sign of problems and phone the cardiac nurse for assistance if the problem persisted.

Urine tract infections can be very painful. So, prompt action + good hygiene + drinking more.

[bigleg]

I was prescribed Dapagliflozin (DAPA) by my Heart Failure Nurse but my pharmacist warned me it was not appropriate for me and would not dispense when I presented her with the prescription. I have a diagnosis of AF and Heart Failure (HF). Investigating I spotted the DAPA information insert states not appropriate for those following a Low Carb Lifestyle. I have followed the Low Carb way of life for many years now. The HF nurse discharged me because I would not follow her advise and take the DAPA....how can I if the pharmacist states it is wrong for me and will not dispense? The HF nurse did not examine me and discharged me from their services. She did not give me an opportunity to tell her how well I was doing, walking in excess of 1.5 miles several days a week (albeit with the aid of a walker) and shorter distances when time does not permit or weather not appropriate and most important of all, my Naturopath had told me I was no longer in AF, but the HF nurse did not examine me or ask any questions on how I was doing - just take this medication!

My husband died Sept 2021 and my body seemed to go into shock - I had a sudden weight loss of 2.5 stone and the AF hit me resulting in the Heart Failure. For the records I am a 75 year old female - never had any long term medications and lived with Lymphodema in my left leg since a teenager. The lymphodema has almost resolved with this metabolic transformation making my nickname of Bigleg redundant!!! My pharmacist has looked after my compression garments supply for the lymphodema for well over a decade now.