Accidentally Took Two Doses Of Jardiance

Quick Answer

Thanks for reaching out! I can understand your concern about accidentally taking two doses of the diabetes medication Jardiance.

While the overall risk of serious side effects occurring is low, taking an extra dose of Jardiance can increase the risk of hypoglycemia (blood sugar dropping too low), especially if you are taking other diabetes medications.

It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia, monitor your blood sugar, and seek medical care if necessary.

Additionally, everyone's medical situation is different and in cases of inadvertent dosing, I always recommend contacting Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.

Detailed Answer

Jardiance is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes and is in a class of drugs known as SLGT2 Inhibitors. The primary concern with taking too much diabetes medication, including Jardiance, is the risk of hypoglycemia, which is when blood sugar drops too low.

However, compared to other diabetes medications like insulin and sulfonylureas, Jardiance has a lower risk of causing hypoglycemia.

It is worth noting that clinical trials for Jardiance have shown that hypoglycemia is uncommon when Jardiance is taken as monotherapy, meaning it is the only diabetes medication being used.

In fact, the incidence rate of hypoglycemia in these trials was comparable to the placebo group, at 0.4%.

Below is an image taken from the prescribing information for Jardiance, showing results from a clinical trial that reported the incidence rate of hypoglycemia being 0.4% for both placebo and Jardiance (at two different strengths):

However, it must be noted the risk of hypoglycemia may increase if you are taking other diabetes medications alongside Jardiance.

Why Don't SGLT2 Inhibitors Have A High Risk Of Hypoglycemia?

SGLT2 inhibitors, including Jardiance, are not likely to cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) as a side effect.

SGLT2 inhibitors primarily target the kidneys to reduce blood sugar levels. They inhibit the SGLT2 protein, which is responsible for reabsorbing glucose from the urine back into the bloodstream.

By inhibiting this protein, SGLT2 inhibitors promote the excretion of excess glucose through urine, thus reducing the amount of glucose in the bloodstream.

The reason SGLT2 inhibitors have a lower risk of hypoglycemia compared to other diabetes medications is because they work by enhancing the elimination of excess glucose from the body.

They do not directly affect insulin production or increase insulin sensitivity. Therefore, even at higher doses, SGLT2 inhibitors are less likely to cause hypoglycemia since they do not alter the balance between insulin and blood sugar levels as many other medications do.

As mentioned previously, clinical studies have shown that Jardiance causes hypoglycemia at essentially the same rate as a placebo. However, the risk of hypoglycemia does increase if you are taking additional diabetes medications.

Management

If you accidentally took an extra dose of Jardiance, it is important to remain calm. In most cases, the additional dose is unlikely to cause immediate harm.

However, it is essential to be aware of the symptoms of hypoglycemia, which may include:

• Sweating
• Trembling
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Headache
• Blurred vision
• Weakness
• Hunger

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to check your blood sugar levels promptly and address the situation accordingly.

Since every medical situation can vary, it is recommended to contact Poison Control or speak with your doctor for specific advice. They will be able to provide personalized guidance based on your individual circumstances, including your current health status, other medications you may be taking, and any pre-existing medical conditions.

Final Words

Thanks so much for reaching out and feel free to do so again anytime.