What happens if you take Jardiance at night?

Jardiance, known generically as empagliflozin, is an oral medication often prescribed to manage blood sugar levels in people with Type 2 diabetes. It works as a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor that helps the kidneys remove blood sugar or glucose from the bloodstream through the urine. It’s typically recommended to take Jardiance in the morning.

If you take Jardiance at night, it could cause you to wake frequently to urinate. As a result, Jardiance might also disrupt your sleep patterns. Some studies suggest that the timing of Jardiance doses may also affect the drug’s metabolism, with the effects of Jardiance on blood sugar levels varying between morning and evening doses. 

Read on to learn more about what happens if you take Jardiance at night.

The circadian rhythm and timing of medications

The field of chronopharmacology explores how our body’s internal clock, known as its circadian rhythm, affects the effectiveness and safety of medications. This rhythm regulates various bodily functions, including blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Medications can have different effects depending on the time they are taken, as our bodies respond differently to treatment throughout the day.

The body’s circadian rhythm also affects how the kidneys work. The kidneys have different functions, such as filtering the blood and helping control blood pressure. This natural rhythm guides when these functions are most active or slow. Understanding this timing can help healthcare providers choose the best times to give medications for better results in treating kidney-related issues.

Researchers are studying how the timing of Jardiance aligns with our biological clock, especially as it relates to managing blood sugar levels. By considering the natural fluctuations in our body’s functions throughout the day, healthcare providers may be able to personalize treatment plans for better outcomes.

How is Jardiance administered?

Jardiance is a brand-name drug available as oral tablets in strengths of 10 and 25 milligrams (mg). People typically take Jardiance once daily in the morning, with or without food. Taking it at the same time every day may help maintain a consistent level of the medication in the bloodstream.

The typical starting dose of Jardiance is 10 mg, which healthcare providers may increase to 25 mg based on how well a patient’s blood sugar levels are controlled and their overall tolerance to the medication. As it works in the kidneys, it’s recommended to have kidney function assessed before taking the drug. Like all medications, following the prescribed dosing instructions is important to ensure the best results.

This diabetes medication is recommended to be taken along with diet and exercise to lower blood sugar levels. Although it’s mainly prescribed for diabetes, it can also help reduce the risk of death from heart failure or heart disease. It has also been approved to reduce the risk of worsening kidney function that could lead to hospital visits or death in people with chronic kidney disease. 

What happens when you take Jardiance at night?

While Jardiance is generally recommended in the morning, taking it in the evening could still help manage blood sugar levels. Recent studies suggest that the timing of the dose does not significantly alter the efficacy of Jardiance.

Studies on the effects of Jardiance at night

The recommendation to take Jardiance in the morning comes from its drug label and is based on clinical research about the drug’s peak action times and its potential effects on the circadian rhythm. Taking this medication in the morning may be beneficial because blood sugar levels tend to rise early in the day.

A recent study looked at the effects of taking Jardiance in the evening versus the morning in healthy adults. The study found that after taking a single 10 mg dose of Jardiance, the time it took for the medication to reach its peak concentration (T max) was slightly shorter in the morning compared to the evening. 

Interestingly, the total exposure of the drug measured through AUC (area under the curve) was slightly higher for the evening dose than for the morning dose. In other words, there were differences in how the body processed the medication depending on the time it was given. 

The study also looked at the amount of blood sugar excreted in urine (UGE) over 24 hours after taking Jardiance. Surprisingly, the study found that more blood sugar was excreted after the evening dose than after the morning dose. However, despite these differences between evening and morning doses, the study concluded that there was no significant statistical difference in the effects of Jardiance when taken at night versus in the morning. 

It’s important to follow the advice of a healthcare provider since factors like kidney function, blood sugar levels, and other medications can affect the timing.

Potential side effects during sleep

Jardiance works to lower blood sugar the same way at nighttime as it does in the morning. However, there may still be side effects associated with taking it at night. For example, taking Jardiance at night may increase the risk of nocturnal hypoglycemia (low blood sugar during sleep), especially if it’s taken with other glucose-lowering medications such as insulin.

Symptoms of low blood sugar to be aware of include:

• Sweating
• Trembling
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Headache
• Weakness 
• Rapid heartbeat 
• Tingling or numbness in the lips, tongue, or cheeks

Hypoglycemia can lead to sleep disturbances, and since signs of low blood sugar may go unnoticed during sleep, it poses a risk that may need to be monitored.

Other side effects may be associated with Jardiance, no matter when it’s taken. The most common side effects include urinary tract infections and yeast infections (in women). Serious side effects are possible and may include the following:

• Diabetic ketoacidosis: Diabetic ketoacidosis is a serious condition where the body produces high levels of ketones, which can be life-threatening. It mainly affects people with Type 1 diabetes but can also occur in people with Type 2 diabetes or pancreas problems. Factors like illness, diet changes, alcohol consumption, dehydration, or missed insulin doses can trigger it. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, tiredness, abdominal pain, and trouble breathing. 
• Dehydration: Dehydration can happen after taking Jardiance, causing the body to lose water and salt. Signs of dehydration include dizziness, fainting, and weakness, especially when standing up. Those at higher risk include people who are on blood pressure medications, are following a low-sodium diet, have kidney issues, or are age 65 or older. 
• Amputations: Certain medications may increase the risk of lower limb amputations. People with a history of amputation, narrowed blood vessels, or diabetic foot problems are at higher risk while taking Jardiance. Immediate medical attention is necessary for new pain, sores, ulcers, or infections in the leg or foot.
• Serious allergic reactions: If signs of a serious allergic reaction develop, stopping the medication and seeking medical help are key. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may require urgent attention and include severe hives, itching, swelling of the face or throat, and trouble breathing. 

Taking Jardiance at night can be safe and effective. Although the time of taking Jardiance may be adjusted based on your routine and healthcare provider’s recommendations, it may be advised to watch blood sugar levels and keep an eye on potential side effects.

Guidance for proper use of Jardiance

Jardiance should be taken daily, preferably at the same time every day. You may want to include the medication in your daily routine, such as before or after breakfast, to help you remember to take it. 

If you miss a dose, it’s important to take it as soon as you remember unless it’s almost time for the next dose; in that case, skip the missed dose. Do not double up on doses. 

Jardiance works best as part of a well-rounded treatment plan that includes a healthy diet, regular exercise, and regular blood sugar monitoring. Combining Jardiance with lifestyle changes helps maximize its effectiveness and can help promote improved overall health.

Serious side effects should not be overlooked. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, severe urinary infection, or diabetic ketoacidosis. Serious bacterial infections and an increased risk of lower-limb amputations have been associated with Jardiance use in rare cases.

Consult a healthcare provider for proper dosage instructions, and never make changes to your medication regimen without medical advice. You should also tell your healthcare provider about other medical conditions you might have or other medications you take, as these can affect how Jardiance works or increase the risk of side effects. 

Bottom line

Taking Jardiance at night is not based on typical dosing recommendations. It’s usually recommended to take Jardiance in the morning, with or without food. However, Jardiance may still be effective for managing blood sugar levels if it is taken at night. Whether you take Jardiance in the morning or at night, aim to take it at the same time every day. 

Studies suggest that there is no significant difference in the effects of Jardiance in the morning or at night. Still, the effects of Jardiance can vary by individual. Always consult a healthcare provider on the appropriate dosage, especially if you take other medications or have other medical conditions.