Why Jardiance Increases Your Hydration Needs
Jardiance, also known by its generic name empagliflozin, is a type of medication called a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor. It is used to manage type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and heart failure by blocking the reabsorption of sugar and sodium in the kidneys. This causes the body to excrete more glucose and salt through the urine, which helps lower blood sugar and reduces strain on the heart.
However, this mechanism, known as osmotic diuresis, also means you lose more water. This increased urination can lead to a state of volume depletion, where your body has lower levels of both water and salt. If not addressed with increased fluid intake, this can easily lead to dehydration.
How Much Water to Drink While Taking Jardiance
While there is no single recommendation for everyone, healthcare providers and diabetes experts offer general guidelines to help patients stay safely hydrated. The amount of water you need depends on several individual factors, including your age, activity level, climate, and other medications you may be taking.
General recommendations:
- 8 to 10 Glasses: A common guideline is to drink eight to ten 8-ounce glasses of water per day, or more if you are physically active or in hot weather. This translates to roughly 64 to 80 ounces, or 2 to 2.5 liters, of fluid daily.
- Stay Ahead of Thirst: Since Jardiance increases urination, you should be proactive about drinking water throughout the day, rather than waiting until you feel thirsty.
- Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to your body's signals, such as the color of your urine. It should be a pale yellow color, not dark yellow or amber.
- Be Mindful of Other Drinks: While some other fluids can contribute to your daily intake, prioritize water. Limit caffeinated beverages, such as coffee and tea, as they also have a diuretic effect, which can increase fluid loss. Sugary drinks like soda and fruit juice should also be avoided, as they can negatively impact blood sugar levels.
Factors that increase dehydration risk on Jardiance:
- Taking Diuretics: Many people with diabetes or heart failure also take diuretic medications (water pills). Combining these with Jardiance significantly increases the risk of dehydration and low blood pressure. Always discuss your hydration needs with your doctor if you are taking both types of medication.
- High Blood Sugar: Sustained high blood sugar levels can also cause increased urination, creating a compounding effect with Jardiance that worsens dehydration.
- Illness: If you experience vomiting, diarrhea, or fever, you are at a much higher risk of dehydration. Your doctor may recommend temporarily stopping Jardiance and replacing fluids with an electrolyte solution during these times.
Recognizing and Preventing Dehydration
Knowing the signs of dehydration is key to managing your health while on Jardiance. If you notice any of these symptoms, it's important to increase your fluid intake and contact your healthcare provider if they persist or worsen.
Comparison of Hydrated vs. Dehydrated Symptoms
| Symptom | Hydrated State | Dehydrated State (on Jardiance) |
|---|---|---|
| Thirst | Mild or absent | Increased or extreme thirst |
| Urine Color | Clear or pale yellow | Dark yellow or amber |
| Urine Output | Regular, normal frequency | Less frequent urination, or peeing less than normal |
| Energy Levels | Normal, energetic | Unusual tiredness or fatigue |
| Dizziness | Absent | Feeling lightheaded or dizzy, especially when standing up |
| Mouth/Skin | Moist lips and mouth; soft skin | Dry or sticky mouth; skin may feel less elastic |
| Confusion | Clear thinking | Confusion or difficulty concentrating |
Conclusion: Prioritize Proactive Hydration
Taking Jardiance, while beneficial for controlling blood sugar and protecting the heart and kidneys, requires a proactive approach to hydration. The increased urination it causes elevates the risk of dehydration, especially for older adults or those also on diuretics. By consistently aiming for 8-10 glasses of water daily, paying attention to your body's signals, and avoiding excessive caffeine and alcohol, you can mitigate this risk. In case of illness or persistent dehydration symptoms, contact your doctor for guidance, as temporary adjustments to your medication or fluid intake may be necessary. For personalized advice, always consult your healthcare team about the right hydration strategy for your specific health needs.
Additional Considerations for Maintaining Fluid Balance
How to incorporate more fluids into your daily routine:
- Carry a Reusable Water Bottle: Keeping a water bottle with you can serve as a constant reminder to drink and track your intake throughout the day.
- Set Reminders: Use a smartphone app or set simple alarms to remind you to drink a glass of water every hour.
- Flavor Your Water: If plain water is unappealing, infuse it with slices of lemon, cucumber, or berries to make it more palatable.
- Include High-Water Foods: Eating more fresh fruits and vegetables, like cucumber, watermelon, and celery, can contribute to your overall fluid intake.
When to seek immediate medical attention:
While mild dehydration can often be managed at home, severe symptoms require prompt medical care. Call your doctor or seek emergency help if you experience:
- Confusion or extreme weakness
- Fainting or loss of consciousness
- Severe nausea or vomiting that doesn't stop
- Signs of a serious kidney or urinary tract infection, such as cloudy or bloody urine, back pain, and fever
- A fruity breath odor, which can be a sign of a more serious condition called ketoacidosis
Your healthcare provider is your best resource for personalized advice on managing your fluid balance while on Jardiance. For more information on SGLT2 inhibitors and risk management, consider visiting the National Kidney Foundation's website.
Conclusion
Maintaining adequate hydration is a critical component of safely managing treatment with Jardiance. The medication's mode of action means increased fluid excretion, making proactive water consumption essential to prevent dehydration and its associated complications, such as dizziness, low blood pressure, and potential kidney issues. Adhering to guidelines of 8-10 glasses of water per day, and adjusting for factors like activity and climate, is a practical strategy. Promptly recognizing and responding to symptoms of dehydration, especially when combined with factors like illness or diuretic use, is key to staying healthy while benefiting from Jardiance's therapeutic effects. Always consult with your healthcare provider for a personalized plan and before making any adjustments to your medication or fluid intake.
