Can I drink alcohol while I am taking Synjardy?
Speak with your doctor about the amount of alcohol you can drink, if any, while taking Synjardy or Synjardy XR. You should avoid drinking alcohol frequently or "binge" drinking (consuming a lot of alcohol in a short period of time) while taking this medicine. These actions can increase your chances of getting serious side effects.
- Excessive drinking of alcohol (ethanol) with Synjardy or Synjardy XR can lead to a rare but dangerous condition known as lactic acidosis.
- In lactic acidosis, lactic acid builds up in the bloodstream faster than it can be removed. Metformin, one of the medicines in these medicines can lead to lactic acidosis.
- Be sure to tell your doctor if you drink alcohol very often, or drink a lot of alcohol in the short-term before you start taking Synjardy or Synjardy XR.
Alcohol intoxication may also lead to a dangerous low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) while taking Synjardy or Synjardy XR. You should avoid drinking alcohol very often, or drinking a lot of alcohol in a short period of time (“binge” drinking). Low blood sugar can be dangerous for patients that are being treated for type 2 diabetes.
What are the symptoms of lactic acidosis?
In general, signs and symptoms of lactic acidosis include:
- muscle weakness
- breathing faster than normal
- nausea
- vomiting
- coma (deep state of unconsciousness)
Lactic acidosis is a medical emergency and must be treated in a hospital. If you should experience symptoms of lactic acidosis while taking Synjardy, call 911 or get emergency help immediately.
Related Questions
- What is the safest diabetes medication?
- What foods should I eat or avoid for hypoglycemia?
- Can you have hypoglycemia without diabetes?
Besides alcohol, what else increases my risk of lactic acidosis with Synjardy?
Other risk factors for lactic acidosis with the use of Synjardy or Synjardy XR are:
- kidney or liver disease or impairment
- use of some other medicines like carbonic anhydrase inhibitors or topiramate
- age older than 65 years
- certain X-ray procedures that use contrast
- surgery
- low oxygen levels in your blood, cells and tissues
Your doctor can diagnose lactic acidosis by using a blood test that measures the amount of lactate in your blood.
This is not all the information you need to know about Synjardy (empagliflozin and metformin) for safe and effective use and does not take the place of talking to your doctor about your treatment. Review the full Synjardy information here, and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.
References
- Synjardy (empagliflozin and metformin) [product information]. Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals. Ridgefield, CT. Revised Jan. 2020. Accessed March 8, 2021 at https://docs.boehringer-ingelheim.com/Prescribing%20Information/PIs/Synjardy/Synjardy.pdf
Read next
Related medical questions
- What is the connection between the endocrine system and osteoporosis?
- Which type of insulin has the longest duration of action?
- Ozempic vs Wegovy: What's the difference between them?
- How long does metformin take to work?
- Tirzepatide vs semaglutide: How do they compare?
- How many doses are in an Ozempic pen?
- 7 Mounjaro side effects you need to be aware of
- What happens when you stop taking Ozempic?
- When is the best time to take metformin?
- Can you get tirzepatide from a compounding pharmacy?
- Do Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro & Zepbound cause hair loss?
- Why does metformin cause diarrhea?
- Is Mounjaro covered by insurance or Medicare?
- Does Ozempic need to be refrigerated?
- Mounjaro for weight loss, does it work? How much will I lose?
- Will my insurance cover Ozempic?
- Why am I not losing weight on Ozempic?
- Where and how should Ozempic be injected?
- Does metformin cause weight loss?
- Can vitamin C prevent or treat COVID-19 (coronavirus)?
- Can you take metformin without food?
- How does Ozempic affect blood pressure?
- Does metformin lower A1C, if so how much?
- How much does semaglutide cost?
- What cold medicine can you take with diabetes?
- How to avoid yeast infections on Jardiance?
- Does Jardiance cause weight loss?
- How long can you stay on Ozempic?
- Does Rybelsus help with weight loss?
- Basaglar and Lantus - What is the difference between them?
Drug information
- Synjardy Information for Consumers
- Synjardy prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Synjardy (detailed)
Related support groups
- Synjardy (1 questions, 4 members)
- Diabetes, Type 2 (456 questions, 1,412 members)