Can I drink alcohol while I am taking Synjardy?

Medically reviewed by Leigh Ann Anderson, PharmD. Last updated on June 12, 2025.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

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.

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

Can you have hypoglycemia without diabetes?

Yes, people without diabetes can have hypoglycemia, also called low blood sugar, but it is not very common. Hypoglycemia occurs most frequently in people with diabetes. Continue reading

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The “natural Mounjaro recipe” has exploded in popularity as a viral wellness drink, with social media users touting its potential for weight loss and metabolic health. While the name is inspired by the prescription medication Mounjaro (tirzepatide), it’s important to clarify that this homemade drink is not a substitute for any pharmaceutical therapy. Instead, it reflects a growing interest in natural, do-it-yourself solutions for weight management and overall wellness.

Mounjaro vs Ozempic: Which is right for you?

Mounjaro and Ozempic are prescription medicines used alongside diet and exercise to help control blood sugar (glucose) levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. Ozempic is also approved to lower the risk of a major cardiovascular event (like a heart attack or stroke) in patients with type 2 diabetes, as well as to reduce the risk of worsening kidney disease and heart-related death in patients with type 2 diabetes. Mounjaro has not yet received these indications, although studies are ongoing.

In a large, 2024 retrospective study in adults with overweight or obesity and treated for type 2 diabetes, Mounjaro led to at least a 5% weight loss within one year in 81.8% of adults compared to 66.5% of those using Ozempic. Continue reading

Can I drink alcohol while I am taking Synjardy?

What are the symptoms of lactic acidosis?

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Besides alcohol, what else increases my risk of lactic acidosis with Synjardy?

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