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.
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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
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Drug information
- Synjardy Information for Consumers
- Synjardy prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Synjardy (detailed)
- Synjardy user reviews (24)
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