Can I take Glibenclamide and Empagliflozin together?

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Both medicines work to lower blood sugar but in different ways. Glibenclamide stimulates the pancreas to release more insulin, while empagliflozin helps the kidneys remove sugar through urine. When used together, their effects add up, which can lower blood sugar more than intended. Additionally, both can have a mild diuretic effect, increasing the risk of fluid loss.

You must speak to your doctor before taking these together. Your doctor may need to reduce your dose of glibenclamide to prevent your blood sugar from dropping too low. Ensure you know how to recognise and treat a 'hypo' (shaking, sweating, hunger, irritability) and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

Empagliflozin can cause a serious condition called ketoacidosis even if your blood sugar levels are near normal. You must seek urgent medical help if you experience nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or fruity-smelling breath. Stop taking this medicine if you are fasting for surgery or have a severe illness.

Hypoglycaemia (Low Blood Sugar)

Glibenclamide carries a high risk of severe, prolonged low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia). You must carry sugar with you at all times. Be aware that this risk is significantly higher in older people or those with kidney problems.

Fournier’s Gangrene

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience pain, tenderness, redness, or swelling in the genital or anal area, accompanied by fever or malaise. This could be a sign of a rare but life-threatening infection.

Alkohol

Drinking alcohol while taking these medicines can increase the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia). Alcohol can also mask the warning signs of a 'hypo'. Additionally, for empagliflozin, excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of a rare but serious condition called ketoacidosis. You should limit your alcohol intake and avoid drinking on an empty stomach.

Taking multiple medicines? Our Interaktionskontroll för läkemedel helps you check whether your prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements are safe to take together. Simply search for your medicines to see potential interactions and what to do about them.

Ansvarsfriskrivning

Denna information är endast avsedd för allmän utbildning och bör inte användas som en ersättning för professionell medicinsk rådgivning. Rådfråga alltid din läkare, apotekare eller annan kvalificerad vårdpersonal innan du fattar beslut om dina mediciner. Individuella omständigheter kan variera, och endast en vårdpersonal som känner till din medicinska historia kan ge personlig vägledning.