Synjardy (empagliflozin/metformin) is a prescription, brand-name medication. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved it for use in adults with type 2 diabetes to:
- improve blood sugar levels
- lower the risk of death due to cardiovascular problems, such as heart attack or stroke, in people who also have cardiovascular disease
Synjardy contains two active drugs. One is empagliflozin, which belongs to a drug class called sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors. The other is metformin, which belongs to a drug class called biguanides.
Synjardy comes as oral tablets in two forms. One is an immediate-release tablet called Synjardy. The other is an extended-release tablet called Synjardy XR. Neither form is currently available as a generic.
For information about the dosage of Synjardy, including its strengths and how to take the drug, keep reading. For a comprehensive look at Synjardy, see this article.
This article describes typical dosages for Synjardy provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When taking Synjardy, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.
Typically, your doctor will only prescribe Synjardy if you’re already taking one or both active drugs in it. These drugs are empagliflozin (Jardiance) and metformin (Riomet, Fortamet, Glumetza).
Synjardy forms
Synjardy comes as oral tablets. It’s available in the following forms:
- Synjardy immediate-release tablets. These release the medication as soon as they dissolve in your digestive system. This form is taken twice per day.
- Synjardy XR tablets. “XR” is short for extended-release.These tablets release the medication slowly into your body throughout the day as they pass through your digestive system. This form is taken once per day.
Synjardy strengths
Synjardy is available in the following strengths:
- 5 milligrams (mg) of empagliflozin / 500 mg of metformin
- 5 mg of empagliflozin / 1,000 mg of metformin
- 12.5 mg of empagliflozin / 500 mg of metformin
- 12.5 mg of empagliflozin / 1,000 mg of metformin
Synjardy XR is available in the following strengths:
- 5 mg of empagliflozin / 1,000 mg of metformin
- 10 mg of empagliflozin / 1,000 mg of metformin
- 12.5 mg of empagliflozin / 1,000 mg of metformin
- 25 mg of empagliflozin / 1,000 mg of metformin
Typical Synjardy and Synjardy XR dosages
The dosage of Synjardy and Synjardy XR that your doctor prescribes will depend on whether you’re already taking empagliflozin, metformin, or both.
Your doctor will switch you to a dosage of Synjardy or Synjardy XR that’s right for you, based on your current treatment plan.
If your doctor prescribes Synjardy, you’ll take your doses twice per day with breakfast and dinner. If you’re prescribed Synjardy XR, you’ll take your dose once per day with breakfast.
Your doctor may adjust your dosage over time to reach the amount that’s right for you. They’ll ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.
Long-term use
Synjardy is typically used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Synjardy is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.
The Synjardy dosage that your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:
- the form of Synjardy you take
- whether you’re already taking one or both active drugs in Synjardy and at what dosage
- your blood sugar levels
- your age
Other medical conditions you have can also affect your Synjardy dosage. Talk with your doctor about the dosage of Synjardy that’s right for you.
Dosage adjustments
Your doctor may decrease your Synjardy dosage if you have kidney problems. With Synjardy, kidney problems can increase your risk of certain side effects, such as lactic acidosis. Lactic acidosis is caused by a buildup of lactic acid in your blood. If you develop severe kidney problems, your doctor may have you to stop taking Synjardy.
It’s important to note that Synjardy has a
Your doctor may also adjust your Synjardy dosage if you take certain other medications. For example, some medications, such as prednisone or atorvastatin (Lipitor), may affect your blood sugar levels or increase your risk of certain side effects.
You might need to stop taking Synjardy for a time if you have certain medical procedures or surgeries. Be sure to talk with your doctor if you have a planned procedure or surgery.
Synjardy should be taken twice per day with breakfast and dinner. The manufacturer hasn’t stated if these tablets can be crushed, split, dissolved, or chewed. If you have trouble swallowing Synjardy tablets whole, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
You should take Synjardy XR once a day with your breakfast, and swallow these tablets whole. You should not crush, split, dissolve, or chew them. Doing so will damage their extended-release action. If you have trouble swallowing Synjardy XR tablets whole, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
If you miss a dose of Synjardy or Synjardy XR, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. You should not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose. This could cause side effects.
To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or using a timer. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.
It’s important that you don’t take more Synjardy than your doctor prescribes. Doing so may lead to serious side effects.
Symptoms of an overdose
If you take too much Synjardy, you may have symptoms of lactic acidosis (an increased level of acid in the blood). These symptoms can include:
- weakness
- sleepiness
- abdominal pain
- nausea and vomiting
- muscle pain or cramps
- dizziness
- trouble breathing
- slow heart rate or irregular heartbeat
If you take more than the recommended amount of Synjardy
Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve taken too much Synjardy. Another option is to call the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
The dosages in this article are typical dosages provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Synjardy for you, they will prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes for you.
As with any drug, never change your dosage of Synjardy without your doctor’s recommendation. If you have questions about the dosage of Synjardy that’s right for you, talk with your doctor.
Besides learning about dosage, you may want other information about Synjardy. These additional articles might be helpful to you:
- More about Synjardy. For information about other aspects of Synjardy, refer to this article.
- Side effects. To learn about side effects of Synjardy, see this article. You can also look at the prescribing information for Synjardy and Synjardy XR.
- Details about diabetes. For details about type 2 diabetes, our diabetes hub may be helpful, as well as this list of related articles.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
