Key Facts
- Drug Class
- SGLT2 inhibitor
- Prescription
- Required
- NAFDAC Status
- NAFDAC Registered
- Forms
- Tablet
- Online price
- ~₦89,125see prices
What is Empagliflozin?
Empagliflozin, sold as Jardiance, is an SGLT2 inhibitor — the same modern class as dapagliflozin (Forxiga). It began as a type-2 diabetes tablet but is now widely used to protect the heart and kidneys, including in some people who do not have diabetes. It is taken once a day and is increasingly prescribed in Nigeria alongside metformin and other diabetes medicines.
Empagliflozin lowers blood sugar by making the kidneys remove extra glucose in the urine, independent of insulin. The same effect sheds a little salt and water, gently lowering blood pressure and easing strain on the heart, and it slows the progression of kidney disease. Landmark trials of empagliflozin in heart failure and kidney disease are a big reason SGLT2 inhibitors are now standard heart-protective therapy, not just diabetes drugs.
Its main drawbacks come from that urinary action: more frequent urination and a higher chance of genital thrush or urinary infections, so hygiene and hydration matter. It seldom causes low blood sugar alone, but insulin or sulfonylurea doses may need lowering when it is added, and it carries a rare risk of ketoacidosis that can occur even when blood sugar is not high. It is prescription-only and should be monitored by a doctor. Genuine Jardiance carries a NAFDAC registration number.
What is Empagliflozin used for?
In Nigeria, Empagliflozin is commonly used for:
- Type-2 diabetes — improving blood sugar control, usually with metformin
- Heart failure (reduced or preserved pumping function) — fewer symptoms and hospital admissions
- Chronic kidney disease — slowing loss of kidney function
- Modest reductions in blood pressure and weight alongside its main effects
Dosage
IMPORTANT
Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions. The information below is for general reference only.
Adults
The usual starting dose is 10mg once daily, taken at the same time each day with or without food; it may be increased to 25mg for blood-sugar control. For heart and kidney protection, 10mg once daily is typical. Your doctor sets the dose based on the condition and your kidney function.
Children
Not routinely used in children in Nigeria; any use is specialist-led.
Elderly
Suitable for older adults with attention to hydration and blood pressure, as fluid loss can cause dizziness on standing.
Stay well hydrated and keep the genital area clean and dry to lower the infection risk. If you become seriously unwell, cannot eat or drink, or are having surgery, your doctor may advise pausing empagliflozin temporarily because of the rare ketoacidosis risk. Do not stop a heart-failure or kidney prescription on your own. Seek urgent help for unusual thirst, deep breathing, drowsiness, or a fruity breath smell.
Side Effects
Common side effects
- •More frequent urination, and a higher chance of genital thrush or urinary infections
- •Increased thirst
- •Dizziness on standing (from fluid loss)
- •A small amount of weight loss
- •Itching around the genitals
Serious side effects — seek medical help immediately
- Diabetic ketoacidosis, sometimes with near-normal blood sugar: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, deep breathing, drowsiness, or fruity breath — seek urgent care
- A severe genital infection with intense pain, swelling, redness, and fever (Fournier's gangrene) — a medical emergency
- Significant dehydration or a sharp fall in blood pressure
- Low blood sugar if combined with insulin or a sulfonylurea
When to see a doctor
Seek urgent care for possible ketoacidosis (even if sugar is not high) or for severe genital pain, swelling, and fever. See your doctor about repeated infections, marked dizziness, or being unable to keep fluids down. Always tell doctors and surgeons you take empagliflozin.
Warnings & Precautions
Do not take Empagliflozin if you have:
- Do not use in type-1 diabetes (higher ketoacidosis risk)
- Use cautiously if you are prone to dehydration or have very low blood pressure
- Pause during serious illness, before major surgery, or when unable to eat/drink (sick-day rule)
- Do not use if you are allergic to empagliflozin
- Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding
Drug interactions
- •Diuretics: combined fluid loss can cause dehydration and low blood pressure
- •Insulin and sulfonylureas: doses may need lowering to avoid low blood sugar
- •Other blood-pressure medicines: added lowering effect
- •Few interactions with most other everyday medicines
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Empagliflozin is not recommended in pregnancy (especially later pregnancy) and should be stopped when pregnancy is planned or confirmed, switching to a safer option such as insulin. Avoid while breastfeeding. Discuss alternatives if you could become pregnant.
Brands of Empagliflozin in Nigeria
The NAFDAC registry holds 8 Empagliflozin products from 3 manufacturers, including combination products and older listings whose status you can check in the full list. Below are some of the most common brands — see the full, searchable list for all of them.
| Brand Name | Manufacturer | Strength | Form |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jardiance | Boehringer Ingelheim / Eli Lilly | 10mg, 25mg | Tablet |
| Empagliflozin | Various generic manufacturers | 10mg, 25mg | Tablet |
How to Verify Your Empagliflozin is Genuine
- 1Check the NAFDAC registration number on the pack and verify it on the NAFDAC Green Book or app
- 2Buy from a licensed pharmacy, on a doctor's recommendation with kidney-function monitoring
- 3Check the expiry date and that the blister and carton are sealed and untampered
- 4Genuine tablets should be uniform; discard any that look irregular
- 5For Jardiance, check Boehringer Ingelheim/Lilly branding and batch number; for generics, confirm the manufacturer
- 6Be wary of unusually cheap 'Jardiance' from unverified online sellers
Empagliflozin Price in Nigeria
As of July 2026, Empagliflozin sells for about ₦89,125 online in Nigeria (₦87,250–₦91,000) across MedPlus. Open-market prices (e.g. Idumota, Ogbogwu) are often lower.
Online retail (sampled)
MedPlus₦87,250 – ₦91,000median ₦89,125
From 2 listings across MedPlus — brands and pack sizes vary · updated July 2026.
Price trend
We've tracked Empagliflozin online prices since July 2026 — median ₦89,125 (range ₦87,250–₦91,000, from 2 listings). This updates monthly, and the month-on-month trend will appear here — see the Nigerian Medicine Price Index for prices across all tracked drugs.
Where to Buy
Purchase Empagliflozin only from licensed pharmacies and verified distributors. Avoid buying medicines from unverified sources, roadside vendors, or unregistered market stalls.
Before you buy, verify the product's NAFDAC registration and check the current online prices above so you know a fair price before you pay.
Buying Empagliflozin in bulk or for resale? Our guide on how to buy medicines in bulk in Nigeria safely covers verifying a supplier and spotting fakes before a large order.
Need Empagliflozin in bulk, or can't find it near you?
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Related Resources for Empagliflozin
Guides, articles, and tools related to Empagliflozin and other diabetes medicines in Nigeria.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
- •NAFDAC Greenbook — the official database of all products registered with Nigeria's National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control. Brand-level NAFDAC numbers for Empagliflozin on this page were cross-referenced against the Greenbook.
- •British National Formulary (BNF) dosing and interaction guidance for Empagliflozin.
- •Nigerian Standard Treatment Guidelines (Federal Ministry of Health).