This article describes Synjardy’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for Synjardy. If you want to know more about Synjardy, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.
Synjardy is a brand-name medication that comes as a tablet that you swallow and an extended-release tablet (Synjardy XR) that you swallow. “Extended release” means the drug is released into your body slowly over a long period of time. Synjardy is not available in a generic version.
This article describes dosages of Synjardy and Synjardy XR.
Boxed warning: Risk of lactic acidosis
Synjardy and Synjardy XR have a boxed warning for the risk of lactic acidosis. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
See the end of this article for more information about this warning.
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Forms and strengths of Synjardy
Synjardy comes in these forms and strengths. The strengths are expressed in milligrams (mg):
| Form | How to take | Strengths* |
|---|---|---|
| Synjardy tablet | take by swallowing, with meals | • 5 mg empagliflozin/500 mg metformin • 5 mg empagliflozin/1,000 mg metformin • 12.5 mg empagliflozin/500 mg metformin • 12.5 mg empagliflozin/1,000 mg metformin |
| Synjardy XR extended-release tablet | take by swallowing, with a meal in the morning | • 5 mg empagliflozin/1,000 mg metformin ER • 10 mg empagliflozin/1,000 mg metformin ER • 12.5 mg empagliflozin/1,000 mg metformin ER • 25 mg empagliflozin/1,000 mg metformin ER |
* Synjardy contains two active ingredients. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.)
Dosage of Synjardy
This article describes the recommended dosages for Synjardy and Synjardy XR. The drugmaker provides these dosages.
If your doctor prescribes Synjardy or Synjardy XR, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of Synjardy or Synjardy XR without your doctor’s recommendation.
Usual recommended dosages of Synjardy in adults
Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of Synjardy or Synjardy XR for adults with type 2 diabetes. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage that gives the desired outcome.
Synjardy is taken twice daily. Synjardy XR is taken once daily. In general, the recommended dosages of Synjardy or Synjardy XR for adults are as follows:
- empagliflozin starting dosage: 10 mg per day (two tablets of Synjardy containing 5 mg empagliflozin or one tablet of Synjardy XR containing 10 mg empagliflozin)
- metformin starting dosage: 1,000 mg per day (two tablets of Synjardy containing 500 mg metformin or one Synjardy XR tablet containing 1,000 mg metformin
- maximum dosage in 24 hours: 25 mg empagliflozin and 2,000 mg metformin per day (e.g., two tablets of Synjardy containing 12.5 mg empagliflozin and 1,000 mg metformin or one Synjardy XR tablet containing 25 mg empagliflozin)
Dosages of Synjardy in children
Synjardy is approved for use in children ages 10 years and older with type 2 diabetes. Synjardy XR is not approved for use in children. The usual recommended dosages of Synjardy for children are:
- empagliflozin starting dosage: 10 mg per day (two tablets of Synjardy containing 5 mg empagliflozin)
- metformin starting dosage: 1,000 mg per day (two tablets of Synjardy containing 500 mg metformin)
- maximum dosage in 24 hours: 25 mg empagliflozin and 2,000 mg metformin (two tablets of Synjardy containing 12.5 mg empagliflozin and 1,000 mg metformin)
Dosage adjustments for Synjardy
Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of Synjardy or Synjardy XR based on several factors. These include:
- the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
- your age
- other health conditions you may have
Missed dose of Synjardy
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of Synjardy or Synjardy XR. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.
For tips on how to plan your doses of Synjardy or Synjardy XR and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:
- downloading a reminder app on your phone
- setting an alarm
- putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Synjardy and its dosage.
Can Synjardy be used for weight loss? If so, what is the dosage?
Synjardy is not recommended for weight loss. Studies did show some weight loss in people with type 2 diabetes who took Synjardy. So, if you have diabetes and could benefit from losing weight, your doctor may prefer treating your condition with Synjardy. But it should not be used specifically for losing weight.
Speak with your doctor if you have questions about how Synjardy could help manage your type 2 diabetes.
How long does a dose of Synjardy stay in your system?
Synjardy or Synjardy XR can stay in your system for up to 4 days after taking it. This time may vary depending on your kidney health.
If you are having surgery, your doctor may recommend that you stop taking Synjardy or Synjardy XR at least 3 days prior to your procedure.
Speak with your doctor if you have questions about how long Synjardy or Synjardy XR may stay in your system.
Can Synjardy XR be taken twice per day?
Synjardy XR is approved for once daily dosing. It is not approved to be taken twice daily. But there may be newer studies that support twice daily dosing for some people.
Keep in mind, the maximum daily dose of Synjardy XR should not exceed 25 mg empagliflozin and 2,000 mg metformin.
Speak with your doctor to learn what dosing of Synjardy XR is most appropriate for you.
Is Synjardy taken long term?
Yes, doctors typically prescribe Synjardy or Synjardy XR as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.
If you have questions about how long you should take Synjardy, talk with your doctor.
How Synjardy is taken
You’ll swallow Synjardy one or two times per day with meals, depending on the form you take.
Your doctor may advise that you take this medication around the same time each day. This helps keep a consistent amount of the drug in your body. And that can help the drug work more effectively.
If it’s hard for you to swallow tablets, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.
Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.
Synjardy coupon
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Get free cardOverdose of Synjardy
It’s important that you do not take more Synjardy or Synjardy XR than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.
Symptoms of Synjardy overdose
Overdose can lead to lactic acidosis. Symptoms of this include:
- low blood pressure
- slow heart rate
- muscle aches and pain
- stomach pain
- difficulty breathing
- drowsiness
- general feeling of discomfort
What to do if you take too much Synjardy
If you think you’ve taken too much Synjardy or Synjardy XR, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes the usual recommended dosages for Synjardy and Synjardy XR. If your doctor prescribes one of these medications, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.
Do not change your dosage of Synjardy or Synjardy XR without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take the medication exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Would a higher dosage of Synjardy or Synjardy XR increase my risk of side effects?
- How do I know if Synjardy or Synjardy XR is working for me?
- Will you need to adjust my dosage of Synjardy or Synjardy XR if I’m taking other drugs with it?
Boxed warning for Synjardy
Synjardy and Synjardy XR have a boxed warning for the risk of lactic acidosis. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.
Lactic acidosis
Drugs called biguanides, like metformin, can stop your liver from processing lactic acid. This leads to a buildup of lactic acid in your body, called lactic acidosis.
Symptoms of lactic acidosis include:
- general discomfort
- abdominal pain
- muscle aches or pain
- drowsiness
- breathing problems
More severe symptoms include low body temperature, low blood pressure, and slow heart rate.
Certain patients are more at risk for developing lactic acidosis. Speak with your doctor to learn more about your risk. If you suspect you may have lactic acidosis, seek medical attention.
Disclaimer: Optum Perks 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.