If you have type 2 diabetes, your doctor might suggest Glyxambi as a treatment option for you.

It’s a prescription drug used together with diet and exercise to manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes.

The active ingredients in Glyxambi are empagliflozin and linagliptin. An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.

You can take Glyxambi as a tablet. If you and your doctor agree that Glyxambi is safe and working well for you, you will probably take it for a long time.

For more information about Glyxambi, including details about its uses, see this in-depth article.

Mild to serious side effects can be caused by Glyxambi. Continue reading to learn more.

Some people may experience side effects during their treatment. Some reported side effects include:

The side effects explained section is where you can learn more about this side effect.

Keep in mind that these were the most common side effects reported in studies of Glyxambi. They don’t happen to everyone who takes the drug. And these are just a few side effects Glyxambi may cause.

The drug has mild to severe side effects.

Mild side effects can be caused by Glyxambi. Some examples have been reported.

The side effects explained section is where you can learn more about this side effect.

“These side effects should be temporary. Some may be easy to manage. If you have any symptoms that bother you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Unless your doctor recommends it, don’t stop using Glyxambi.”

Glyxambi may cause mild side effects other than the ones listed above. See the Glyxambi prescribing information for details.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks side effects of the medication. If you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Glyxambi, visit MedWatch.

Serious side effects can be caused by treatment with Glyxambi. Some people are at higher risk of serious side effects, such as people with certain medical conditions or those who use certain medications. There have been serious side effects reported with Glyxambi.

The side effects explained section is where you can learn more about this side effect.

If you develop serious side effects while taking Glyxambi, call your doctor. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you have a medical emergency, immediately call the emergency number.

Get answers to questions about Glyxambi.

Do side effects vary depending on the strength of Glyxambi I use (10/5 mg or 25/5 mg)?

No, side effects did not vary depending on the strength of Glyxambi used in the drug’s studies. The same side effects were reported in people taking the 10-milligram (mg) empagliflozin/5-mg linagliptin dose as those who took the 5-mg empagliflozin/5-mg linagliptin dose.

There were minor differences in how often urinary tract infection (UTI) and stuffy or runny nose occurred between these doses in studies. But the differences were extremely small. You can learn more by checking out Glyxambi’s full prescribing information.

Does Glyxambi cause weight loss?

It’s not likely. Weight loss wasn’t reported among people who took Glyxambi in studies.

Glyxambi can cause Dehydration., which may lead to very small, temporary drops in weight.

Glyxambi is meant to be used with diet and exercise to help manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. And following a diet and exercise plan while taking Glyxambi may lead to weight loss.

If you have questions or are concerned about your weight, talk to your doctor. They can help you with your diet and exercise plan.

Does Glyxambi cause heart failure?

It’s not believed to. Heart failure wasn’t a side effect reported by people who took Glyxambi in studies.

Heart failure is a rare but serious side effect caused by certain medications that belong to a group of drugs called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. One of the active ingredients in Glyxambi, linagliptin, is a DPP-4 inhibitor. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) But studies have shown that heart failure isn’t a known side effect of linagliptin.

Glyxambi’s other active ingredient is empagliflozin. It’s used to lower the risk of death from cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) disease, in people with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Some of the side effects of Glyxambi can be found here.

Fournier’s gangrene

Although very rare, it’s possible that taking Glyxambi can result in Fournier’s gangrene as a side effect.

This side effect wasn’t reported in Glyxambi’s studies. But there have been rare reports of Fournier’s gangrene in people taking empagliflozin, one of Glyxambi’s active ingredients. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.)

Fournier’s gangrene is a serious, life threatening bacterial infection of the tissue between the anus and the genitals. It can cause symptoms such as:

The tissue under your skin can be killed by this infection. It can spread into the bloodstream and lead to death in extreme cases.

What might help

See your doctor or get emergency medical help right away if you think you have symptoms of Fournier’s gangrene. You’ll need to be treated in a hospital. This may include strong antibiotics and surgery to remove the damaged tissue. The doctor will also have you stop taking Glyxambi.

Ketoacidosis

There have been rare reports of ketoacidosis in people taking empagliflozin, one of Glyxambi’s active ingredients. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) While ketoacidosis wasn’t reported in Glyxambi’s studies, it can still occur.

With ketoacidosis, you have a buildup of ketones (a type of protein) in your blood, which makes your blood too acidic. This condition is a life threatening medical emergency and must be treated in a hospital. Ketoacidosis can be deadly in extreme cases.

There are symptoms of ketoacidosis.

Certain factors can increase your risk of having a acidosis.

Glyxambi should not be used to manage blood sugar levels in people with type 1 diabetes. People with type 1 diabetes are at a higher risk for ketoacidosis if they take Glyxambi.

What might help

Follow these tips to reduce your risk of acidosis.

  • “Don’t drink large amounts of alcohol.”
  • If you are going to have surgery, you should talk to your doctor. They may want you to stop taking it.
  • Tell your doctor right away if you develop a There is a high degree of There is a high degree of fever.., or are eating less than usual. They can advise you on how to help avoid ketoacidosis.

If you have symptoms of acidosis, stop taking Glyxambi and call your doctor. If you feel life threatening, call the emergency number.

Urinary tract infection

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a possible side effect from taking Glyxambi. Symptoms of a UTI can include:

If a UTI isn’t treated, it can develop into a more serious infection, such as a kidney infection or urosepsis. These serious infections weren’t reported as side effects in Glyxambi’s studies. But they have been rarely reported with empagliflozin, one of Glyxambi’s active ingredients. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.)

What might help

Follow these tips to prevent UTIs.

  • Avoid using perfumed products on your genitals.
  • Drink lots of water and urinate often.
  • You can keep your genital area clean by washing it frequently.
  • Take showers instead of baths.
  • Immediately after sex, urinate.
  • Wear cotton underwear and clothing.
  • wipe from front to back after urinating.

If you develop symptoms of a UTI while taking Glyxambi, talk with your doctor. They’ll likely prescribe an antibiotic to treat the infection.

Joint pain

Taking Glyxambi may cause joint pain. This rare side effect has happened in people taking empagliflozin, one of Glyxambi’s active ingredients. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.)

And severe joint pain is a rare but serious side effect caused by certain medications that belong to a group of drugs called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. One of the active ingredients in Glyxambi, linagliptin, is a DPP-4 inhibitor. There is a known report of severe joint pain in someone taking linagliptin.

What might help

If you experience joint pain while taking Glyxambi, contact your doctor. Your doctor can help determine if there are other causes. They may recommend treatment for your joint pain.

  • a topical medication, such as:
    • A cream.
    • An antibiotic.
  • an over-the-counter painkiller, such as:

Allergic reaction

Like most drugs, Glyxambi can cause an allergic reaction in some people. But it’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in studies.

Mild to serious symptoms can be present.

  • There is a skin rash.
  • It is itchy.
  • flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
  • “It’s usually under your skin, but it can be anywhere.”
  • It can be hard to breathe if you have swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat.

What might help

If you have a mild rash, call your doctor. They may suggest a treatment to help you. Examples include:

  • an over-the-counter oral antihistamine, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
  • A product that is applied to the skin.

If your doctor confirms you have an allergy to Glyxambi, they will decide if you should continue using it.

If you have a severe allergic reaction, you should call the emergency number. These symptoms could be life threatening and need immediate medical care.

If your doctor confirms you have had a serious allergic reaction to Glyxambi, they may have you switch to a different treatment.

Keeping track of side effects

Take notes on any side effects you are having during your Glyxambi treatment. You can share this information with your doctor. This is helpful when you are starting to use a combination of treatments.

Side effect notes can include things.

  • What dose of drug did you take when you had the side effect?
  • How soon did you experience the side effect?
  • What are your symptoms?
  • How did it affect your daily activities?
  • What other drugs were you taking?
  • Other information is important to you.

Sharing notes with your doctor will help them learn more about how Glyxambi affects you. If needed, they can use this information to adjust your treatment plan.

If you have a medical condition that affects your health, glyxambi may not be right for you. Before starting Glyxambi, you should talk to your doctor about your health history. The list has factors to consider.

Alcohol use disorder. Having alcohol use disorder can increase your risk of There is a problem with pancreatitis. (swelling in your pancreas). This is a rare but serious side effect Glyxambi can cause. Your doctor can help determine whether Glyxambi is safe for you to take.

History of urinary tract infections. Treatment with Glyxambi can cause urinary tract infection (UTI) as a side effect. You may be at higher risk if you have a history of frequent or recurrent UTIs. Your doctor can determine whether taking Glyxambi is safe for you.

Pancreas problems. Having pancreas problems, such as current or past There is a problem with pancreatitis., or past pancreas surgery, can increase your risk for ketoacidosis. This is a rare but serious side effect Glyxambi may cause. Your doctor can help determine whether this drug is safe for you to take.

Type 1 diabetes. Glyxambi isn’t used to treat type 1 diabetes. People with type 1 diabetes are more likely to have ketoacidosis as a side effect of taking drugs like Glyxambi. Talk with your doctor about safe, approved treatments for type 1 diabetes instead.

Increased risk of hypoglycemia with insulin use. Using Glyxambi with insulin or an insulin secretagogue (such as a sulfonylurea) increases your risk of mild and severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). If you need to take insulin or other diabetes medications with Glyxambi, you should talk with your doctor. If they decide it’s safe for you to take them together, they’ll likely have you monitor your blood sugar very closely. They’ll then have you change your medication doses as necessary.

Kidney problems. Taking Glyxambi if you have kidney problems could worsen your condition. You may also be at higher risk for certain side effects this drug may cause, including Dehydration.. If you’re on dialysis, your doctor likely won’t prescribe Glyxambi due to this risk. Your doctor will likely check your kidney function before prescribing Glyxambi for you. If they decide it’s safe for you to take, they’ll closely monitor your kidney health during treatment.

Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Glyxambi or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe it for you. Ask them what other medications might be better options.

Alcohol and Glyxambi

It is best to avoid drinking alcohol while taking Glyxambi.

This is because drinking alcohol, especially in large amounts, may increase your risk of There is a problem with pancreatitis. (swelling in your pancreas). This is a rare but potentially life threatening side effect Glyxambi may cause. For example, people with alcohol use disorder may have an increased risk for There is a problem with pancreatitis..

If you drink alcohol, talk to your doctor about how much you can drink while taking Glyxambi.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking Glyxambi

It’s not known whether it’s safe to take Glyxambi while pregnant. Your doctor will likely recommend that you don’t take the drug during your second or third trimester. But it’s also important to note that having diabetes that isn’t managed can increase your risk of pregnancy complications. Talk with your doctor about the safest treatments for your diabetes if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

Your doctor will probably recommend against breastfeeding while you are taking Glyxambi. It is not known if the drug will pass into human breast milk, but it could cause serious side effects in a child who is breastfed.

Talk to your doctor about safe feeding options for your child while you are taking Glyxambi.

Many people can take Glyxambi without having any side effects. Mild side effects caused by Glyxambi are usually treated or gone away on their own. There are rare cases where the drug can cause serious side effects.

Talk to your doctor before taking Glyxambi. Ask questions to learn more about the medication and its side effects. Some examples can help you start.

  • Do other drugs increase my risk of side effects from Glyxambi?
  • Does my medical history show me an increased risk of side effects with this drug?
  • Is there a way to reduce my risk of side effects from Glyxambi?
  • Is there a lower dose I can try if I have side effects?

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Q:

Can taking Glyxambi cause liver-related side effects?

Anonymous

A:

Glyxambi isn’t known to cause liver-related side effects. These weren’t reported in the drug’s studies. And your body doesn’t rely on your liver to remove Glyxambi after you take a dose.

Recent studies have shown that type 2 diabetes itself can cause liver problems, including liver damage. Using medications like Glyxambi can help manage type 2 diabetes and may help prevent complications of diabetes such as liver problems.

The Healthline Pharmacist TeamAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

Disclaimer: Healthline 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.