Jardiance (empagliflozin) is one of the most widely prescribed medications for type 2 diabetes because it lowers blood sugar in a unique way—by helping the kidneys remove excess glucose through urine. This mechanism is highly effective for many people, but it naturally leads to more frequent trips to the bathroom. Increased urination is not just a minor side note; it is one of the most consistent and expected effects of the drug.
For most users, this change starts within the first few days or weeks and becomes part of daily life rather than a constant annoyance. The extra urine output is the body’s direct response to the medication doing its job. While it can feel inconvenient at first, understanding why it happens and how to manage it makes living with the change much easier.
This article explains exactly why Jardiance increases urination, how much more you can expect to pee, what benefits come with this effect, and practical ways to handle any downsides. The goal is to give you clear, realistic information so you can use the medication confidently and comfortably.
How Jardiance Works in the Body
Jardiance belongs to a class called SGLT2 inhibitors. These drugs block a protein in the kidneys that normally reabsorbs glucose back into the bloodstream. When that protein is blocked, excess sugar stays in the urine and gets flushed out instead of returning to circulation.
This glucose removal lowers blood sugar levels independently of insulin. It also causes a mild diuretic effect because more water is pulled into the urine along with the sugar. That extra fluid volume is what leads to more frequent and sometimes larger urination.
The process is dose-dependent and begins soon after starting treatment. Most people notice the change quickly, and it remains fairly stable over time as long as the dose stays the same.
Does Jardiance Make You Pee
Yes, Jardiance reliably increases urine output for the vast majority of users. This happens because the drug forces the kidneys to excrete both glucose and the water that carries it. On average, people produce 300–500 mL more urine per day compared with before starting the medication.
The increase is most noticeable during the first 1–2 weeks while the body adjusts. After that initial period, the extra urination usually settles into a predictable pattern—more frequent daytime trips and sometimes one additional nighttime void. For many, the change feels like having slightly smaller bladder capacity rather than an uncontrollable urge.
The effect is considered a therapeutic action rather than a true side effect. It contributes directly to the blood-sugar-lowering benefit and helps explain why Jardiance often causes a small but measurable drop in body weight from fluid loss.
How Much More Do People Typically Pee?
Clinical studies and real-world reports show an average increase of about 400 mL per day, roughly equivalent to one extra large glass of water. Some people notice only a modest uptick, while others report going to the bathroom every 2–3 hours instead of 3–4 hours.
Nighttime urination (nocturia) increases for roughly 20–30% of users, usually by one extra episode. This tends to be more bothersome than daytime frequency and is worth discussing with a doctor if it disrupts sleep significantly.
The amount of extra urine varies with fluid intake, activity level, and individual kidney response. Staying consistently hydrated keeps the change from feeling extreme.
Why the Extra Peeing Can Actually Be Helpful
The increased urination removes calories in the form of glucose—about 200–300 calories per day at typical doses. This contributes to the modest weight loss (2–4 kg on average) seen with Jardiance over the first year.
It also reduces the amount of glucose available for harmful processes in the body, such as damage to blood vessels or nerves. The diuretic action lowers blood pressure slightly in many users, which adds cardiovascular protection.
For people with fluid retention or mild heart failure, this gentle fluid removal can feel beneficial rather than bothersome. The kidneys are simply doing more of what they are designed to do—clearing waste and excess.
Comparison of Urination Changes Across SGLT2 Inhibitors
| Medication | Average Extra Urine per Day | Frequency Increase Reported | Typical Onset of Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jardiance (empagliflozin) | ~400 mL | Moderate to noticeable | Within 1–7 days |
| Farxiga (dapagliflozin) | ~350–450 mL | Similar to Jardiance | Within 1–7 days |
| Invokana (canagliflozin) | ~300–400 mL | Slightly less pronounced | Within 3–10 days |
All three medications cause increased urination through the same SGLT2 mechanism; differences are modest and vary by individual.
Practical Tips for Living with Increased Urination
Plan bathroom access when you are away from home, especially during the first few weeks. Many people find that carrying a small water bottle helps them stay ahead of thirst without overdoing fluids at night.
Shift most of your fluid intake to earlier in the day so less urine is produced overnight. Aim to finish drinking large amounts by early evening. This simple timing adjustment reduces nighttime awakenings for the majority of users.
Wear comfortable, easy-to-remove clothing and choose absorbent underwear or pads if you are worried about urgency. These practical steps prevent stress and keep daily life uninterrupted.
- Keep a small travel pack with wipes and hand sanitizer for convenience
- Set phone reminders to use the restroom before leaving the house
- Limit caffeine and alcohol in the late afternoon and evening
- Track fluid intake for a few days to find your personal sweet spot
Other Benefits Tied to the Diuretic Effect
The extra urine output lowers blood pressure by an average of 3–5 mmHg systolic in most users. This small reduction adds up to meaningful cardiovascular protection over years of treatment.
It also decreases the workload on the heart and reduces the risk of hospitalization for heart failure in people who already have or are at risk for cardiac issues. These protective effects are among the strongest reasons Jardiance is prescribed beyond simple glucose control.
Kidney protection is another important benefit. By reducing the amount of glucose filtered through the kidneys, the drug lowers the risk of progressive damage in people with type 2 diabetes.
When to Talk to Your Doctor About Urination Changes
Contact your healthcare provider if you notice blood in the urine, burning or pain during urination, fever, back pain, or very dark urine. These can signal a urinary tract infection or dehydration, both of which need prompt attention while on Jardiance.
If nighttime urination becomes frequent enough to seriously disrupt sleep, discuss possible adjustments or additional strategies. Sometimes lowering evening fluid intake or adding a low-dose medication for nocturia helps.
Severe thirst combined with very high urine output could indicate uncontrolled diabetes or, rarely, a more serious issue. Regular follow-up visits and blood work keep everything on track.
Summary
Jardiance reliably increases urine output because it causes the kidneys to excrete excess glucose along with extra water—typically 300–500 mL more per day. This effect starts within days, becomes most noticeable in the first 1–2 weeks, and then settles into a manageable routine for most users. While it can mean more frequent bathroom trips, it is a direct part of how the medication lowers blood sugar, reduces body weight slightly, lowers blood pressure, and protects the heart and kidneys.
Simple habits like timing fluids, staying hydrated, and planning ahead make the change much easier to live with. Serious urinary symptoms or extreme thirst should always be reported quickly. With proper management, the increased urination becomes a minor trade-off for the significant metabolic and cardiovascular benefits Jardiance provides.
FAQ
How much more will I pee on Jardiance compared to before starting?
Most people produce about 300–500 mL extra urine per day, which translates to roughly 1–2 additional bathroom trips. The increase is usually noticeable but not overwhelming once you adjust your routine.
Does the extra urination get better or worse over time?
It typically peaks in the first 1–2 weeks and then stabilizes. For most users it becomes a predictable part of daily life rather than something that worsens. Staying well hydrated helps keep it from feeling excessive.
Will Jardiance make me get up at night to pee?
Nighttime urination increases for about 20–30% of users, usually by one extra episode. Cutting back on fluids in the evening and emptying the bladder before bed reduces this for many people.
Is the increased peeing a sign the medicine is working?
Yes, it is a direct result of the drug removing glucose from the body through urine. More urination generally means the medication is successfully lowering blood sugar. It is considered a therapeutic effect, not a problem.
Should I drink more water because I’m peeing more?
Yes, increase fluid intake slightly to replace what is lost and prevent dehydration. Aim for clear or pale yellow urine as a guide. Avoid overdoing it in the evening if nighttime trips are an issue.
