Managing type 2 diabetes (a form of diabetes mellitus) can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to understanding medications. There are so many pills, injections, diets, and tips out there that it can get confusing quickly.

For example, you may be wondering, “Can you take Synjardy and Ozempic together?” The short answer is yes, but only with your doctor’s guidance. These two medicines work in different ways and, when used properly, can help improve blood sugar control and even support weight loss.

Let’s take a closer look at each medication and what happens when they’re combined, all explained in simple terms to make it easy to follow. When it comes to your health, you deserve to understand every step.

What Is Synjardy?

Synjardy is a combination of two medications, empagliflozin and metformin. It’s a prescription medicine used to help people with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar. Since it’s a combination pill, this means both medications are inside one tablet.

Empagliflozin

This is a medicine from a group called sodium glucose cotransporter (SGLT2) inhibitors. This drug helps your kidneys get rid of extra sugar by sending it out through your urine.

Metformin

This medicine is called a biguanide, which lowers how much sugar your liver makes and helps your body to better use insulin. It also improves how your muscles use sugar for energy.

Together, these two medicines form Synjardy, a common medicine for controlling blood sugar. It’s usually part of a larger diabetes care plan that includes eating well and staying active.

What Is Ozempic?

Ozempic is a brand name for a medicine called semaglutide when it is prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a drug class called glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. It copies a natural hormone in your body that helps with blood sugar and appetite. Semaglutide works by:

• Helping your pancreas release more insulin only when your blood sugar levels are high
• Slowing down digestion, so sugar from food enters your blood more slowly, preventing blood sugar spikes
• Reducing hunger, which can help with weight loss

It’s also helpful for people who have heart problems or are at risk for them because it has been shown to lower the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Can You Take Them Together?

Yes — under a doctor’s care, you can take empagliflozin/metformin and semaglutide together. In fact, some doctors prescribe these two medicines at the same time because they work in different ways to lower blood sugar. This means they may be more effective as a team. Here’s how they work together:

• Empagliflozin/metformin helps get rid of sugar through your urine and makes your body more sensitive to insulin.
• Semaglutide helps your body release insulin when needed, slows digestion, and makes you feel full longer.

Together, they can help people:

• Lower their A1c levels (a test that shows your average blood sugar over three months)
• Support healthy weight management
• Lower the risk of heart and kidney problems

According to the American Diabetes Association’s 2025 guidelines, combining a GLP-1 receptor agonist like semaglutide with an SGLT2 inhibitor like empagliflozin (in Synjardy) is recommended for people with type 2 diabetes who need more help with blood sugar and also have heart or kidney issues. This combo is especially helpful for those who are trying to tackle several health issues at once, like high blood sugar, weight gain, and risk of complications.

Are There Any Risks?

As with any medication, there are side effects to watch out for — especially when taking more than one medicine at a time. It’s important to be aware of how your body reacts and talk to your doctor if anything feels off. Common side effects include:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Dehydration
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar, especially if you’re taking insulin or another diabetes medication)
• Headache
• Increased urination, especially with empagliflozin/metformin
• Tiredness

These side effects are more likely if you aren’t eating well or drinking enough water or if you’re very active without adjusting your food intake. It’s important to balance your meals and snacks and stay hydrated, especially on hot days or when exercising.

The good news? You can reduce your risk of side effects if you’re careful and have regular check-ins with your healthcare team. A healthcare professional can adjust your dose, give you tips for dealing with side effects, and run blood tests to make sure your kidneys and other organs are doing OK.

Why Would Someone Use Both?

Many people with type 2 diabetes also struggle with having a larger body weight, heart disease, or kidney problems. These are common and serious concerns that go hand in hand with diabetes. Doctors look at the whole picture when choosing medicines.

If you need help with blood sugar, weight loss, and heart or kidney health, combining empagliflozin/metformin and semaglutide might be the right choice for you. The benefits are not just about numbers on a test, they’re also about helping you feel better and live longer.

• Semaglutide has been shown to help people lose weight, which can also improve blood pressure and cholesterol.
• Empagliflozin/metformin can help prevent heart and kidney damage in people with type 2 diabetes by reducing the stress on those organs.

That’s why some doctors prescribe both, especially if you’re trying to avoid future problems and live a healthier life now.

Important Safety Tips

If you’re thinking about these medications, keep these tips in mind:

• Never start or stop medicine without talking to your doctor. Even if you feel better, you still need your medicine.
• Drink plenty of water, especially if you’re taking empagliflozin/metformin, which can make you pee more.
• Watch for signs of low blood sugar, such as shakiness, sweating, fast heartbeat, confusion, or feeling dizzy.
• Go to all your doctor appointments and get your blood work done on time. It helps your doctor make sure everything is working well.
• If you feel very sick or you have stomach pain, nausea, or trouble breathing, call your doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about any other medications or supplements you’re taking. Even vitamins can sometimes cause interactions.

Your Health, Your Power

For many people, this drug combination can greatly improve blood sugar control and support better overall health. It can also make a big difference in preventing serious problems like heart disease, kidney disease, and other complications caused by uncontrolled diabetes.

But remember to seek medical advice. Don’t try to change your medications on your own. Everyone’s body is different. Your doctor will look at your medical history, blood sugar numbers, weight, and other health conditions to create the best treatment plan for you.

If you’re curious about combining these medications, don’t guess. Talk to your healthcare provider. They are the best person to guide you in managing diabetes safely and effectively. And if you’re already on both, good job taking steps to manage your health!

Talk With Others Who Understand

DiabetesTeam is the social network for people with diabetes and their loved ones. On DiabetesTeam, members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with diabetes.

Have you been prescribed two medications for diabetes meant to be taken together? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.