When learning about medications for type 2 diabetes, many people come across information discussing Jardiance (empagliflozin) vs Farxiga. What is the difference between these two diabetes medications, and how can someone know which of these two drugs is best for them?
Jardiance
Jardiance is a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor. It lowers blood sugar by increasing the amount of sugar eliminated from the body via urine.
Uses
Jardiance can lower blood sugar and protect against heart and kidney problems in people with type 2 diabetes. It may also help promote weight loss.
Contraindications
Jardiance is not for people with type 1 diabetes, breastfeeding patients or in pregnant patients, people with severe renal problems, people with allergies or sensitivities to ingredients found in Jardiance, and people with severe chronic kidney disease.
Farxiga
Farxiga (dapagliflozin) is also a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor. Like Jardiance, Farxiga lowers blood sugar by helping the kidneys eliminate sugar from the body via urine.
Uses
Farxiga can treat type 2 diabetes by helping to lower blood sugar levels. It can also help treat heart failure and lower the risk of hospitalization due to heart failure.
Contraindications
Farxiga is not safe to use in people with moderate to severe kidney disease or in people with type 1 diabetes.
Jardiance vs Farxiga – What is the Difference?
There are several similarities and differences between Jardiance and Farxiga; ultimately, which one is best varies by the individual patient’s needs.
The Similarities
They both belong to the same class of drugs (SGLT2 inhibitors) and help reduce high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) by helping the kidneys eliminate sugar via the urine. Perhaps because of this action, both drugs may additionally increase a person’s risk of urinary tract and genital infections.
Both medications also appear to offer benefits to the cardiovascular system. Some research, for instance, suggests SGLT2 inhibitors may also increase “lousy” low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Despite LDL cholesterol increasing, overall cardiovascular benefits seem to occur when taking these medications.
Unfortunately, these medications are often not the best choice for managing glucose levels during pregnancy. Jardiance and Farxiga are both Pregnancy Category C drugs. This label means there is not enough human research but sufficient nonhuman animal research to suggest they are not safe to take during the second and third trimesters.
The Differences
Farxiga and Jardiance have slightly different molecular formulas (C21H25ClO6 vs C23H27ClO7), which means they affect the body in similar yet still different ways. Farxiga has a slightly longer half-life than Jardiance (12.9 hours vs 12.4 hours), so it may stay in a person’s system slightly longer than Jardiance does. Further, Farxiga is not recommended for use in patients with active bladder cancer.
Disclaimer: this article does not constitute or replace medical advice. If you have an emergency or a serious medical question, please contact a medical professional or call 911 immediately. To see our full medical disclaimer, visit our Terms of Use page.
OVERVIEWDOSAGESIDE EFFECTSINTERACTIONSHALF-LIFE
Generic Name: Empagliflozin
Brands: Jardiance
Class: Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors
Availability: Prescription only (currently in the United States, no generic version is available)
Molecular Formula: C23H27ClO7
Substance UNII: HDC1R2M35U
What is Jardiance?
Jardiance is a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor. It is the brand name of the drug empagliflozin.
What is Jardiance Used For?
Jardiance is used for the treatment of diabetes. It was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2014.
According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, Jardiance can also help lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death in people with type 2 diabetes who also have heart and blood vessel diseases.
How Does Jardiance Work?
Jardiance helps lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. It’s meant to be used along with diet and exercise. It works by helping the kidneys send excess sugar out of the body through the urine.
How Long Does it Take for Jardiance to Work?
Jardiance may start to help lower blood sugar levels within 1 to 2 weeks. But studies suggest it may take up to 24 weeks for a person to get the full benefits of Jardiance.
Do Not Use Jardiance If:
There are several situations where this medication may not be the right choice for you. According to the FDA, the following should not use Jardiance:
- People with type 1 diabetes
- People with allergies or sensitivities to ingredients in Jardiance
- People with severe or end-stage kidney disease, including people who are on dialysis
- People with diabetic ketoacidosis (a serious health condition that can occur if high blood sugar is left untreated)
Please note that this list may not be complete, and there may be other situations where the use of this drug is not advisable.
Disclaimer: this article does not constitute or replace medical advice. If you have an emergency or a serious medical question, please contact a medical professional or call 911 immediately. To see our full medical disclaimer, visit our Terms of Use page.
