Farxiga vs. Jardiance for Diabetes Type 2 and Heart Failure: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Key takeaways

Farxiga (dapagliflozin) and Jardiance (empagliflozin) are both SGLT2 inhibitors used to manage Type 2 diabetes. While both medications work similarly, there are some differences between them. Unlike Jardiance, Farxiga is safe for use in children ages 10 years and older. Farxiga is not recommended during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, and Jardiance must be paused before certain surgeries. Common side effects of Jardiance include high cholesterol, which was not reported with Farxiga. Serious side effects can happen with both medication; however only Jardiance has a risk of leg and foot amputations.

Farxiga

(dapagliflozin)

Get free coupons

Jardiance

(empagliflozin)

Get free coupons

Summary for Farxiga

Prescription only

Farxiga, the brand name for dapagliflozin, is used together with a nutritious diet and exercise plan to lower blood sugar levels in people 10 years and older with Type 2 diabetes. It can also help lower the risk of serious complications, hospitalization, and death in certain adults with heart failure or chronic kidney disease (CKD). Farxiga (dapagliflozin) belongs to the drug class called sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. It's taken by mouth once a day. Some side effects include yeast infections, urinating more often, and weight loss.

Indications for Farxiga

Type 2 diabetes (in addition to diet and exercise) in people age 10 and over
Lowering the risk of hospitalization for heart failure in adults with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease
Lowering the risk of hospitalization and death due to heart problems in people with heart failure
Lowering the risk of worsening kidney problems, hospitalization for heart failure, and death due to heart problems in adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD)

Pros and Cons for Farxiga

Pros

Taken only once daily
Low risk of causing low blood sugar when taken by itself
Can take with other diabetes medications

Cons

Raises risk of yeast infections and urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Not available as a liquid
Not recommended during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy

Common Side Effects for Farxiga

Vaginal yeast infection in females (7-8%)
Nose and throat infection (6-7%)
Urinary tract infection (UTI, 4-6%)

Warnings for Farxiga

Ketoacidosis
Low fluids in the body (leading to low blood pressure or dehydration)
Genital and urinary tract infections
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when used with other diabetes medications

Summary for Jardiance

Prescription only

Jardiance (empagliflozin) is a medication that's used along with a nutritious diet and routine exercise to improve blood sugar levels in people 10 years and older with Type 2 diabetes. It can also lower the chance of serious complications, hospitalization, and death in certain adults with heart failure or chronic kidney disease (CKD). Jardiance (empagliflozin) belongs to the drug class called sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. It's a tablet that's taken by mouth once a day. Side effects can include urinary tract infections (UTIs), yeast infections, and weight loss.

Indications for Jardiance

Type 2 diabetes (in addition to diet and exercise) in people age 10 years and older
Lowering the risk of death due to heart problems in adults with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease
Lowering the risk of hospitalization and death due to heart problems in adults with heart failure
Lowering the risk of worsening kidney problems, hospitalization, and death due to heart problems in adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD)

Pros and Cons for Jardiance

Pros

Taken by mouth once a day
Unlikely to cause weight gain
Can take with other diabetes medications

Cons

Raises risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and genital yeast infections
Might make you urinate more
Not recommended during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy

Common Side Effects for Jardiance

Urinary tract infection (UTI; 8-9%)
Vaginal yeast infection in females (5-6%)
Upper respiratory tract infection (3-4%)
High cholesterol or fat levels (3-4%)
Urinating more than usual (3%)

Warnings for Jardiance

Ketoacidosis
Low fluids in the body (leading to low blood pressure or dehydration)
Genital and urinary tract infections
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when used with certain other diabetes medications
Leg and foot amputations
Allergic reactions