Glucovance vs. Jardiance for Diabetes Type 2: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Key takeaways

Glucovance (glyburide/metformin) and Jardiance (empagliflozin) are both medications used to manage Type 2 diabetes, but they some differences between them. Glucovance combines glyburide, which stimulates insulin release, and metformin, which works to reduces sugar production and absorption. Jardiance helps your kidneys remove excess sugar through your urine. Unlike Jardiance, Glucovance is available as a lower-cost generic. It's best to take Glucovance with meals to avoid low blood sugar and stomach upset. Jardiance can be taken once daily, with or without food. Jardiance also offers additional benefits for adults with heart failure and chronic kidney disease. And taking Jardiance can increase your risk of urinary tract and yeast infections. Both medications can cause low blood sugar, especially when combined with other diabetes treatments, but this risk is higher in people taking Glucovance.

Glyburide/metformin

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Jardiance

(empagliflozin)

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Summary for Glucovance

Prescription only

Glyburide/metformin is used to manage blood sugar levels in adults with Type 2 diabetes. It works best when taken with a healthy diet and regular exercise. This medication combines a sulfonylurea (glyburide) and a biguanide (metformin). You take it by mouth, typically once or twice daily with meals. Since glyburide/metformin can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), it's important to carry fast-acting sugars like gummy candy or fruit juice to quickly raise your blood sugar if needed. Other common side effects include diarrhea, headache, and nausea. Brand name Glucovance has been discontinued.

Indications for Glucovance

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) in adults

Pros and Cons for Glucovance

Pros

Combines two medications into one pill for convenience
Dose can be adjusted if needed
Taken by mouth instead of an injection

Cons

Need to take with meals
Not safe for use in people with moderate-to-severe kidney disease
More likely to cause weight gain compared to some other medications for diabetes

Common Side Effects for Glucovance

Low blood sugar levels (up to 38%)
Diarrhea (17%)
Headache (9%)
Nausea or vomiting (8%)
Belly pain (7%)
Dizziness (6%)

Warnings for Glucovance

Lactic acidosis (too much acid in your body)
Low blood sugar
Possible risk of serious heart problems
Risk of low red blood cell count (hemolytic anemia)
Low vitamin B12 levels

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