Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Empagliflozin (Jardiance) and glipizide (Glucotrol XL) are both oral medications used to treat Type 2 diabetes. However, they belong to different medication classes and work in distinct ways. Empagliflozin is a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor that helps lower blood sugar by preventing sugar reabsorption in the kidneys, while glipizide is a sulfonylurea that stimulates the pancreas to release more insulin. Empagliflozin is also FDA-approved to reduce the risk of heart-related complications and worsening kidney problems in certain adults, whereas glipizide is only approved for Type 2 diabetes. Empagliflozin is typically taken once daily in the morning, while glipizide can be taken once or twice daily, depending on the formulation. Empagliflozin does not have a generic version available, while glipizide is available as a lower-cost generic. Common side effects of empagliflozin include urinary tract infections, yeast infections, and increased urination, whereas glipizide can cause low blood sugar and weight gain. Both medications have a risk of low blood sugar, and the risk is higher when combined with other diabetes medications.
Glipizide is a sulfonylurea medication used to treat Type 2 diabetes in adults. It lowers blood sugar levels by telling your pancreas to release more insulin. Glipizide is taken by mouth, typically once or twice daily. Some side effects of this medication include dizziness and diarrhea. Taking glipizide can also put you at risk for dangerously low blood sugar, so it's important to take this medication with meals.
Indications of Jardiance vs. Glipizide
Indications for
•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)