Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Jardiance (empagliflozin) and Janumet (sitagliptin/metformin) are both medications used to manage Type 2 diabetes, but they work in different ways and have distinct characteristics. Jardiance is a sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor that helps lower blood sugar by causing your body to remove excess sugar through urine. It is taken once daily and can also reduce the risk of heart failure and chronic kidney disease complications. Janumet combines two medications: sitagliptin, a DPP-4 inhibitor, and metformin, a biguanide. It works by improving insulin function and reducing sugar production and absorption in the body. Janumet is taken either twice daily (immediate-release) or once daily (extended-release). Jardiance is currently only available as a brand-name medication, with generics expected by 2025, while Janumet will have generics available by 2026. Common side effects of Jardiance include urinary tract infections and yeast infections, whereas Janumet often causes diarrhea and upper respiratory tract infections. Both medications can be taken together for better blood sugar control, but you should always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Janumet (sitagliptin / metformin) is a medication for adults with Type 2 diabetes. It contains two different diabetes medications that work together to help control blood sugar. One is sitagliptin, a DPP-4 inhibitor, and the other is metformin, a biguanide. The Janumet immediate-release tablets are taken by mouth twice a day. It works best when used with a balanced meal plan and exercise routine. Some side effects are diarrhea, upper respiratory tract infection, and headache. There's only a brand-name version of Janumet; there's no generic version yet.
Indications of Jardiance vs. Janumet
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)