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Jardiance vs. Janumet

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.

Jardiance

(empagliflozin)

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Janumet

(sitagliptin / metformin)

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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

Common Side Effects for Jardiance

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

Summary for Janumet

Prescription only

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 for Janumet

Pros and Cons for Janumet

Pros

Cons

  • Must take twice a day with meals
  • Only available as a fixed dose, so can be hard to make dose adjustments
  • Not a good option for people with severe kidney problems
  • Not approved for people with Type 1 diabetes

Common Side Effects for Janumet

Warnings for Janumet

  • Lactic acidosis
  • Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
  • Risk of heart failure
  • Sudden kidney problems
  • Low vitamin B12 levels
  • Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when taken with certain diabetes medications
  • Joint pain
  • Severe skin reaction
  • Serious allergic reactions

Prices with our coupons for Jardiance vs. Janumet

Price Card Drug Icon
Jardiance30 tablets / 10mg
$354.86$430.65
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Janumet180 tablets / 50mg/1000mg
$976.92$1,249.47
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