Are you a healthcare professional? Join GoodRx for HCPs

Compare Jardiance vs. Mounjaro

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Jardiance (empagliflozin) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) are both medications used to treat Type 2 diabetes, but they belong to different drug classes and have distinct characteristics. Jardiance is a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor taken orally once a day, while Mounjaro is a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist injected subcutaneously (under the skin) once weekly. Jardiance is also approved to lower the risk of heart and kidney complications in certain adults, whereas Mounjaro is not. Both are only available as brand-name medications. Common side effects of Jardiance include urinary tract infections and yeast infections, while Mounjaro often causes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Both medications can cause low blood sugar when used with other diabetes treatments, but Mounjaro also carries a risk of thyroid cancer and pancreatitis. Additionally, Jardiance may lead to dehydration and low blood pressure, while Mounjaro can cause stomach and gallbladder issues.

Jardiance (empagliflozin)
Mounjaro (tirzepatide)
Jardiance (empagliflozin)
Mounjaro (tirzepatide)
Summary of Jardiance vs. Mounjaro
Summary for SGLT2 inhibitor
Prescription only
Jardiance (empagliflozin) is a brand-name 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.
Summary for GIP and GLP-1 agonist
Prescription only
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a prescription injection used to improve blood sugar control in adults with Type 2 diabetes. It works best when you also follow a nutritious diet and exercise regularly. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) belongs to the drug class called GIP and GLP-1 agonists. The dosage is convenient because it's injected under the skin once a week. Some common side effects of Mounjaro (tirzepatide) include nausea and diarrhea. It can also lower your appetite, which might lead to some weight loss.
Indications of Jardiance vs. Mounjaro
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)

Indications for

•Type 2 diabetes, in addition to a balanced diet and routine exercise
Pros and Cons of Jardiance vs. Mounjaro
Pros and Const for SGLT2 inhibitor
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

Pros and Const for GIP and GLP-1 agonist
Pros

•Given once weekly

•Can lower A1C by an average of up to 2.3% in about 9 months

•Injections can be given with or without food

•Comes in vials and ready-to-use injectable pens

•Can use if you have liver or kidney problems

Cons

•Only available as an injection given under the skin

•Can cause unpleasant side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

•Takes time to reach a dose that works well

•Not approved for children

•Might not be safe during pregnancy
Common Side Effects of Jardiance vs. Mounjaro
Common Side Effects for

•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%)

Common Side Effects for

•Nausea (12-18%)

•Diarrhea (12-17%)

•Low appetite (5-11%)

•Vomiting (5-9%)

•Indigestion (5-8%)

•Constipation (6-7%)

•Stomach pain (5-6%)
Warnings of Jardiance vs. Mounjaro
Common Side Effects for

•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

Common Side Effects for

•Risk of thyroid cancer

•Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)

•Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when used with other diabetes medications

•Allergic reactions

•Stomach side effects

•Kidney damage due to dehydration

•Eye problems in people with diabetic retinopathy

•Gallbladder problems

•Lung problems during general anesthesia or deep sedation
Prices with our coupons for Jardiance vs. Mounjaro
Learn more about Jardiance
Learn more about Mounjaro

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.

Compare Jardiance vs. Mounjaro

Key takeaways

Summary of Jardiance vs. Mounjaro

Indications of Jardiance vs. Mounjaro

Pros and Cons of Jardiance vs. Mounjaro

Common Side Effects of Jardiance vs. Mounjaro

Warnings of Jardiance vs. Mounjaro

Prices with our coupons for Jardiance vs. Mounjaro

Compare other Diabetes Type 2 drugs

Browse medications

Good news for your inbox