Kerendia vs. Jardiance for Heart Failure: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Kerendia

(finerenone)

Jardiance

(empagliflozin)

Summary for Kerendia

Prescription only

Kerendia (finerenone) is a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist used to lower the risk of serious kidney and heart problems. It's approved for adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) caused by Type 2 diabetes and for certain adults with heart failure. You take the medication by mouth once a day, with or without food. Common side effects include high potassium levels, low blood pressure, and low sodium levels.

Indications for Kerendia

Lowers the risk of serious problems in adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) caused by Type 2 diabetes
Lowers the risk of serious problems in certain adults with heart failure

Pros and Cons for Kerendia

Pros

Protects your kidneys and lowers heart risks
Taken by mouth once per day
Can be taken with or without food

Cons

Won't be able to "feel" the medication working
Can raise blood potassium levels
Requires regular blood test to check potassium levels and kidney function

Common Side Effects for Kerendia

High blood potassium levels (14%)

Warnings for Kerendia

High potassium levels
Worsening kidney function (people with heart failure)

Summary for Jardiance

Prescription only

Jardiance (empagliflozin) is a medication that helps lower blood sugar for people 10 years and older with Type 2 diabetes. For the best results, it's used along with a nutritious diet and exercise. Jardiance (empagliflozin) can also help lower the risk of complications, hospital stays, and death for adults with heart failure or chronic kidney disease (CKD). This medication belongs to the drug class called sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. It comes as a tablet that you take by mouth once a day. Side effects include urinary tract infections (UTIs) and yeast infections.

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 hospital stays and death due to heart problems in adults with heart failure
Lowering the risk of worsening kidney problems, hospital stays, 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
Might notice some weight loss
Can take with other diabetes medications

Cons

Might make you urinate more
Raises the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and genital yeast infections
Not recommended during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy

Common Side Effects for Jardiance

Urinary tract infection (UTI; 8-9%)
Vaginal yeast infection (5-6%)
Upper respiratory tract infection (3-4%)
High cholesterol levels (3-4%)
Urinating more (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