Jardiance vs. Farxiga: Similarities and Differences

Farxiga (dapagliflozin) and Jardiance (empagliflozin) are prescription medications that are commonly used for type 2 diabetes or heart failure. They belong to a class of medications known as sodium-glucose-co-transporter (SGLT2) inhibitors.

Although similar in many ways, Farxiga and Jardiance primarily differ in some of their uses for heart-related complications.

This article will cover the similarities and differences between Farxiga and Jardiance, including their uses, side effects, how to take them, and which might be better suited for your needs.

Jardiance vs. Farxiga: Uses & Ingredients

The key difference between Jardiance and Farxiga is their active ingredients. The active ingredient in Farxiga is called dapagliflozin, and Jardiance contains empagliflozin.

However, Jardiance and Farxiga are both SGLT2 inhibitors and work similarly. These medications target a specific part of the kidneys responsible for glucose reabsorption.

SGLT2 inhibitors block SGLT2 proteins to reduce glucose from being reabsorbed into the body. As a result, more glucose is released into the urine, which helps control glucose levels.

Shared Uses

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the following uses for both Jardiance and Farxiga:

• Reduce the risk of heart-related death and hospitalization for heart failure in adults with heart failure
• Reduce the risk of sustained decline in kidney function, end-stage kidney disease, heart-related death, and hospitalization for heart failure in adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) at risk of progression
• Add to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes

Other Uses for Jardiance

Jardiance is also approved to help reduce the risk of heart-related death in adults with type 2 diabetes and established heart disease.

Other Uses for Farxiga

Farxiga is also approved to reduce the risk of hospitalization for heart failure with type 2 diabetes and either established heart disease or multiple heart-related risk factors.

Jardiance vs. Farxiga: Side Effect Comparison

Since these medications work the same way, their side effects are fairly similar. Based on their clinical studies, both medications carry similar risks, and one is not any more tolerable than the other.

Common Side Effects

The following are common side effects shared by both medications:

• Nausea
• Increased urination
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Genital fungal infections
• Upper respiratory infections

Severe Side Effects

Due to how similar Farxiga and Jardiance are, the severe side effects you may experience are also similar. The following are severe side effects shared by both medications:

• Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
• Serious UTIs, such as urosepsis (sepsis caused by UTIs) and pyelonephritis (kidney infection)
• Hypovolemia (loss of fluids)
• Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar in the blood

How to Take Jardiance vs. Farxiga

Both Jardiance and Farxiga are only available as oral tablets. 

• Jardiance comes in the following tablet strengths: 10 milligrams (mg) and 25 mg
• Farxiga comes in the following tablet strengths: 5 mg and 10 mg

Jardiance being available at higher doses does not mean it is more (or less) effective than Farxiga. 

When taking your medications, take them exactly as instructed by your healthcare provider. Dosing may be different depending on your specific health needs.

The following table compares the dosage requirements for each medication and their shared uses.

Can You Switch Between Jardiance and Farxiga

It is possible to switch between Jardiance and Farxiga.

While this may be the case, it's important to consider whether there are true benefits in switching from one medication to the other. For instance, switching between them due to side effects may not be beneficial since they both have similar associated risks and side effects.

Contact your healthcare provider to discuss which medication is best for you.

Which Is Better: Farxiga or Jardiance?

Both Farxiga and Jardiance are effective medications for type 2 diabetes and heart failure. Since Jardiance and Farxiga work similarly, one is not necessarily better.

A clinical study confirmed that both medications are safe and effective as add-on therapies for further diabetes control.

Summary

Farxiga and Jardiance are medications that work very similarly and are effective for their FDA-approved uses. Both are approved to help manage type 2 diabetes and reduce heart failure complications. However, Farxiga is also prescribed to reduce the risk of hospitalization from heart failure and Jardiance is prescribed to reduce the risk of death from heart attacks, stroke, and heart failure.

Jardiance is not available generically, while Farxiga is available under the generic name dapagliflozin, which may reduce patient cost.

While both medications are highly effective, they do not come without risk. Ask your healthcare provider to help you determine which medication is better for you and your health condition.

The author would like to recognize and thank Cody Ryan Thomas for contributing to this article.