For individuals managing type 2 diabetes, the selection of appropriate medication plays a pivotal role in controlling blood sugar levels and mitigating potential health complications. Farxiga (dapagliflozin) and Jardiance (empagliflozin) are two prominent medications in the SGLT2 inhibitor class, both of which have demonstrated efficacy in managing blood sugar and offering additional benefits, such as weight loss. This article provides a detailed comparison of Farxiga and Jardiance, exploring their mechanisms of action, effectiveness, side effects, and other crucial factors to assist individuals and healthcare providers in making informed decisions.
Introduction to Farxiga and Jardiance
Farxiga (dapagliflozin) and Jardiance (empagliflozin) are brand-name medications available as oral tablets, both prescribed for adults with type 2 diabetes, along with exercise and a healthy diet. These medications belong to the SGLT2 inhibitor class, which helps manage type 2 diabetes by prompting the kidneys to remove more sugar from the blood, which is then eliminated from the body through urine. SGLT2 inhibitors can also help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, including hospitalization and death.
Farxiga is available as a generic version called dapagliflozin. Jardiance is not available in a generic version.
How Farxiga and Jardiance Work
Both Farxiga and Jardiance work by decreasing the amount of glucose produced by the liver. They belong to a class of diabetes medicines called SGLT2 inhibitors that help your body get rid of sugar through urination. By blocking the reabsorption of glucose in the kidneys, Farxiga increases the elimination of glucose through urine.
Approved Uses
Jardiance and Farxiga are FDA-approved for some of the same uses, as well as different ones:
Read also: The Role of Farxiga and Metformin in Weight Management
- Both: Help manage blood sugar levels in adults and children ages 10 years and older with type 2 diabetes.
- Both: Reduce the risk of heart-related complications in adults with heart failure and complications associated with chronic kidney disease.
- Farxiga: Has also been found to have an impact on weight management for those individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Neither Jardiance nor Farxiga is approved for treating type 1 diabetes.
Dosage and Administration
Jardiance and Farxiga both come as tablets that you swallow once per day in the morning. They can be taken with or without food.
Jardiance tablets are available in strengths of 10 mg and 25 mg. Farxiga tablets come in 5 mg and 10 mg strengths. Your dosage for either drug will depend on the treatment plan your doctor prescribes for you.
Weight Loss Effects
While Farxiga and Jardiance are not prescribed specifically for weight loss, it is possible to lose weight while taking either of these drugs. This is because Farxiga and Jardiance help your body get rid of extra sugar that it usually stores as fat.
Farxiga influences the metabolism of fat by helping the body convert stored fat into energy. In clinical trials, the most significant fat loss starts around six weeks after starting treatment and can continue for about six months. Farxiga consistently shows a weight reduction over longer periods.
Read also: Comparing Jardiance and Ozempic
Comparing Farxiga to Other Diabetes Medications
When comparing Farxiga with other diabetes medications, such as Mounjaro (tirzepatide), it's important to note that Mounjaro users might experience an average weight loss of 41 pounds over 72 weeks.
Farxiga vs. Ozempic: These medications belong to different drug groups. Farxiga is an SGLT2 inhibitor, whereas Ozempic (semaglutide) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. Farxiga not only controls blood glucose levels, but also supports weight reduction through processes such as glucose elimination, fat metabolism, and appetite regulation.
Side Effects
Since both Farxiga and Jardiance are SGLT2 inhibitors, they can cause similar side effects.
Mild Side Effects
The following table lists some of the more commonly reported mild side effects of Jardiance and Farxiga.
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Genital yeast infections
These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. If the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Read also: Comparing Rybelsus and Jardiance
Serious Side Effects
The following table lists reported serious side effects of Jardiance and Farxiga.
- Allergic reaction
For some people, Jardiance and Farxiga can cause an allergic reaction. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can be mild or serious.
For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away.
Warnings and Precautions
Jardiance and Farxiga work in the same way in your body, and the same warnings apply to both of them. Before you start using Jardiance or Farxiga, be sure to talk with your doctor to see if these warnings apply to you.
Warnings for Jardiance and Farxiga include:
- Kidney disease: Both of these drugs can cause kidney damage. If you have severe kidney disease, you shouldn’t take Jardiance or Farxiga.
- Dehydration and low blood pressure: Both of these drugs make you lose more fluid than usual.
- History of genital yeast infections: Both of these drugs can cause genital yeast infections.
- High cholesterol: Both of these drugs can increase your cholesterol level.
- If you’ve had an allergic reaction to either drug or any of its ingredients
- If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant
- If you’re breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed
- If you take diuretics (water pills)
- If you use insulin
Switching Between Farxiga and Jardiance
Switching between these drugs is possible, but your doctor may advise against it. This is because the drugs work in the same way and have very similar side effects. Therefore, you might not gain anything by switching. Never stop your medications without your doctor’s approval and guidance.
Cost and Availability
How much Jardiance or Farxiga costs depends on the treatment plan your doctor prescribes, your insurance plan, and your pharmacy.
Both Jardiance and Farxiga are brand-name drugs. Jardiance is not available in a generic version. Farxiga is available in a generic version called dapagliflozin. Brand-name medications are often more expensive than generics.