Jardiance vs Metformin: Which is Right for You?

Key Takeaways

• Metformin is the first-line treatment for patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. While metformin is the first go-to antidiabetic medication, many new diabetes medications are getting approved. 

• Jardiance is a newer drug your doctor may prescribe if metformin alone does not control blood sugar levels, especially if you have other comorbidities. Both Jardiance and metformin can effectively lower blood glucose levels and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c).

• Metformin is also used off-label to treat gestational diabetes mellitus and polycystic ovary syndrome. Jardiance may be used in people with congestive heart failure to lower the risk of hospitalization and cardiovascular death.

Jardiance and metformin are diabetes medications that are used to lower blood sugar levels to prevent other diabetes-related complications. What’s unique about Jardiance is that it is also used to reduce the risk of cardiac complications for diabetic patients who also have cardiovascular disease or heart failure. But not every diabetes medication may be right for you. Please continue reading to find out the differences between Jardiance vs metformin.

How does metformin control blood glucose levels?

Metformin belongs to a drug class called biguanides. It helps to achieve blood glucose control by decreasing the amount of glucose absorbed in the stomach and intestines while reducing glucose production in the liver, decreasing insulin resistance, and improving insulin sensitivity. 

How does Jardiance achieve blood sugar control?

Jardiance is the brand name for the generic medication empagliflozin. It belongs to a group called sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors. Jardiance helps to control high blood sugar levels by increasing glucose excretion in the urine. Just as with other antidiabetics, Jardiance should be used as part of a comprehensive treatment regimen, including diet and exercise.  

Should I take Jardiance or metformin? 

Metformin is an older medication and is usually the first-line treatment to improve glycemic control in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. It comes as an immediate-release and extended-release oral tablet and liquid suspension.

Jardiance is a newer drug and comes in tablet form to take by mouth. Your doctor may prescribe Jardiance if metformin alone does not control blood sugar levels, or if you have heart failure or cardiovascular diseases. 

Can I take metformin without Jardiance?

Yes, you can take metformin without Jardiance. 

Is Jardiance better than metformin?

Both Jardiance and metformin can effectively lower blood glucose levels and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). Both medicines carry risks of causing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels). However, there are some key differences between Jardiance vs metformin:

Medical conditions

In addition to Type 2 diabetes mellitus, metformin is also used off-label to treat gestational diabetes mellitus and polycystic ovary syndrome. 

Besides its role in Type 2 diabetes treatment, Jardiance is also approved to be used in people with heart diseases such as congestive heart failure to lower the risk of cardiovascular complications and cardiovascular death.

Taking metformin may not be safe for people with kidney problems including reduced kidney function, severe kidney disease, chronic kidney disease, or end-stage kidney disease), metabolic acidosis including diabetic ketoacidosis, heart disease, and liver disease. 

Taking Jardiance may not be safe for people with excessive alcohol intake, severe kidney disease, liver disease, or a history of pancreatitis. It is not suitable for patients who have recently received any form of immunosuppressive therapy for the treatment of kidney disease. Jardiance’s common side effects include frequent urinary tract infections, yeast infections, dehydration leading to low blood pressure, and increased urination.

Metformin and Jardiance are generally safe for most people. However, when taken together, metformin and Jardiance may increase the risk of metabolic acidosis, including diabetic ketoacidosis and low blood sugar. 

Side effects

Common side effects of metformin include stomach pain, bloating, gas, nausea, and diarrhea. 

Jardiance can cause side effects such as a urinary tract infection and genital yeast infection. In addition, Jardiance works by helping the kidneys to remove more glucose through the urine. The downside of this mechanism of action is that dehydration can occur, leading to low blood pressure, dizziness, and reduced urination.

Call your healthcare provider immediately or seek emergency medical help if you develop severe allergic reactions (skin rash, hives, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing, or swallowing) after taking Jardiance or metformin.

Drug interactions

Jardiance and metformin can interact with different drugs and increase the risk of serious adverse events, such as lactic acidosis (metformin) or urinary problems (Jardiance). Also, just as with other diabetes medications, when you take more than one medication that can lower your blood sugar, you are at a higher risk of experiencing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

To prevent harmful adverse effects, give your doctor a complete list of all your other medications before starting treatment.

Cost

Jardiance is a brand name product and is more expensive than generic metformin. The average cost of Jardiance ranges between $50-$230 per month. The average cost of metformin is $15-$20 for a month’s supply.

What foods to avoid when taking Jardiance?

There are no specific dietary restrictions while taking Jardiance. Remember, diet and exercise play a key role in helping lower blood sugar levels. You should eat a healthy diet and stay well-hydrated while on this medication. 

Can you lose weight on Jardiance with metformin?

Both Jardiance and metformin can lead to moderate weight loss. Studies have found that combining metformin and Jardiance can result in greater weight loss and more reduction in hemoglobin A1c compared to metformin alone. 

A combination of empagliflozin (the active ingredient in Jardiance) and metformin is available under the trade name Synjardy. A combination of metformin, empagliflozin, and linagliptin is sold under the brand name Trijardy XR.

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References:

1. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a696005.html#:

2. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a614043.html

3. https://patient.boehringer-ingelheim.com/us/products/jardiance/type-2-diabetes/pricing#

4. https://www.diabetes.co.uk/news/2016/aug/study-reveals-benefits-of-jardiance-and-metformin-combination-therapy-in-type-2-diabetes-96392899.html