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Drug vs. Drug

Farxiga vs. Jardiance: Key differences, uses, and side effects

Farxiga and Jardiance are SGLT2 inhibitors used to treat Type 2 diabetes and certain heart conditions. Learn their differences, side effects, and costs.
Keith Gardner, RPh, medical writer and reviewer for SingleCare
By | Updated on Feb. 4, 2025
Two pill bottles representing Farxiga vs. Jardiance

Key takeaways

  • Farxiga (dapagliflozin) and Jardiance (empagliflozin) are prescription-only medications used for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes and for certain types of heart failure. They belong to a class of medications known as SGLT2 inhibitors.

  • Farxiga is also approved to reduce the risk of hospitalization from heart failure.

  •  Jardiance is also approved to reduce the risk of death from heart attacks, stroke, and heart failure.

  • Since these medications are in the same drug class, they share similar common side effect profiles that include nausea, more frequent urination, urinary tract infections, genital fungal infections in females, and upper respiratory infections.

  • Jardiance is only available as the brand-name product; Farxiga is available as the brand-name product and in a generic version, which may reduce cost.

In this article:

Farxiga and Jardiance are two brand-name oral medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to manage Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Both are sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. Farxiga, manufactured by AstraZeneca, contains the active drug dapagliflozin, and Jardiance, manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, contains the active drug empagliflozin. Both drugs facilitate blood glucose (sugar) control in Type 2 diabetes mellitus by increasing urinary glucose, eliminating more sugar from the body. Although both drugs work similarly for glycemic control, there are some differences. Continue reading to learn more about Farxiga and Jardiance.

What are the main differences between Farxiga and Jardiance?

Although Farxiga and Jardiance are in the same drug class and have the same mechanism of action, they contain two different active ingredients and have important differences.

Main differences of Farxiga and Jardiance
Farxiga Jardiance
Drug class SGLT2 inhibitor SGLT2 inhibitor
Brand/generic status Brand and generic available Brand only
What is the generic name? Dapagliflozin Empagliflozin
What form(s) does the drug come in? Oral tablet: 5 mg, 10 mg Oral tablet: 10 mg, 25 mg
What is the standard dosage? 5 or 10 mg once daily, depending on the condition being treated 10 or 25 mg once daily 
How long is the typical treatment? Long-term Long-term
Who typically uses the medication? Adults 18 years and older Adults and children 10 years and older for Type 2 diabetes; adults only for all other uses

Conditions treated by Farxiga and Jardiance

Farxiga (dapagliflozin) and Jardiance (empagliflozin) are both prescription drugs approved by the FDA to lower blood sugar levels in those with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Each has additional specific uses as described below.

Farxiga is additionally FDA approved to:

  • lower the chances of heart-related deaths and hospital visits for adults with heart failure and
  • reduce the risk of hospital visits due to heart failure in adults with Type 2 diabetes who have existing heart disease or multiple heart risk factors.

Jardiance is additionally FDA approved for use:

  • in people with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease to lower the risk of cardiovascular death and reduce the risk of hospitalization, 
  • to reduce the risk of further worsening of kidney disease, end-stage kidney disease, death due to cardiovascular disease, and hospitalization in adults with chronic kidney disease and
  • to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death in adults with Type 2 diabetes and who also have known cardiovascular disease.

Is Farxiga or Jardiance more effective?

While no direct head-to-head clinical studies have been performed, the efficacy of both Farxiga and Jardiance was established in separate clinical trials that showed similar effectiveness in lowering blood sugar levels in diabetes patients and comparable safety profiles. In these studies, none of the efficacy measurements for diabetes management showed significant differences between individuals receiving Farxiga or Jardiance. 

A study was designed to compare the use of Invokana (canagliflozin), another SGLT2 inhibitor, or Farxiga with Jardiance for occurrence of myocardial infarction (MI) or stroke, or heart failure hospitalization. For MI or stroke risk, Farxiga was comparable to Jardiance. For heart failure hospitalization, those on Farxiga had a higher risk than those on Jardiance, particularly at the lower 5 mg dose of Farxiga.

There are many factors to consider when determining the most appropriate drug treatment options for a condition such as Type 2 diabetes. The choice should be made in consultation with your healthcare provider, who knows your medical condition, medical history, and medicines you may already be taking that could interact with Farxiga or Jardiance. 

Coverage and cost comparison of Farxiga vs. Jardiance

Many insurance plans, including Medicare Part D plans, cover Farxiga and Jardiance, but out-of-pocket costs vary by plan. Jardiance is a more expensive drug than Farxiga since it is only available in a brand-name form. Farxiga does have a generic version, which may be a more affordable option for some people. 

Without insurance coverage, the prices of Farxiga and Jardiance can vary depending on the pharmacy and location. At the time of publication, the average retail price of Farxiga was $808 for 30, 10 mg tablets, and for Jardiance, $862 for 30, 25 mg tablets. You may save on these medications by using SingleCare coupons for Farxiga and Jardiance.

Farxiga versus Jardiance costs
Farxiga Jardiance
Typically covered by insurance? Yes Yes
Typically covered by Medicare Part D? Yes Yes
Quantity 30, 10 mg tablets 30, 25 mg tablets
SingleCare cost $355 $497

Common side effects of Farxiga vs. Jardiance

Common potential side effects of Farxiga and Jardiance are similar since they are in the same drug class and work the same way. The most common adverse reactions are nausea, more frequent urination, urinary tract infections (UTIs), genital fungal infections (greater incidence in women), and upper respiratory infections. 

Both drugs can have more serious side effects, such as diabetic ketoacidosis, serious UTIs, 

loss of fluids (hypovolemia), and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), though these are not as common. As with any medicine, in rare cases, a serious allergic reaction may occur. If you have symptoms such as hives or itching, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, seek emergency medical attention.

This is not a full list of adverse effects, and others may occur. Consult your healthcare professional for more information about side effects.

Drug interactions of Farxiga vs. Jardiance

Because Farxiga and Jardiance are in the same drug class, they share the same potential drug interactions:

  • The risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) is increased when Farxiga or Jardiance are used in combination with other diabetes medications such as insulin, metformin, or sulfonylureas.
  • Taking Farxiga or Jardiance with lithium may decrease serum lithium concentrations.
  • Some who take Farxiga or Jardiance with diuretics (water pills) may have more frequent urination and an increased volume of urine, which may result in dehydration.

This is not a full list of drug interactions. Consult your healthcare professional for more information about drug interactions and how they may affect you. 

Warnings of Farxiga and Jardiance

It is not recommended to take SGLT2 inhibitors such as Farxiga or Jardiance in those with the following conditions: 

  • Renal impairment (reduced kidney function)
  • Type 1 diabetes mellitus
  • Diabetic ketoacidosis
  • Volume depletion (dehydration)

Although there is little research linking Farxiga or Jardiance to birth defects or miscarriages, women in the second or third trimester of pregnancy should not take Farxiga or Jardiance. It is generally recommended that women who are in the first trimester of pregnancy or who are breastfeeding should use an alternative medication to SGLT2 inhibitors.

Your healthcare provider may have you stop taking Farxiga or Jardiance prior to any surgery or hospitalizations. 

Frequently asked questions about Farxiga vs. Jardiance

What is Farxiga?

Farxiga, an SGLT2 inhibitor, is a prescription medication that lowers high blood sugar levels in those with Type 2 diabetes by promoting the elimination of glucose through the urine. Farxiga is also approved to reduce the risk of hospitalization from heart failure. 

What is Jardiance?

Jardiance, an SGLT2 inhibitor, is a prescription medication that lowers high blood sugar levels in those with Type 2 diabetes by promoting the elimination of glucose through the urine.

Jardiance is also approved to reduce the risk of death from heart attacks, stroke, and heart failure.

Are Farxiga and Jardiance the same?

Farxiga and Jardiance are both in the class of drugs known as SGLT2 inhibitors but have different active ingredients. Farxiga, manufactured by AstraZeneca, contains the active drug dapagliflozin. Jardiance, manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, contains the active drug empagliflozin.

Is Farxiga or Jardiance better?

Both Farxiga and Jardiance are effective medications for treating Type 2 diabetes and for treating certain types of heart conditions. Since they work in the same way, one is not necessarily better than the other. Consult with your healthcare professional to determine which might be the best choice for your particular condition.

Can I use Farxiga or Jardiance with alcohol?

Farxiga and Jardiance are not known to interact with alcohol. However, your healthcare professional may advise you to avoid or limit alcohol use because it may increase the risk of some side effects of the medicines.