Janumet vs. Jardiance: Differences, similarities & side effects

In this article:

• Key differences
• Conditions treated
• Insurance coverage and cost
• Side effects
• Drug interactions
• Drug warnings
• Can you take Janumet and Jardiance together?

In this article

• Key differences
• Conditions treated
• Insurance coverage and cost
• Side effects
• Drug interactions
• Drug warnings
• Can you take Janumet and Jardiance together?

Janumet and Jardiance are prescription medications that are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Type 2 diabetes. While both medicines are prescribed to help control blood sugar, they have several differences. In fact, Jardiance has additional FDA-approved uses that Janumet doesn’t. Read on to learn more about how they differ and the ways they’re similar.

Janumet vs. Jardiance: Key differences

Janumet is a brand-name drug that contains two ingredients: sitagliptin and metformin. It is also available in an extended-release formulation called Janumet XR, which contains sitagliptin and extended-release metformin. Sitagliptin is a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor. It works by increasing the release of insulin (which helps lower blood sugar) and by lowering levels of glucagon (which raises blood sugar). The second ingredient is metformin, which is classified as a biguanide. It works by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing glucose (sugar) production in the liver. 

Jardiance is a brand-name drug with the active ingredient empagliflozin. It belongs to a class of drugs known as sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. It works by helping the kidneys remove sugar through the urine. 

Janumet vs. Jardiance: Conditions treated

Janumet and Janumet XR are FDA approved to improve blood sugar control in adults with Type 2 diabetes, typically along with diet and exercise. This combination drug may be used when one drug alone does not provide enough blood sugar control.

Jardiance is FDA approved for the following uses:

• Improving blood sugar control in adults and children ages 10 and older with Type 2 diabetes, typically along with diet and exercise
• Reducing the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalizations due to heart failure in adults with heart failure
• Minimizing the risk of kidney complications, hospitalizations, and cardiovascular death in adults with chronic kidney disease
• Lowering the risk of cardiovascular death in adults with both Type 2 diabetes and heart disease

*Shortened in table for clarity. See paragraph above for more detailed information.

Janumet vs. Jardiance: Insurance coverage and cost comparison

Janumet and Jardiance are generally covered by insurance and Medicare prescription plans. The out-of-pocket cost you pay depends on the details of your specific plan. It’s best to contact your insurance provider directly to get the most accurate pricing information.

For patients paying without insurance, a one-month supply of Janumet typically costs around $761, but you can use a free SingleCare coupon to bring the price down to $409, saving $352 per month.

For individuals without insurance, the retail price for a one-month supply of Jardiance is approximately $847. However, you can use a free SingleCare coupon to reduce this cost to around $487, saving $360 per month.

Janumet vs. Jardiance side effects

Common side effects of Janumet include stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, headache, and stomach problems. Common side effects of Jardiance include genital yeast infections in women and urinary tract infections (UTIs).

As with any medication, serious allergic reactions are rare but possible. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms like hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

The table below outlines some of the common side effects for both Janumet and Jardiance. This is not a complete list, and other side effects may occur. For more details and to discuss any concerns about side effects, consult your healthcare provider.

*Range varies by dosage

Source: Janumet (DailyMed), Jardiance (DailyMed)

Janumet and Jardiance drug interactions

Before you take Janumet or Jardiance, tell your healthcare provider about all the medications you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements. 

Janumet interacts with certain medications, such as acetazolamide, topiramate, and zonisamide.

Janumet and Jardiance both interact with insulin and certain diabetes medications, such as glimepiride, glipizide, or glyburide. If combined, there is a risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

People taking Janumet should avoid alcohol due to the risk of lactic acidosis (see more about lactic acidosis below). People who take Jardiance should consult their healthcare provider for medical advice about safe alcohol consumption.

This is not a full list of drug interactions, and others may occur. Talk with your healthcare professional for more information about drug interactions and how they may affect you. 

Janumet and Jardiance drug warnings

Before taking Janumet or Jardiance, tell your healthcare provider about any allergies to medications, your medical history, and any medical conditions you have, including if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Janumet warnings

Janumet has a black box warning, also called a boxed warning, about the metformin component of Janumet and highlights the risk of lactic acidosis—a potentially life-threatening condition where lactic acid builds up in the blood, causing a dangerous drop in pH levels. Symptoms of lactic acidosis include weakness, unusual sleepiness, dizziness, slow heartbeat, muscle pain, breathing difficulties, and stomach issues. Immediate medical attention is necessary if these symptoms occur. Certain individuals are at a higher risk of developing lactic acidosis, including people who:

• Are age 65 or older
• Have kidney or liver issues
• Consume excessive alcohol
• Are dehydrated
• Plan on undergoing certain X-ray tests
• Are scheduled for surgery or procedures with restricted food and liquid intake
• Have congestive heart failure
• Have recently had a heart attack or stroke
• Have severe infections
• Are taking certain medications

Janumet has also been associated with:

• Induced ovulation, which could result in an unintended pregnancy
• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), which can be severe and lead to death 
• Acute congestive heart failure, which requires immediate medical attention and has symptoms such as shortness of breath (especially when lying down), fast weight gain, unusual fatigue, and swelling in the feet, legs, or ankles
• Kidney problems, including kidney failure 
• Vitamin B12 deficiency
• Severe joint pain
• Bullous pemphigoid, a serious skin reaction that requires treatment in a hospital 

Jardiance warnings

• Jardiance should not be used during breastfeeding and during the second or third trimester of pregnancy.
• Jardiance may increase the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a serious condition, particularly in individuals with Type 1 diabetes or those with certain risk factors. Jardiance is not approved for Type 1 diabetes.
• Jardiance can lead to a decrease in body fluid volume, potentially resulting in kidney injury, hospitalization, or dialysis. You may be at higher risk if you have kidney problems, use a loop diuretic, or are an older adult.
• Jardiance may also cause:
  • Serious UTIs 
  • Genital yeast infections in men and women
  • Fournier’s Gangrene, also known as necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum, which is a rare but severe infection associated with SGLT2 inhibitors like Jardiance that requires emergency medical attention
• SGLT2 inhibitors like Jardiance can increase the risk of lower limb amputation. Discuss preventive foot care with your healthcare provider and seek prompt medical attention for any symptoms of diabetic foot infection, such as pain, tenderness, sores, or ulcers.

Can you take Janumet and Jardiance together?

Some individuals might need combination therapy to achieve their treatment goals, particularly if they have other medical conditions that affect diabetes management. For example, a healthcare provider may prescribe Janumet and Jardiance together because they work differently to help control blood sugar levels.

If you are prescribed both medications, it’s important to monitor your blood sugar levels closely and be aware of how to manage hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Always discuss this with your healthcare provider to ensure your treatment plan is tailored to your specific needs and to understand how these medications might work together to support your diabetes management.