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Two oval pills with "vs." between them: Synjardy vs. Jardiance: Differences, similarities & side effects
Drug vs. Drug

Synjardy vs. Jardiance: Differences, similarities & side effects

Both drugs control blood sugar, but only your healthcare provider can recommend the best option
Karen Berger medical writer and reviewer headshot
By | Sep. 5, 2024

Key takeaways

  • Synjardy is a combination medication that contains the active ingredients empagliflozin and metformin, while Jardiance contains only empagliflozin. This affects their approved uses and potential side effects.

  • Both drugs are used to help control blood sugar in people with Type 2 diabetes. They are generally used along with lifestyle modifications like diet and exercise. Because Synjardy contains metformin, a diabetes drug, it should only be used in people who have Type 2 diabetes. Jardiance, on the other hand, can be used in certain patients who do not have Type 2 diabetes.

  • Both drugs share common side effects like urinary tract infections and genital yeast infections. However, Synjardy has additional risks due to its metformin component, including the potential for lactic acidosis, a life-threatening condition.

  • Consult your healthcare provider to determine the best medication based on individual health conditions, including potential drug interactions and insurance coverage.

In this article:

Synjardy (empagliflozin/metformin) and Jardiance (empagliflozin) are prescription medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Type 2 diabetes. Although both medicines are used for Type 2 diabetes, they are not exactly the same. Continue reading to learn more about Synjardy and Jardiance.

Synjardy vs. Jardiance: Key differences

Synjardy contains two ingredients that work together. The first ingredient is empagliflozin, which is classified as a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor. The second ingredient is metformin (also known as metformin hydrochloride), which is classified as a biguanide drug. Empagliflozin works by helping the kidneys eliminate sugar, or glucose, in the urine. Metformin works by decreasing the amount of sugar made in the liver, helping the intestines absorb glucose, and improving insulin sensitivity. 

Jardiance contains one ingredient—empagliflozin, one of the two ingredients in Synjardy. It works by helping the kidneys eliminate sugar in the urine. 

Both Synjardy and Jardiance are made by the pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Compare Synjardy vs. Jardiance key differences
Synjardy Jardiance
Drug class SGLT2 inhibitor/biguanide SGLT2 inhibitor
Brand/generic status Brand Brand
What is the generic name? The active ingredients are empagliflozin and metformin, but a generic is not available at this time The active ingredient is called empagliflozin, but a generic is not available at this time
What form(s) does the drug come in? Oral tablet: 5 mg empagliflozin/500 mg metformin, 5 mg/1,000 mg, 12.5 mg/500 mg, 12.5 mg/1,000 mg

Oral extended-release tablet: 5 mg/1,000 mg, 10 mg/1,000 mg, 12.5 mg/1,000 mg, 25 mg/1000 mg

 Oral tablet: 10 mg, 25 mg
What is the standard dosage? Varies depending on previous treatment 10 mg or 25 mg by mouth once daily in the morning
How long is the typical treatment? Long-term Long-term 
Who typically uses the medication? Synjardy: Adults and pediatric patients 10 years and older

Synjardy XR: Adults only

 Adults and pediatric patients 10 years and older for Type 2 diabetes; adults only for all other uses

Synjardy vs. Jardiance: Conditions treated

Synjardy is FDA approved to improve blood sugar control, or glycemic control, in adults and pediatric patients 10 years and older with Type 2 diabetes, usually in combination with diet and exercise. Synjardy XR is an extended-release formulation of Synjardy that is also used for Type 2 diabetes but is approved for adults only. Synjardy XR is not approved for use in pediatric patients.

Although Synjardy contains empagliflozin, a component of Jardiance, it also contains metformin, which is only used for diabetes. Therefore, Synjardy should only be used in people with Type 2 diabetes. It can be used in adults with both Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease to lower the risk of heart-related death. It can also be used to lower the risk of cardiovascular death and heart failure hospitalization in adults with Type 2 diabetes and heart failure.  

Jardiance is FDA approved for the following conditions:

  • To improve blood glucose control in adults and children 10 years and older with Type 2 diabetes; usually prescribed in combination with diet and exercise changes
  • To reduce the risk of cardiovascular death in adults with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease
  • To reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization in adults with heart failure
  • To reduce the risk of kidney complications, hospitalization, and heart-related death in adults with chronic kidney disease

Is Jardiance better than Synjardy?

Only your healthcare provider can determine the best medication, which depends on various individual factors, such as your medical conditions, medical history, insurance coverage, potential side effects, and other considerations. Synjardy is a combination medication that contains two ingredients, which work together to control blood sugar levels. Clinical guidelines note that some individuals with Type 2 diabetes need combination therapy to control blood sugar levels. Synjardy may be more beneficial for those who need more than one medicine to achieve their target blood glucose levels. 

Both medications have potential risks and benefits to consider. Consult your healthcare provider for more information and medical advice. 

Synjardy vs. Jardiance: Insurance coverage and cost comparison

Coverage for Synjardy and Jardiance varies by insurance and Medicare Part D or Advantage prescription plans. If covered, the out-of-pocket costs vary by plan. You may wish to contact your insurance provider for pricing estimates. 

For uninsured patients, a one-month supply of Synjardy costs about $789. However, a free SingleCare coupon can lower the price to $507, a savings of about $282 per month.

For uninsured patients, a 30-day supply of Jardiance costs about $847. You can apply a free SingleCare coupon to pay a lower price of $487, saving $360 per month.

Compare Synjardy vs. Jardiance cost & coverage
Synjardy Jardiance
Typically covered by insurance? Varies  Yes 
Typically covered by Medicare Part D? Varies  Yes 
Quantity 60, 12.5/1,000 mg tablets 30, 25 mg tablets
SingleCare cost $507 $487

 

Synjardy vs. Jardiance side effects

The most common side effects of Synjardy and Synjardy XR include:

The most common side effects of Jardiance are:

As with any medicine, in rare cases, serious allergic reactions may occur. If you experience symptoms such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, get emergency medical attention.

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

Synjardy and Jardiance drug interactions

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

Synjardy interacts with certain medicines, such as acetazolamide, topiramate, and zonisamide.

Synjardy and Jardiance both interact with medications such as lithium and diuretics (water pills commonly prescribed to lower blood pressure). When taken with insulin or certain diabetes medications, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) could occur.

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

Compare Synjardy vs. Jardiance drug interactions
Drug Drug class Synjardy Jardiance
Acetazolamide 

Topiramate 

Zonisamide 

 Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors  Yes  No 
Hydrochlorothiazide 

Lasix (furosemide)

 Diuretics  Yes  Yes 
Lithium  Mood stabilizer / antimanic drug Yes  Yes
Lantus

Novolog

Tresiba

 Insulin  Yes  Yes
Glimepiride 

Glipizide 

Glyburide 

 Sulfonylureas  Yes  Yes

RELATED: Jardiance vs. glipizide

Synjardy and Jardiance drug warnings

Before taking Synjardy or Jardiance, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions and family history. 

Shared warnings of Synjardy and Jardiance

  • You should not take Synjardy or Jardiance if you are breastfeeding. The prescribing information also notes that Synjardy or Jardiance should not be used by those who are in the second or third trimester of pregnancy.
  • Consult your healthcare provider before taking Synjardy or Jardiance if you drink alcohol.
  • Synjardy and Jardiance increase the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which is a life-threatening condition. This is especially true in individuals with Type 1 diabetes or certain other risk factors. Synjardy and Jardiance are not approved for use in people with Type 1 diabetes.
  • Synjardy and Jardiance may result in dehydration, which can lead to kidney injury, hospitalization, and dialysis. You may be at higher risk if you have kidney problems, take a loop diuretic, eat a low-sodium diet, or are an older adult. 
  • Serious urinary tract infections may occur and should be immediately treated by a healthcare provider.
  • Genital yeast infections may occur in both men and women. If you have symptoms, see a healthcare provider as soon as possible. 
  • Fournier’s Gangrene (necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum) is a rare but life-threatening infection that is associated with SGLT2 inhibitors and requires emergency medical attention. Seek emergency medical help if you have a fever along with pain, redness, or swelling around the perineal or genital area.
  • Consult your healthcare provider about preventive foot care. SGLT2 inhibitors like Synjardy and Jardiance may increase the risk of diabetic foot infections that could require lower limb amputation. Symptoms include pain, tenderness, ulcers, or sores in your feet or lower limbs. 

Additional Synjardy warning

Synjardy has a black box warning, which is also called a boxed warning and is the most serious warning required by the FDA. The warning is due to the metformin component of the medication and warns of the possibility of lactic acidosis (a buildup of lactic acid in the blood, leading to a dangerous drop in pH levels), which can be life-threatening or cause death. Symptoms of lactic acidosis include weakness, unusual sleepiness, dizziness, slow heartbeat, muscle pain, breathing difficulty, and stomach problems, and require emergency medical help. Certain individuals are at higher risk, such as:

  • Older adults
  • People with kidney or liver problems
  • People who drink excess alcohol
  • People who are dehydrated
  • People who have certain X-ray tests
  • People undergoing surgery or a procedure that involves restricting food and liquid
  • People with congestive heart failure
  • People who have a heart attack or stroke
  • People with a severe infection
  • People who take certain medications 

Can you take Synjardy and Jardiance together?

No, Synjardy and Jardiance are not prescribed together. Synjardy contains empagliflozin, the same active ingredient as Jardiance, along with metformin. Taking both medications together may result in an empagliflozin overdose, which can worsen serious side effects. Always consult your healthcare provider for the best treatment options for your condition.

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