Jardiance 10 mg vs 25 mg: Which dose is right for you?

In this article:

• Differences
• Cost and insurance coverage
• Side effects
• Interactions and warnings

In this article

• Differences
• Cost and insurance coverage
• Side effects
• Interactions and warnings

 Jardiance is the brand name for empagliflozin, a sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor. It’s FDA approved to treat Type 2 diabetes in adults and children, who are at least 10 years of age, in conjunction with diet and exercise. Jardiance is also approved to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death in adults with Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, to reduce the risk of worsening renal function in adults with chronic kidney disease, and to reduce the risk of hospitalization and cardiovascular death in adults with heart failure or chronic kidney disease. Jardiance works by removing excess glucose (sugar) from the body through the kidneys.

Jardiance is taken orally once per day at either a 10 mg or 25 mg dose. Wondering what the difference is between Jardiance 10 mg vs. 25 mg? Most people who take Jardiance take a 10 mg dose, but a 25 mg dose is sometimes used in patients with Type 2 diabetes who need more help reducing their blood sugar.

What’s the difference between Jardiance 10 mg versus 25 mg?

The 10 mg dose of Jardiance is the typical starting dose, says Linda Khoshaba, NMD, naturopathic endocrinologist and founder of Natural Endocrinology Specialists (NES). “It’s sort of a ‘let’s see how your body does with this’ approach,” she says. If your blood sugar levels aren’t being lowered sufficiently with the 10 mg dose, your doctor may bump you up to 25 mg for a more potent effect. “The higher dose isn’t automatically better for everyone—it’s usually reserved for when the smaller dose isn’t enough,” says Dr. Khoshaba.

When it comes to diabetes management, research has shown that higher doses of Jardiance can be more effective for glycemic control. For example, a 2021 study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics found that higher doses of empagliflozin (Jardiance) result in more substantial decreases in hemoglobin A1C, a blood test that measures your average glucose level from the past three months. Overall, the study found that, over the course of 12 weeks, empagliflozin doses of 10, 25, and 50 mg were more effective at lowering A1C than 1, 2.5, and 5 mg. Among these doses, 25 mg performed the best overall, considering efficacy and side effects.

According to DailyMed, the 25 mg dose is typically reserved for offering extra support to patients with Type 2 diabetes. However, you can ask your provider if a higher dose is best suited for your specific medical situation.

Here’s what to know about conditions that Jardiance treats and 10 mg vs 25 mg dosing. 

 Jardiance 10 mg vs. 25 mg: Insurance coverage and cost comparison

Most major health insurance plans cover Jardiance, though coverage will depend on your plan, and some providers may require step therapy, meaning that you must try other less expensive medications first to prove that Jardiance is a better match for your health needs. What about Medicare and Medicaid? “Medicare Part D and Medicaid also usually cover Jardiance, though the exact out-of-pocket cost can depend on your plan and state,” Dr. Khoshaba says.

As for whether coverage varies based on a 10 mg vs. 25 mg dose of Jardiance, that shouldn’t make much of a difference. “In most cases, both 10 mg and 25 mg doses are covered since they’re the same medication in different strengths,” Dr. Khoshaba explains. “Sometimes it requires prior approval, but typically, patients can get access to either dose.”

In terms of out-of-pocket costs, copays for Jardiance vary from one insurance company to another. Medicaid recipients typically do not have copayments for medications. People on Medicare Part D may have Jardiance copayments ranging from $0 to $170 a month.

Jardiance without insurance can be costly. For example, the average cost of Jardiance is about $867 for 30, 25 mg tablets. However, with a SingleCare savings card, you can pay around $529 for 30, 25 mg tablets.

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10 mg and 25 mg Jardiance side effects

Like all medications, Jardiance can have side effects. The most common side effects of Jardiance are:

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Increased urination
• Yeast infections
• Upper respiratory infections
• Increases in blood cholesterol
• Joint aches and pains
• Nausea
• Kidney issues

Less commonly, Jardiance can cause dehydration and hypotension (low blood pressure).

The side effects shouldn’t vary too much between a Jardiance 10 mg vs. 25 mg. The drug’s label on DailyMed cites similar incidence rates for the most common adverse reactions. “The side effects don’t really change between the two doses—it’s the same drug,” Dr. Khoshaba says. “At the 25 mg dose, some people may feel these effects a little more strongly, but many tolerate both doses without much issue.” 

Research backs this up. A 2018 systematic review and meta-analysis published in Diabetes Therapy examined the adverse effects associated with a 10 mg versus a 25 mg dose of empagliflozin, the generic form of Jardiance. After reviewing side effects in 8514 patients who used Jardiance for Type 2 diabetes, the researchers found no significant difference in adverse drug events (ADEs) between patients taking 10 mg of empagliflozin and those taking 25 mg.

Jardiance 10 mg vs. 25 mg interactions and warnings

Certain people shouldn’t take Jardiance. Importantly, Jardiance should be avoided by people who have Type 1 diabetes, as taking it can increase their risk of diabetic ketoacidosis, a life-threatening condition.

Additionally, if you have any of the following conditions, you should talk to your healthcare provider before taking Jardiance:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding
• Kidney disease
• Amputation history
• Alcoholism
• High cholesterol
• History of a pancreas issue
• History of genital yeast infections
• History of urinary tract infections

Finally, there are certain drug interactions to watch for with Jardiance, including:

• Diuretics (water pills)
• Lithium
• Insulin
• Sulfonylureas, a class of antidiabetic agents

According to Jessica Iroanya, Pharm.D., BCMTMS, drug interactions and warnings are generally the same for both doses of Jardiance—10 mg and 25 mg. “Both doses carry warnings for low blood pressure, dehydration, and rare risks like diabetic ketoacidosis,” she explains. As such, she recommends having your kidney function checked before starting Jardiance and making sure your healthcare provider monitors it regularly while you take Jardiance. She also encourages patients to watch for signs of dehydration and low blood pressure, such as dizziness.

Dr. Khoshaba agrees that dosing of Jardiance shouldn’t impact drug interactions and warnings. “The warnings are the same no matter the dose: things like staying hydrated, watching kidney function, and being mindful of low blood sugar if you’re also on insulin or certain other diabetes meds,” she says. “The higher dose doesn’t introduce new risks—it just means your doctor may keep a closer eye on labs or symptoms.”

Above all, regardless of the dose of Jardiance you take—whether 10 mg or 25 mg—you should maintain close contact with your healthcare provider. Each person has unique health needs, which is why a healthcare provider who knows your background is the best person to contact with further questions and to get more information about Jardiance dosing.