Ozempic vs. Jardiance: Differences, similarities & side effects

Ozempic and Jardiance are prescribed to manage Type 2 diabetes. Both drugs have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to manage blood sugar (glucose) levels. As brand-name medications, Ozempic and Jardiance may be more expensive than other drugs for diabetes.

Although both medications can help stabilize blood sugar levels, they differ in various ways, such as dosage form, active ingredient, and potential side effects. One drug may be prescribed over the other depending on individual needs, preferences, and overall health. 

Read on to learn more about the similarities and differences between Ozempic and Jardiance. 

Ozempic vs. Jardiance: Key differences

Ozempic and Jardiance are FDA approved diabetes medications that work in different ways and come in different dosage forms. 

Active ingredients

Ozempic contains the active ingredient semaglutide, which is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It works by mimicking a natural hormone that is released while eating and increases insulin release. It also helps decrease appetite by slowing stomach emptying. 

On the other hand, Jardiance contains the active ingredient empagliflozin, which is classified as a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor. Unlike Ozempic, Jardiance works by preventing the kidneys from reabsorbing glucose, allowing it to be cleared from the body in urine. 

Dosing and dosage form

Ozempic is taken as a weekly subcutaneous injection, which is an injection under the skin. Jardiance is taken as an oral tablet once daily. Both medications are generally started at a lower dosage and may be increased to better manage blood sugar levels depending on how the person tolerates the drug. 

Age restrictions

Ozempic is only approved for adults ages 18 and older. In contrast, Jardiance is approved for adults and children ages 10 and older. Therefore, Jardiance is a more appropriate option for a child or adolescent with Type 2 diabetes. 

Ozempic vs. Jardiance: Conditions treated

Both Ozempic and Jardiance are used for Type 2 diabetes management alongside regular exercise and a healthy diet. By managing blood sugar levels, these medications may help reduce the risks and complications associated with diabetes, such as heart disease, kidney disease, vision problems, and nerve damage. Ozempic and Jardiance are also approved to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death in people with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. 

Jardiance is also approved to reduce the risk of hospitalization and death in people with heart failure. In addition, it is used to improve outcomes in individuals with chronic kidney disease. 

Because of their reported effects on weight loss, some healthcare providers may prescribe Ozempic or Jardiance for weight management. However, weight management is an off-label use for both drugs, which means they have not been approved for this use. 

Is Jardiance better than Ozempic?

Both Ozempic and Jardiance are deemed safe and effective for treating Type 2 diabetes. There are no clinical trials directly comparing Ozempic and Jardiance. However, an oral version of the active ingredient in Ozempic (semaglutide) has been studied against the active ingredient in Jardiance (empagliflozin), which may provide insight into which drug may be more effective. 

A trial published in 2019 by Diabetes Care compared oral semaglutide with empagliflozin for treating Type 2 diabetes uncontrolled by metformin alone. By week 26, patients on oral semaglutide experienced a significant drop in their HbA1c (a measure of blood sugar levels) by 1.3% versus a 0.9% reduction in those on empagliflozin. 

In addition to potentially better blood sugar control, Ozempic is likely to cause more weight loss than Jardiance. In the same trial, those on oral semaglutide had lost more body weight by week 52, averaging a loss of 4.7 kg (around 10 lbs) versus 3.8 kg (around 8 lbs) with empagliflozin. 

It’s important to consult a healthcare provider to determine the better choice based on your overall condition and medical history. A healthcare provider will look at different factors, such as other medical conditions, other medications you’re taking, and potential side effects, before recommending a treatment option. 

Ozempic vs. Jardiance: Insurance coverage and cost comparison

Cost can also be a concern for many people when looking for the right diabetes medication. Both Ozempic and Jardiance are only available as brand-name medications at this time. There are no lower-cost generic alternatives for either drug. 

Most Medicare and insurance plans provide coverage for these medications when prescribed to treat Type 2 diabetes. However, without insurance coverage, the retail or cash price of these medications may be high for some people. The cash price of one Ozempic pen is around $1,368, while the cash price of 30 tablets of Jardiance 25 mg is around $742.  

You may be able to save on the cash price of these medications through savings options, such as the SingleCare prescription discount card. This discount card can be used to save up to 80% on brand-name and generic medications. 

*Cost varies by pharmacy and prescribed dosage.

Ozempic vs. Jardiance side effects

As with other prescription medications, Ozempic and Jardiance come with possible side effects. The most common side effects of Ozempic are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and stomach pain. The most common side effects of Jardiance include urinary tract infections and vaginal yeast infections. 

Serious side effects are possible with either drug, including serious allergic reactions and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Seek immediate medical attention if you experience hives, dizziness, or swelling of the face or throat. 

Frequency is not based on data from a head-to-head trial. This may not be a complete list of adverse effects that can occur. Please refer to your doctor or healthcare provider to learn more.

Source: DailyMed (Ozempic), DailyMed (Jardiance)

Ozempic and Jardiance drug interactions

Ozempic and Jardiance can interact with similar classes of drugs. They can both interact with insulin and medications that increase insulin release, such as sulfonylureas. Taking Ozempic or Jardiance with insulin may increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Because Ozempic slows the emptying of the stomach, it may affect the absorption of oral medications. Therefore, it’s recommended to use caution when using Ozempic alongside medications taken by mouth. A healthcare provider may recommend taking Ozempic at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking, or taking any oral medications.

Unlike Ozempic, Jardiance may interact with diuretics, also known as water pills. Because Jardiance and diuretics can increase urination, taking these medications together may lead to low fluid levels in the body, leading to dehydration and potential kidney problems. 

In addition, Jardiance may interact with lithium, a mood stabilizer used to treat manic episodes of bipolar disorder. Combining Jardiance and lithium may decrease lithium levels, potentially making it less effective. 

Consult a healthcare professional for other possible drug interactions.

Ozempic and Jardiance drug warnings

Ozempic and Jardiance come with potential risks for serious adverse effects. Ozempic, in particular, carries a boxed warning (also called a black box warning) for an increased risk of thyroid cancer. This risk is increased in people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Other potentially serious side effects of Ozempic include inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), eye problems (diabetic retinopathy), acute kidney injury, gallbladder disease, hypoglycemia, and severe allergic reactions.

The use of Jardiance may increase the risk of a serious condition called diabetic ketoacidosis, especially in those with Type 1 diabetes or who are at risk for ketoacidosis. Before starting Jardiance, hydration levels and kidney function may need to be checked, especially in older adults or those with kidney issues. The medication may also increase the risk of urinary tract infections, hypoglycemia, severe bacterial infection of the genital area, and fungal infections. 

Ozempic and Jardiance are not recommended during pregnancy due to the risk of birth defects. These medications may also pass into breast milk, which could affect a breastfeeding child. 

Frequently asked questions about Jardiance vs. Ozempic

Which is better, Ozempic or Jardiance?

The best choice between Ozempic and Jardiance depends on a person’s overall medical condition. Both are effective diabetes medications, but they work in different ways and may offer distinct benefits. Seek medical advice from a healthcare professional who can recommend the most suitable option as part of your treatment plan.

Will insurance pay for Ozempic or Jardiance for weight loss?

Many insurance plans don’t provide coverage for weight-loss medications, as they’re considered cosmetic rather than medically necessary. Ozempic and Jardiance are also not FDA approved for weight loss and are therefore not covered for this purpose. However, if you’re overweight or have obesity in addition to having Type 2 diabetes, your insurance may cover the medication if your healthcare provider prescribes it for Type 2 diabetes. For more information on insurance benefits, contact your insurance company directly and discuss the details of your policy.

Is it OK to switch from Ozempic to Jardiance?

Switching from Ozempic to Jardiance, or vice versa, should always be done with guidance from a healthcare professional. These medications work in different ways and may have different effects on your body. A healthcare provider can determine whether switching is appropriate based on your condition, treatment goals, and how well your current treatment plan is managing your diabetes.