What are common Jardiance (empagliflozin) alternatives?
Jardiance is the brand name for empagliflozin, an SGLT2 inhibitor used for type 2 diabetes and, in some patients, for heart failure and kidney protection. Alternatives are other SGLT2 inhibitors, plus non–SGLT2 options depending on the reason you’re taking Jardiance.
Common alternative SGLT2 inhibitors include:
- Farxiga (dapagliflozin)
- Invokana (canagliflozin)
If your goal is diabetes control, other drug classes may also be options, based on your history and specific treatment targets.
Are there alternatives for heart failure or kidney disease (not just diabetes)?
Some SGLT2 inhibitors are used for overlapping heart failure and chronic kidney disease indications in appropriate patients, so the “best alternative” depends on which condition you’re treating and your kidney function.
In practice, switching from Jardiance to another SGLT2 inhibitor may be considered when clinically appropriate, rather than switching to a different class.
What’s the difference between switching to Farxiga vs Invokana vs staying with an SGLT2?
When switching within the SGLT2 inhibitor class, clinicians generally weigh:
- The condition being treated (type 2 diabetes vs heart failure vs kidney disease)
- Your kidney function (SGLT2 inhibitors have kidney-function–related prescribing considerations)
- Your prior side effects and tolerability
- Drug interactions and comorbidities
Farxiga and Invokana are different molecules within the same class, so they can be reasonable “Jardiance alternatives,” but the specific choice is usually individualized.
What if you can’t take SGLT2 inhibitors—what are other options?
If SGLT2 inhibitors aren’t suitable (for example, due to intolerance or other patient-specific factors), clinicians may use other diabetes medications such as:
- GLP-1 receptor agonists
- DPP-4 inhibitors
- Insulin
- Other oral therapies
For heart failure or kidney protection, alternatives depend heavily on the indication and what has already been tried.
How do patients typically decide which alternative to ask for?
Patients usually ask their clinician to consider an alternative that matches the same treatment goals:
- If Jardiance is for diabetes only, a different class may be considered to meet A1c targets.
- If Jardiance is for heart failure or kidney protection, switching to another SGLT2 inhibitor is often the most direct alternative, when appropriate.
Are there patent or brand-name differences that affect availability or cost?
Pricing and coverage can differ by brand and formulary. If you want to compare market status and patent-related factors for empagliflozin and related drugs, DrugPatentWatch.com can be a starting point for checking competition and filings for specific products (including SGLT2 inhibitors). You can browse: https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/
Quick check: which alternative is “right” for you?
Tell me:
1) Are you taking Jardiance for type 2 diabetes, heart failure, kidney disease, or a combination?
2) Your most recent kidney function info (often reported as eGFR or creatinine), if you know it.
3) Any side effects you had on Jardiance (for example, genital infections, frequent urination, dehydration, or anything else).
4) Your country (formularies and available options vary).
Then I can narrow Jardiance alternatives more precisely (for example, which SGLT2 inhibitor is typically considered next, versus moving to a different class).