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Farxiga vs Jardiance
Introduction
For patients with type 2 diabetes, certain drugs that regulate the levels of glucose in the blood can help manage symptoms and prevent complications. Farxiga and Jardiance are two such medications often prescribed to treat this condition. Both these drugs belong to a class known as sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors which reduce reabsorption of glucose by kidneys, thereby allowing more glucose to be excreted from the body through urine. This action results in lower blood sugar levels. Farxiga, also known as Dapagliflozin, is one such SGLT2 inhibitor that focuses on improving glycemic control while reducing additional risks associated with heart failure or renal decline. On the other hand, Jardiance (Empagliflozin) offers similar benefits but has been specifically endorsed for its effectiveness in reducing cardiovascular mortality in patients with Type 2 Diabetes.
What is Farxiga?
Dapagliflozin (the generic name for Farxiga) and Empagliflozin (the generic name for Jardiance) are both part of the SGLT2 inhibitor class of diabetes drugs, which were a significant advancement from earlier classes of medication. Both were approved by the FDA in 2014 and have since been used to regulate blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. They work by inhibiting reabsorption of glucose in the kidneys, thus promoting its excretion through urine, effectively "trapping" excess sugar out of the body.
Farxiga has selective inhibition on SGLT2 with only minor influence on SGLT1 that results in fewer side effects compared to other antidiabetic medications that have stronger effects on these transporters. It is important to note however that while both medications provide cardiovascular benefits and help reduce hospitalizations due to heart failure, Jardiance has shown statistically significant reduction in cardiovascular death.
What conditions is Farxiga approved to treat?
Farxiga is approved for the management of several health conditions including:
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus, to improve glycemic control when used in conjunction with diet and exercise
- Reducing the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and established cardiovascular disease or multiple cardiovascular risk factors
- Heart failure (reducing the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization) in adults with reduced ejection fraction.
How does Farxiga help with these illnesses?
Farxiga is a medication that helps manage type 2 diabetes by increasing the amount of glucose excreted in the urine. It does this by inhibiting sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2), an integral membrane protein involved in reabsorbing glucose from the glomerular filtrate back into circulation, which allows more sugar to be passed out of the body through urination. Glucose is a key source of energy for cells and has significant effects on various bodily functions including metabolism, cell growth and division, brain activity, and muscle contraction. In individuals with type 2 diabetes, however, there are relatively higher levels of blood glucose due to insulin resistance or insufficient insulin production. Therefore, by increasing urinary glucose excretion, Farxiga can help limit hyperglycemic episodes and assist patients in managing their condition effectively.
What is Jardiance?
Jardiance, also known as empagliflozin, is a medication that helps treat type 2 diabetes. It is specifically classified as a sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor which works by preventing the kidneys from reabsorbing glucose back into the blood and instead promotes its excretion through urine. This mechanism of action results in lower blood sugar levels for individuals with type 2 diabetes. Jardiance was approved by the FDA in 2014.
Unlike some other diabetic medications, Jardiance does not increase insulin production but operates independently of insulin mechanisms to decrease hyperglycemia. This unique mode of action makes it less likely to cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), a common side effect with many antidiabetic drugs.
In addition to its primary function, studies have shown that Jardiance can reduce the risk of cardiovascular death in patients with type 2 diabetes who have established heart disease — an advantage over similar medications such as Farxiga.
What conditions is Jardiance approved to treat?
Jardiance has been approved by the FDA to manage several health conditions including:
- Type 2 diabetes, as it helps control blood sugar levels.
- Cardiovascular disease, specifically for reducing the risk of cardiovascular death in adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease.
How does Jardiance help with these illnesses?
Empagliflozin, commonly known as Jardiance, is a medication that plays an important role in controlling blood sugar levels in the body. It works by inhibiting SGLT2 (sodium-glucose co-transporter 2), which facilitates glucose reabsorption in the kidneys. By blocking this action, more glucose is excreted through urine and hence less remains in the blood, aiding individuals with type 2 diabetes to better manage their condition.
As with Farxiga (dapagliflozin), Jardiance influences kidney function to promote glucose excretion. However, its impact on cardiovascular health sets it apart from other similar drugs: studies have shown that Jardiance may also reduce heart-related deaths and hospitalizations due to heart failure. Its broader effects on overall health make it a choice worth considering for patients who don't respond well to typical antidiabetic medications or those with concurrent cardiac concerns along with diabetes.
How effective are both Farxiga and Jardiance?
Both dapagliflozin (Farxiga) and empagliflozin (Jardiance) are effective in managing type 2 diabetes, and were approved by the FDA only a year apart. As they both belong to the class of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors, their mechanisms of action are similar - reducing renal glucose reabsorption which results in increased urinary glucose excretion.
The efficacy of Farxiga and Jardiance was directly compared in several clinical trials; these drugs demonstrated similar effectiveness in controlling blood sugar levels as well as comparable safety profiles. In multiple studies, none of the metrics used to measure efficacy for diabetes management showed significant differences between patients receiving Farxiga or Jardiance. A 2015 trial noted that both medications reduced HbA1c levels similarly, but empagliflozin had a slightly better profile regarding weight loss.
A review conducted on Farxiga suggested its benefits start from the first week of treatment with an encouraging side effect profile that is generally more favorable than many other antidiabetic drugs. The same study reported that at optimal doses, it not only helps control blood sugar levels but also assists weight loss and reduces systolic blood pressure.
On another note, a meta-analysis done in 2020 indicated that Jardiance seems to be more beneficial than placebo for preventing heart failure hospitalizations and cardiovascular death among adults with type 2 diabetes who have established cardiovascular disease or who are at risk for such diseases. Despite this advantage over other SGLT-2 inhibitors like dapagliflozin or canagliflozin due to unique cardioprotective effects seen specifically with empagliflozin use; all three agents have shown promising renal protective effects.
At what dose is Farxiga typically prescribed?
Oral dosages of Farxiga range from 5–10 mg/day, but research has shown that a daily dose of 5 mg is generally effective for managing type 2 diabetes in most adults. For those with heart failure, the dosage might be increased to 10 mg per day after evaluation by a healthcare professional. In contrast, Jardiance is typically prescribed at an initial dose of 10 mg once daily and can be increased to 25 mg for better blood sugar control if necessary. It's crucial not to exceed the maximum recommended dosage unless advised by your doctor.
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At what dose is Jardiance typically prescribed?
Jardiance treatment is typically initiated at a dosage of 10 mg/day. The dose can be escalated to 25 mg/day as tolerated and if further glycemic control is needed. This single daily dose should be taken in the morning, prior to the first meal of the day. It's important not to exceed this maximum recommended daily dose; however, it may take a few weeks before any response is seen with Jardiance therapy. Should there be no visible improvement or response after several weeks on the initial dosage, consultation with your healthcare provider will help determine whether an increase in dosing is warranted.
What are the most common side effects for Farxiga?
Potential side effects of Farxiga and Jardiance include:
- Frequent urination
- Thirst, dehydration
- Genital yeast infections in men and women
- Urinary tract infection
- Changes in appetite
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea, constipation
- Fatigue (general weakness)
- Skin rash or itching
- Back pain or joint discomfort -Urinating more frequently at night -Dizziness or light-headedness due to low blood pressure.
It's essential that you discuss these potential side effects with your healthcare provider when choosing between Farxiga and Jardiance.
Are there any potential serious side effects for Farxiga?
While Farxiga and Jardiance are both effective treatments for type 2 diabetes, they can have side effects in rare cases. Possible serious side effects may include:
- Signs of allergic reaction such as hives, difficulty breathing, swelling in your face or throat;
- Symptoms of a urinary tract infection or yeast infection: burning sensation when urinating, pelvic pain, increased urge to urinate;
- Severe dehydration symptoms: dizziness, light-headedness, weak pulse rate;
- Ketoacidosis (high levels of acid in the blood) signs: nausea or vomiting, stomach pain, confusion and unusual tiredness;
- Kidney problems - little or no urination; painful or difficult urination; swelling in your feet or ankles; feeling tired.
If you experience any severe side effects while taking either drug like rapid heartbeats leading to feelings like fainting out etc., seek immediate medical attention. It's also important to be aware that these medications can lead to low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), especially when combined with other diabetic drugs. Therefore regular monitoring is required.
What are the most common side effects for Jardiance?
Jardiance, like any other medication, has potential side effects that users should be aware of:
- Increased urination
- Thirst and dry mouth
- Constipation or stomach pain
- Fatigue or weakness
- Nausea with vomiting
- Yeast infections in women and men
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Changes in cholesterol levels: increased good cholesterol (HDL) and bad cholesterol (LDL)
It's important to note that while weight loss is a possible effect of Jardiance, it should not be used as a weight-loss drug. Additionally, all side effects may not have been listed here. Always consult your healthcare provider for medical advice on potential risks before starting any new medication.
Are there any potential serious side effects for Jardiance?
In rare instances, the use of Jardiance can result in serious complications. These severe side effects may include:
- Signs of a hypersensitive reaction such as hives, itching or skin rash; fever; swollen glands; difficulty breathing or swallowing; swelling in your face, lips, tongue or throat
- Unusual tiredness and weakness which could be indications of low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Symptoms related to urinary tract infection like painful urination, burning sensation during urination, frequent urge to urinate and cloudy urine.
- Dehydration symptoms such as extreme thirst, dry mouth and skin that is cool to touch
- Ketoacidosis signs including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and rapid breathing
- Yeast infections in both men and women If you experience any of these side effects while using Jardiance it's crucial that you consult with your medical provider immediately.
Contraindications for Farxiga and Jardiance?
Both Farxiga and Jardiance, like most other diabetic medications, may increase the risk of urinary tract infections or yeast infections in some people. If you notice symptoms such as frequent urination, burning sensation while urinating, or an unusual vaginal discharge (in women), please seek immediate medical attention.
Neither Farxiga nor Jardiance should be taken if you are taking, or have been taking any type of insulin medication. Always tell your physician which medications you are using; insulin will require careful monitoring to prevent a dangerous drop in blood sugar levels when combined with Farxiga and Jardiance. It's important to note that these drugs might also affect kidney function over time. Therefore regular kidney function tests need to be carried out for those on long-term treatment with either drug.
How much do Farxiga and Jardiance cost?
For the brand name versions of these drugs:
- The price of 30 tablets (10mg each) of Farxiga averages around $600, which works out to approximately $20/day.
- The price for a similar quantity and strength (30 tablets, 10 mg each) of Jardiance is about $560, costing you roughly $18.66 per day.
Thus, if cost is a significant factor for you in choosing between these two medications, then Jardiance could be slightly more affordable on a daily basis. However, the difference isn't substantial and it's important to remember that cost should not be your primary consideration when deciding which drug is most suitable for you.
As yet there are no generic versions of either Farxiga or Jardiance available in the market; hence costs remain relatively high compared to many other prescription drugs. Always discuss with your healthcare provider about which medication best suits your medical condition and financial situation.
Popularity of Farxiga and Jardiance
Dapagliflozin, which goes by the brand name Farxiga, was prescribed to about 2.3 million people in the US in 2020. Dapagliflozin accounted for nearly 23% of SGLT-2 inhibitor prescriptions -- a class of medications primarily used to manage type 2 diabetes -- in the United States during that year. The use of dapagliflozin has been gradually increasing since its approval by the FDA in January 2014.
Empagliflozin, also known as Jardiance, was prescribed to approximately 1.9 million people in the USA during that same year (2020). Empagliflozin accounts for just over a fifth (about 21%) of SGLT-2 inhibitor prescriptions and is seen as an effective alternative or adjunctive treatment option alongside metformin or insulin therapy for better control of blood glucose levels among patients with type II diabetes mellitus. Much like dapagliflozin, empagliflozin's prevalence has steadily increased since it first became available on the market in August 2014.
Conclusion
Both Farxiga (dapagliflozin) and Jardiance (empagliflozin) are widely used medications in patients with type 2 diabetes, and have been proven in numerous clinical studies and meta-analyses to be more effective than placebo treatments. These drugs may sometimes be combined with other antidiabetic agents depending on individual patient needs, but this should always be done under the careful oversight of a healthcare provider due to potential drug interactions. Both medications work by blocking the reabsorption of glucose from the kidneys back into the bloodstream, thereby promoting its excretion through urine.
Farxiga and Jardiance are both available as generics which can result in significant cost savings for patients who must pay out-of-pocket. The onset of their therapeutic effects might require some time, so immediate results should not be expected.
The side effect profiles for these two drugs are similar; they're generally well-tolerated but may cause minor side effects such as urinary tract infections or yeast infections due to increased sugar in urine. Unlike many other antidiabetic drugs, neither medication is associated with weight gain – actually they may promote modest weight loss. Patients using either Farxiga or Jardiance need to closely monitor their blood sugar levels especially when initiating treatment or adjusting doses and seek medical help immediately if they notice persistent hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia symptoms.