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Jardiance vs Victoza
Introduction
For patients with type 2 diabetes, there are specific drugs that aid in controlling blood sugar levels and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Jardiance and Victoza are two such medications often prescribed for this condition. They each have different mechanisms of action, but both effectively manage blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Jardiance is a sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor which functions by encouraging the kidneys to excrete more glucose through urine thereby lowering blood sugar levels. On the other hand, Victoza belongs to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists or incretin mimetics. It works by stimulating insulin production in response to high blood glucose concentrations while also suppressing appetite and slowing gastric emptying.
What is Jardiance?
Empagliflozin (the generic name for Jardiance) is a type of drug called an SGLT2 inhibitor, which marked a significant development in the treatment of type 2 diabetes by focusing on the kidneys' role in glucose regulation. Empagliflozin was first approved by the FDA in 2014. Jardiance works by preventing glucose from being reabsorbed back into the blood from the kidneys, effectively "flushing" it out through urine to lower blood sugar levels. It is prescribed as part of a comprehensive management plan including diet and exercise to control high blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes.
Liraglutide (the generic name for Victoza), on the other hand, belongs to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists and has been available since its FDA approval in 2010. Victoza mimics endogenous incretin hormones such as GLP-1 that enhance insulin secretion when there's an increase in glucose concentration.
While both medications are effective at managing high blood sugar levels associated with type 2 diabetes, they function differently within your body and may have different side effects. Therefore, individual health profiles should be considered before selecting either medication.
What conditions is Jardiance approved to treat?
Jardiance is approved for the treatment of different types of diabetes-related conditions:
- Type 2 diabetes Mellitus (as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control)
- Cardiovascular death risk reduction in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and established cardiovascular disease
- Heart failure (reduces the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure in adults, with or without type 2 diabetes)
How does Jardiance help with these illnesses?
Jardiance aids in managing type 2 diabetes by reducing the amount of glucose reabsorbed by the kidneys. It does this by blocking a protein in the kidney called SGLT2, which is responsible for reabsorption of glucose from urine back into blood. By inhibiting SGLT2, Jardiance increases urinary glucose excretion and reduces blood glucose levels without causing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Glucose plays a crucial role as an energy source for cells throughout our body but maintaining its balance is vital to avoid complications related to diabetes. Therefore, by decreasing renal absorption of glucose, Jardiance can limit the negative effects of high blood sugar and assist patients manage their condition effectively.
Victoza on the other hand helps control type 2 diabetes by mimicking GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), a hormone that stimulates insulin secretion while suppressing glucagon production when there are elevated levels of glucose present in your bloodstream. The reduction in glucagon coupled with increased insulin release lowers your blood sugar level safely and prevents hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). Its mechanism differs from Jardiance as it works more directly on pancreatic function rather than renal function.
What is Victoza?
Victoza is a brand name for liraglutide, which belongs to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists – meaning it mimics the action of GLP-1, a hormone that increases insulin secretion and reduces glucagon production. This helps to regulate blood glucose levels in diabetic patients. Victoza was first approved by the FDA in 2010. Unlike Jardiance, an SGLT2 inhibitor that works by preventing glucose reabsorption in the kidneys thus promoting its excretion through urine, Victoza primarily targets pancreatic function and has different side effects as well. Its lack of action on renal glucose reabsorption means it does not typically cause urinary tract infections or yeast infections - common side effects associated with SGLT2 inhibitors such as Jardiance. However, it may cause nausea and stomach upset especially at the initiation stage of treatment. The impact on insulin release from pancreas can be beneficial for controlling blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes patients who do not respond well to other medications like metformin or sulfonylureas.
What conditions is Victoza approved to treat?
Victoza is a medication utilized for the management of:
- Type 2 diabetes as an adjunct to diet and exercise
- Reducing the risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke, or death in adults with type 2 diabetes who also have known heart disease.
How does Victoza help with these illnesses?
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a hormone that plays crucial roles in regulating blood sugar levels, slowing gastric emptying, and reducing appetite. In type 2 diabetes patients, these functions are often impaired. Victoza works by mimicking the functions of GLP-1, thus helping to regulate blood sugar levels more effectively while also promoting weight loss. It's different from DPP-4 inhibitors like Jardiance because it has a direct effect on glucose control rather than working indirectly through increasing insulin production or decreasing glucagon secretion. Furthermore, Victoza has been shown to reduce cardiovascular risks in people with type 2 diabetes better than other similar medications. Since it doesn't work directly on insulin regulation but primarily affects the GLP-1 pathway, it can be an effective alternative for those who don't respond adequately to standard treatments or need additional cardiovascular benefits.
How effective are both Jardiance and Victoza?
Both empagliflozin (Jardiance) and liraglutide (Victoza) have proven their efficacy in managing type 2 diabetes, with both being approved by the FDA around a decade ago. They operate through different mechanisms of action: empagliflozin works by inhibiting glucose reabsorption in the kidneys while liraglutide mimics an intestinal hormone to increase insulin secretion. Several double-blind clinical trials have compared these two medications directly. For instance, a study conducted in 2015 found that both drugs were effective at controlling blood sugar levels and had comparable safety profiles.
A systematic review from 2021 reported that empagliflozin was effective at lowering HbA1c levels from the first week of treatment, had few side effects aside from genital yeast infections and increased urination, and was generally well tolerated among patients including those with heart diseases or kidney problems. The same review showed that this drug has become one of the most commonly prescribed SGLT2 inhibitors worldwide for its added benefits on cardiovascular outcomes.
On the other hand, a meta-analysis published in 2017 indicated that liraglutide is more efficient than placebo at reducing HbA1c levels and seems to achieve similar results as other common antidiabetic medications. Despite this evidence, it's usually considered after metformin due to its higher cost. Most studies involved patients who were also taking metformin so standalone efficiency data may not be as robust as for empagliflozin; however, there is solid evidence supporting its role in weight management which makes it an ideal choice for obese diabetic patients.
At what dose is Jardiance typically prescribed?
Dosages for Jardiance usually start at 10 mg once daily, taken orally in the morning before breakfast. If well tolerated and if needed to achieve better control of blood glucose levels, this can be increased to a maximum of 25 mg/day. On the other hand, Victoza is administered through injections with starting doses typically set at 0.6 mg per day for one week. This dose is primarily intended to reduce gastrointestinal symptoms during initial treatment and isn't effective for glycemic control on its own. After one week, the dosage may be increased to 1.2 mg/day as a maintenance dose but can go up to a maximum of 1.8mg/day depending upon patient's need and tolerance level.
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At what dose is Victoza typically prescribed?
Victoza treatment is typically initiated at a dosage of 0.6 mg per day for one week, administered via subcutaneous injection. This dose serves to minimize gastrointestinal side effects and is not effective for glycemic control. After the initial week, the dose is increased to 1.2 mg once daily. If necessary, after at least one week on a dose of 1.2 mg, it can be further escalated to a maximum dosage of 1.8 mg once daily if blood glucose remains uncontrolled. The increase in dosing should be closely monitored by your healthcare provider due to potential side effects or adverse reactions.
What are the most common side effects for Jardiance?
Common side effects of Jardiance may include:
- Urinary tract infections
- Yeast infections in both men and women
- Increased urination
- Thirst
- Nausea
- Constipation
In contrast, common side effects of Victoza can include:
- Nausea (which usually decreases over time)
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Decreased appetite
-Swelling or redness at the injection site
Both medications should be taken under close medical supervision. If any of these symptoms persist or get worse, it's important to seek immediate medical attention.
Are there any potential serious side effects for Jardiance?
While both Jardiance and Victoza are used to manage diabetes, they do have different side effects. For Jardiance, keep an eye out for:
- Allergic reactions: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness or trouble breathing.
- Symptoms of dehydration: extreme thirstiness, dry mouth, dark urine
- Unusual weight loss
- Signs of bladder infection: frequent or painful urination, pink/bloody/cloudy urine with strong odor
- Yeast infections in women and men
For Victoza on the other hand:
- Signs of a rare but serious allergic reaction may include swelling or hives that could lead to difficulty swallowing or breathing.
- Rapid heartbeat and sudden changes in mood
- Severe pain in your stomach area that will not go away Serious symptoms can also include pancreatitis which manifest as severe abdominal pain accompanied by vomiting.
It's important to remember that these lists aren't exhaustive; there's a range of potential side-effects associated with each drug. Always consult your healthcare provider if you're concerned about any new symptoms while taking medication.
What are the most common side effects for Victoza?
Victoza, another medication for managing type 2 diabetes, has a different side effect profile which could be more suitable for some patients. These include:
- Nausea or vomiting, which usually decrease over time
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Headache
- Loss of appetite leading to weight loss
- Dizziness and fatigue
- Fast heartbeat
- Feeling jittery or anxious
- Insomnia (trouble sleeping)
It's also worth noting that Victoza may cause serious side effects like pancreatitis and kidney problems. Always consult with your healthcare provider when choosing between medications like Jardiance and Victoza.
Are there any potential serious side effects for Victoza?
Victoza, like all medications, can potentially cause side effects. Some of these may be severe and require immediate medical attention. These include:
- Signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling in your face, lips, tongue or throat
- Severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back
- Rapid weight loss
- Little or no urination
- Pancreatitis - severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate
- Increased thirst or urination
- Feeling very weak or tired.
If you experience any of these symptoms while taking Victoza, seek immediate medical assistance.
Contraindications for Jardiance and Victoza?
Both Victoza and Jardiance, along with most other diabetes medications, may result in some adverse effects. If you notice severe stomach pain, rapid heartbeat or breathing, unexplained weight loss, or persistent nausea/vomiting while taking these drugs, seek immediate medical attention.
Neither Victoza nor Jardiance can be taken if you are using a GLP-1 receptor agonist or an SGLT2 inhibitor respectively. Always inform your healthcare professional about the medications you are currently on; it is necessary to have a period of about 5 weeks to clear GLP-1 receptor agonists from your system before starting with Jardiance and vice versa for SGLT2 inhibitors before starting with Victoza to prevent harmful interactions.
How much do Jardiance and Victoza cost?
For the brand-name versions of these drugs:
- The cost of 30 tablets of Jardiance (10 mg) averages around $500, which works out to approximately $16/day.
- The price for a single pen of Victoza (18mg/3ml) is about $300, lasting roughly a month depending on your dose, working out to approximately $10/day.
Thus, if you are in the higher dosage range for Jardiance (i.e., 25 mg/day), then Victoza may be less expensive on a per-day treatment basis. However, it's important to remember that cost should not be your primary consideration when deciding which medication is right for you.
Please note that there are currently no generic alternatives available for either Jardiance or Victoza and costs can vary significantly based on insurance coverage and pharmacy location.
Popularity of Jardiance and Victoza
Empagliflozin, commonly known under the brand name Jardiance, was prescribed to approximately 1.9 million people in the United States in 2020. Empagliflozin is a type of SGLT2 inhibitor used for managing Type 2 diabetes by preventing the kidneys from reabsorbing glucose back into the blood and instead facilitating its excretion through urine.
On the other hand, Liraglutide or Victoza was prescribed to about 3.8 million people within that same year. As a GLP-1 receptor agonist class drug, it manages blood sugar levels by slowing digestion and preventing the liver from making excess sugar.
Despite their different mechanisms of action, both drugs have shown effectiveness in reducing cardiovascular-related outcomes among patients with Type 2 diabetes over recent years. Although usage rates can fluctuate annually due to factors like new research findings or changes in clinical guidelines, both medications remain essential tools for managing this chronic condition.
Conclusion
Both Jardiance (empagliflozin) and Victoza (liraglutide) have established records of usage in patients with type 2 diabetes, backed by several clinical studies indicating that they are more effective than placebo treatments. In some cases, these drugs may be combined to provide better control over blood sugar levels, but this should always be under the careful guidance of a healthcare provider due to potential contraindications.
Jardiance works primarily by blocking glucose reabsorption in the kidneys leading to excretion through urine while Victoza mimics an intestinal hormone called GLP-1 which increases insulin secretion and slows gastric emptying. Therefore, they tend to be prescribed under different circumstances - Jardiance is often used when metformin alone isn't enough or when a patient has heart disease whereas Victoza is typically considered for patients who need significant A1C reduction or weight loss benefits.
Both medications are available as branded medicines only at present. Both may require an adjustment period for the body meaning that full effects may not be noticeable right away.
The side effect profiles differ between these two medicines; both being generally well-tolerated but having their own specific side-effects. For example, urinary tract infections and genital fungal infections are relatively common with Jardiance while gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea can occur frequently with Victoza. Patients on either drug must closely monitor their blood sugars especially during initiation of treatment and should seek medical help immediately if they notice any unexpected adverse effects.