Diabetes is a common medical diagnosis in the United States and the number of people getting diagnosed with this condition increases every day. It affects about 10% of the population. Of the 10% that are diagnosed with diabetes, 90% of those are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. This is a common diagnosis, but there are potentially serious health conditions that can occur over time if it goes undiagnosed and untreated.
Pharmaceutical companies are always researching new drugs to treat diabetes. Some of the newest drugs are known as sodium transport protein inhibitors because of their ability to remove sodium and glucose in the kidneys. Farxiga and Jardiance are two medications in that classification.
Farxiga and Jardiance are both prescribed to people who have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Both medications should be used in combination with diet and exercise.
Both Farxiga and Jardiance have been shown to reduce blood sugar levels in people with Type 2 diabetes. Jardiance is prescribed to patients more often, but a doctor must determine the most appropriate medication based on each patient’s individual needs.
It is important for people to know the differences between Farxiga and Jardiance, as well as their similarities.
What is Farxiga?
Farxiga has been shown to have positive effects on Type 2 diabetes and other medical issues, such as heart failure. It is prescribed by doctors in pill form. Patients take it without or with food in the morning. There is no generic version of Farxiga.
Farxiga involves helping the kidneys eliminate sugar from the bloodstream through urine. It is classified as an SGLT2 inhibitor that blocks some of the sugar from reabsorbing in the kidneys. It then removes sodium from the urine, which aids in heart contractions and relaxation.
Farxiga has been shown to lower the risk of kidney disease and help those dealing with chronic kidney disease, which is known to occur in people who have diabetes.
This medication can help adults with chronic kidney disease, Type 2 diabetes, and heart failure. It is mostly prescribed for Type 2 diabetes but has other uses for diabetic patients. Farxiga is not approved to treat people who have Type 1 diabetes. Diabetes patients with kidney failure who have Type 2 diabetes should not take this medicine.
Farxiga Adverse Effects
This medication has common side effects, which include:
- Yeast infection
- Increased urination
- Sore throat or runny nose
If more severe effects occur, a physician should be contacted right away.
These possible effects include:
- Bladder infection
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Having extreme thirst
- Bladder infection
- Vomiting or becoming nauseated
- Having trouble breathing
Interactions
Different prescriptions can interact with Farxiga. Patients should always let their physicians know what medications they are taking because of possible drug interactions.
What is Jardiance?
Jardiance is a Type 2 diabetes medicine that is taken as a tablet once a day, usually in the morning. It is a medication that was approved by the FDA in 2014 to treat Type 2 diabetes and it has been shown to work well for those who have known heart disease. In 2016, it was approved to help with heart-related deaths. It was shown to help reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization in those with heart failure.
This medication helps the kidney get rid of glucose from the bloodstream. This is because it is classified as an SGLT2 inhibitor, which is a sodium-glucose inhibitor.
Jardiance has been shown to lower A1C by as much as 1%. It is recommended that if this medication is prescribed, the patient should eat a healthy diet and get regular exercise. The combination of Jardiance and a healthy lifestyle results in the most success in Type 2 diabetes patients.
A three-year clinical study showed that in patients who were on Jardiance, their risk of cardiovascular death was reduced by 38% in people who had Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Type 1 diabetes patients should not use Jardiance as their diabetic medication.
Interactions
There are a few medications that Jardiance can interact with so patients should mention them to their doctors. These medications include other blood sugar-lowering medications and diuretics.
Adverse Effects of Jardiance
Patients need to be aware that taking Jardiance can have adverse effects. These include those that can be prevented, as well as those that may diminish with time. People taking this medication are more likely to suffer from urinary tract infections or yeast infections. This can be prevented by increasing their water intake and having good hygiene.
If any of the below occurs in the patient it should be reported to the physician immediately:
- Chronic urinary tract infections
- Chronic yeast infections
- Kidney issues
- Low blood sugar levels
- Necrotizing fasciitis (bacterial skin infection)
- Dehydration
- Ketoacidosis
- Allergic reactions
Some effects will go away with time. But when they are particularly problematic, patients should mention them to their doctors. It may be necessary to change their medication.
Farxiga vs. Jardiance: Which Medication Works Best?
This is a common question that many patients have when they are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Farxiga and Jardiance are both SGLT2 inhibitors prescriptions and treat Type 2 diabetes. They are commonly prescribed to patients to treat their diabetes. They are both taken orally by pill once daily and with or without food.
Patients will need to understand that everyone is different and doctors will look at the pros and cons of each medication. The doctor will help patients make the best decision depending on their situations, medical histories, as well as insurance coverage. If your insurance does not cover the medication, you can contact The Rx Advocates to see if you qualify for assistance through our program.
What are the Pros and Cons of Taking Farxiga?
The pros of taking Farxiga include:
- Can lower A1C by 1% – this is a measure of average blood sugar over time.
- Can help you lose weight.
- Less chance of low blood sugar than other diabetes medications.
The cons of taking Farxiga include:
- There is an increased risk of a yeast infection in genitals and urinary tract infections.
- It is not shown to improve cardiovascular outcomes.
- If you drink alcohol a lot this is not a good choice.
- Very expensive medicine because there is no generic at this time.
What are the Pros and Cons of Taking Jardiance?
The pros of taking Jardiance include:
- It is offered in pill form.
- It can help with weight loss.
- Lowers A1C levels up to 1%.
- Can help prevent death from a heart attack, stroke, or heart failure if diagnosed with pre-existing heart disease.
- Is not a cause of hypoglycemia or very low blood sugar.
The cons of taking Jardiance include:
- It is only offered in name brand so it is expensive.
- It can cause dehydration.
- Yeast infections and urinary tract infections occur with patients.
When choosing the right medication, the doctor and patient will need to review the pros and cons together to make the right choice. Keep in mind each patient is an individual so choosing the correct one is a personal decision that occurs between the patient and doctor. If you have any questions about why your doctor chose the medication they did, please do not hesitate to ask.
The Rx Advocates Can You Help Save Money on Your Monthly Prescriptions
Many doctors will prescribe Farxiga or Jardiance as treatment options for Type 2 diabetes. These two prescriptions are not offered as a generic option, so paying for them can be a challenge for many patients. At The Rx Advocates, we assist patients by making their monthly prescription medications more affordable.
We work with patient assistance programs to offer monthly discounts to our patients for the medications they need. All you are responsible for is the payment of the services rendered, which ranges from $80-$110 per month, depending on the number of prescriptions you need to be filled. The medication is then delivered to you at no added cost.
Patients have saved hundreds of dollars on Farxiga, Jardiance, and other medications through our services. If finding a way to pay for prescriptions has been a concern or is becoming a concern due to the rising costs of prescription drugs, The Rx Advocates may be an option for you. Please contact us today.
