Januvia vs. Jardiance: A Complete Guide for Type 2 Diabetes Patients

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects how the body processes blood sugar, also called glucose. In people with type 2 diabetes, the body either does not produce enough insulin or does not use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone that helps sugar move from the blood into the body’s cells, where it is used for energy. When insulin does not work well, blood sugar levels stay high, which can lead to serious health problems over time.

Managing type 2 diabetes often requires a mix of healthy eating, physical activity, and medicine. There are many types of medicines used to control blood sugar levels. Two commonly prescribed medications are Januvia and Jardiance. Both are taken by mouth and help lower blood sugar, but they work in different ways.

It is important for patients to understand how these medications work, what the differences are, and which one may be the best choice for their health needs. Knowing about side effects, weight effects, and safety for long-term use can also help people feel more confident in their diabetes treatment plan.

How Do Januvia and Jardiance Work?

 

Januvia is a type of drug called a DPP-4 inhibitor. It works by helping the body make more insulin after meals and lowering the amount of sugar made by the liver. It helps control blood sugar without causing low blood sugar in most cases. It works best when blood sugar levels rise after eating.

Jardiance is a different kind of medicine known as an SGLT2 inhibitor. It helps remove extra sugar from the blood by letting it pass out of the body through urine. It also lowers the amount of sugar the kidneys send back into the blood. Because of this, Jardiance can help lower blood sugar throughout the day, even between meals.

Although both medicines are taken once a day, they have different effects on the body. Januvia mostly helps the body use its own insulin better. It helps lower blood sugar by getting rid of the extra sugar through urine. Each medicine targets a different part of the blood sugar process.

Jardiance vs. Januvia: Which Is Better?

Choosing between Jardiance and Januvia depends on the patient’s health goals and other conditions they may have. Studies show that Jardiance may offer more benefits beyond blood sugar control. It has been shown to help people with heart disease or kidney problems by reducing the risk of heart failure and slowing kidney damage. For patients managing multiple conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, check out our article on How to Choose the Right Hypertension and High Blood Pressure Medication.

Januvia mainly works on controlling blood sugar without affecting weight, heart, or kidney health. For people who only need help lowering their blood sugar and do not have heart or kidney issues, it may still be a good option. However, for patients with multiple health concerns, Jardiance may be a stronger choice.

Doctors usually look at a person’s full medical history, including other medicines they are taking, before choosing between these two drugs. While both are effective, the extra heart and kidney benefits of Jardiance can make it a better choice for many patients. Interested in how Jardiance compares with other diabetes medications? Don’t miss our in-depth article on Invokana and Jardiance: Which Is Better for Managing Diabetes?.

Jardiance vs. Januvia: Weight Loss

Weight is an important part of type 2 diabetes management. Being overweight can make blood sugar harder to control. Some diabetes medications can cause weight gain, while others may help people lose weight.

Jardiance is more likely to help with weight loss. Since it removes extra sugar from the body through urine, patients may lose some calories and lose weight over time. Many people who take the medication see a small but steady drop in their weight while using the medicine.

Januvia does not usually cause weight gain, but it does not help with weight loss either. It is considered weight-neutral, which means a person’s weight is not likely to change while taking it.

If losing weight is a goal for someone with type 2 diabetes, Jardiance may offer an added benefit. Weight loss can also improve insulin sensitivity and overall health, so this effect may support better diabetes control over time. To learn more about how weight loss medications work with physical activity, read our guide on The Benefits of Weight Loss Medication Combined with an Active Lifestyle.

Jardiance vs. Januvia: Side Effects

When comparing Jardiance (Empagliflozin) and Januvia (Sitagliptin), both medications are used to manage type 2 diabetes but have different mechanisms of action and side effect profiles. Below is a detailed comparison of their side effects.

Common Side Effects

Side Effect	Jardiance	Januvia
Urinary tract infection	Yes (9.3%)	No
Genital yeast infections	Yes (3.1–5.4%)	No
Increased urination	Yes (3.4%)	No
Upper respiratory infection	Yes (3.1%)	Yes (5.5–6.3%)
Headache	No	Yes (2.3–3.9%)
Runny/stuffy nose	No	Yes (5.2%)
Joint pain	Yes (2.4%)	Yes
Nausea	Yes (2.3%)	Yes
Diarrhea	No	Yes (up to 11.5%)
Sore throat	No	Yes
Dehydration	Yes	No
Dizziness	Yes	Yes
High cholesterol (dyslipidemia)	Yes (3.9%)	No
Stomach pain	Yes	Yes

Percentages are approximate and based on clinical trial data where available.

Serious Side Effects

Jardiance

• Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA): Can be life-threatening. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, confusion, difficulty breathing, and fruity-smelling breath.
• Severe urinary tract infections: May require hospitalization.
• Dehydration and low blood pressure: Due to increased urination.
• Genital infections: Both men and women are at risk.
• Allergic reactions: Swelling, rash, difficulty breathing.
• Acute kidney injury: Rare, but possible.

Januvia

• Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas, which can be severe and potentially fatal. Symptoms include severe abdominal pain radiating to the back, with or without vomiting.
• Heart failure: May worsen or cause new-onset heart failure in some patients.
• Severe joint pain: Can be debilitating and may require discontinuation.
• Serious skin reactions: Including bullous pemphigoid, which may require hospitalization.
• Allergic reactions: Swelling, rash, difficulty breathing.

Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)

• Both Jardiance and Januvia have a low risk of causing hypoglycemia when used alone. However, the risk increases if combined with other diabetes medications such as insulin or sulfonylureas.

Key Differences

• Jardiance is more likely to cause urinary and genital infections, dehydration, and ketoacidosis.
• Januvia is more associated with upper respiratory symptoms, headaches, gastrointestinal upset, and rare but serious risks of pancreatitis, severe joint pain, and skin reactions.

Clinical Considerations

• Jardiance may be preferred for patients at risk for cardiovascular events or with heart failure, but caution is needed for those prone to urinary or genital infections.
• Januvia may be better tolerated in patients who have recurrent urinary tract infections or are at risk for dehydration but should be used cautiously in those with a history of pancreatitis or heart failure.

Always consult a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate medication based on individual health status and risk factors.

Which Medication Is Safer for Long-Term Use?

 

Jardiance is generally considered safe for long-term use and offers additional heart and kidney protection, making it a preferred choice for patients with cardiovascular or kidney concerns. However, it requires monitoring for infections and kidney function.

Januvia is also safe for long-term use with fewer infection risks but lacks the cardiovascular and renal benefits of Jardiance. It may be better suited for patients who prioritize stable blood sugar control with minimal side effects.

Ultimately, the safer medication for long-term use depends on individual health status, comorbidities, and risk factors. A healthcare provider should tailor the choice based on these considerations.

Who Should Take Januvia and Who Should Take Jardiance?

The choice between Januvia (Sitagliptin) and Jardiance (Empagliflozin) depends on individual patient factors, including age, comorbidities, and specific treatment goals.

Jardiance may be a better choice for people who:

• Adults and children 10 years and older with type 2 diabetes who need blood glucose control.
• Patients with type 2 diabetes who have established cardiovascular disease or are at high risk for heart disease. Jardiance is approved to lower the risk of cardiovascular death in these patients.
• Patients with heart failure or at risk of hospitalization due to heart failure.
• Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) at risk of progression, as Jardiance helps reduce worsening kidney function and related complications.
• Those who may benefit from the additional heart and kidney protective effects of Jardiance beyond blood sugar control.
• Patients who have not achieved adequate glycemic control with diet and exercise alone and possibly after metformin.
• Patients without severe kidney impairment (eGFR should be above 30-45 mL/min/1.73 m² depending on guidelines).

Januvia may be better for people who:

• Adults with type 2 diabetes who need blood glucose lowering but do not have significant cardiovascular or kidney disease.
• Patients who cannot tolerate SGLT2 inhibitors like Jardiance due to side effects such as frequent urinary tract or genital infections.
• Patients who are not candidates for Jardiance due to kidney function limitations or risk of dehydration.
• Those who need a medication with a lower risk of dehydration and genital infections.
• Patients who require glucose control without the additional cardiovascular or renal benefits that Jardiance provides.
• Januvia is not approved for children.

Where to Buy Januvia or Jardiance Online at a Lower Cost

Buying Januvia or Jardiance from a trusted source is important. One affordable option is 365 Script Care, which offers genuine medications at lower prices. For example, Jardiance is available at the following prices:

Jardiance Pricing:

• Jardiance 10mg (30 tablets) – $108.95
• Jardiance 10mg (90 tablets) – $315.95
• Jardiance 25mg (30 tablets) – $112.95
• Jardiance 25mg (90 tablets) – $330.95

Januvia Pricing:

• Januvia 25mg (30 tablets) – $145.03
• Januvia 25mg (60 tablets) – $275.95
• Januvia 25mg (90 tablets) – $380.95
  

Patients can also ask about a Januvia coupon or Jardiance coupon through 365 Script Care. Their team can assist with order details, required information, and help you find the best pricing available.

Final Thoughts

Managing type 2 diabetes requires more than just watching your sugar intake. It also means choosing the right medication for your health. Both Januvia and Jardiance are used to help people with type 2 diabetes keep their blood sugar levels under control. These medications work in different ways and offer different benefits.

Jardiance helps the body get rid of extra sugar through urine. It also helps protect the heart and kidneys, making it a good choice for people with heart problems or kidney disease. Many people who take Jardiance may also lose some weight, which is helpful for managing diabetes.

Januvia helps the body make more insulin after meals and lowers the amount of sugar made by the liver. It does not usually cause weight gain or low blood sugar. It may be a better option for people who want to avoid certain side effects like urinary or genital infections.

Your doctor will help you choose the best option based on your health, age, other medicines, and risk factors. It is important to follow the right dose, check in with your doctor regularly, and live a healthy lifestyle along with taking your medicine.