Health & Care Information
Compare Jardiance vs Invokana vs Farxiga cost, side effects, and dosage. These are the new diabetes type-2 treatment drugs, approved by FDA. These oral diabetes pills get rid of glucose from the bloodstream, by excreting it into the urine. The manufacturers also claim that they cause weight loss, an influential selling point for a diabetes drug.
Diabetes Mellitus is a metabolic disorder, characterized by high blood sugar level for long period of time. It is one of the most common diseases around the world. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) reports 387 million people with diabetes, among them 90% have type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes Symptoms include high blood sugar level, frequent urination with urgency, ketoacidosis, increased thirst. In severe conditions, a patient may go into the coma.
Diabetes Type 2 or Diabetes mellitus type 2 is more common as compared to type 1 diabetes. The pancreas gradually loses the capacity to produce enough insulin and requires injection of insulin hormone externally. Type 2 diabetes long-term complications include retinopathy, kidney failure, cardiovascular diseases, leg ulcers, impaired healing and muscular weakness.
Sodium Glucose Cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) Inhibitor
Before we move towards the actual Jardiance vs Invokana vs Farxiga comparison, let’s clear the point that Invokana, Jardiance, and Farxiga all three are SGLT2 inhibitors drugs. Which means they share the same mechanism of action, which relies on blocking sodium glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2), a key protein in the kidney filtration process, to drain the sugar from blood to urine. It also implies that most of the side effects are same for all of these drugs. Let’s look at their generic chemical compounds and manufacturers:
- Invokana (Canagliflozin), as combination pill containing metformin, is manufactured Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson.
- Jardiance (Empagliflozin) is a product of Eli Lilly and Boehringer Ingelheim.
- Farxiga (Dapagliflozin) is an AstraZeneca and Bristol-Myers Squibb medicine.
All of these SGLT2 inhibitor diabetes medicines have side effects ranging from cloudy urine and nausea to heart attacks and ketoacidosis. Some recent findings suggest that these SGLT2 inhibitor drugs increase excretion of glucose at the cost of increasing its production in the body. This is an ironical side effect of SGLT2 inhibitors, they simultaneously stimulate the production of glucose, while they decrease its level from the blood.
Jardiance vs Invokana vs Farxiga Cost, Side Effects, Dosage
New medications for diabetes treatment include Invokana, Jardiance, Farxiga, Victoza, Bydureon, Tradjenta and Onglyza. All of them have a different mechanism, side effects, and dosage. Your health care provider may have a better idea which one is better for you depending on your health condition and severity. However, new medications for diabetes treatment are far better than previously used anti-diabetes drugs. Research is still going on in this domain for advanced treatment options.
Invokana (Canagliflozin) for Diabetes Treatment
Invokana is a brand name marketed by Janssen for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It contains a drug canagliflozin which belongs to gliflozin class. The basic mechanism of Invokana is to improve glycemic control in people with type 2 diabetes by inhibiting sodium glucose co-transporter (SGLT2). Invokana reduces the reuptake of glucose from renal tubules that will increase the elimination of glucose. It was approved by the FDA in March 2013.
Invokana Cost
Invokana is available in tablet form. The price for Invokana 100 mg varies from $398 to $448 in the U.S. for 30 tablet packing. It roughly makes $14 a pill.
Invokana Dosage
Invokana is available in two dosage form 100 mg and 300 mg. According to clinical studies 100 mg once a day is recommended but the dose may be increased depending on the tolerance. Invokana 100mg price is $422 for a supply of 30 tablets.
Invokana (Canagliflozin) Side Effects
Most common side effects of Invokana are bladder pain, bloody or cloudy urine, burning, itching in the vagina, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Sometimes red patches may also occur on the skin. Canagliflozin is linked to decreases in bone mineral density at the hip and lower spine. FDA issued a bone fractures risk safety alert for Invokana and Invokamet, in patients after 12 weeks of taking the medication.
Clinical study of patients at high risk of cardiovascular disease showed that within the 30 days of taking Invokana, 13 patients suffered strokes or heart attacks. However, the New York Times reports a rebuttal by FDA that the significance of those findings was unclear, that’s why the label of the drug does not include warnings about heart attacks or strokes.
Below is a complete list of common Invokana (canagliflozin) side effects are:
- Bladder pain
- bloody or cloudy urine
- decreased frequency or amount of urine
- difficult, burning, or painful urination
- discharge with a strong odor from the penis
- frequent urge to urinate
- increased blood pressure
- increased thirst
- itching of the vagina or outside of the genitals
- loss of appetite
- lower back or side pain
- nausea
- pain during sexual intercourse
- pain in the skin around the penis
- redness, itching, or swelling of the penis
- swelling of the face, fingers, or lower legs
- troubled breathing
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- vaginal discharge without odor or with mild odor
- vomiting
- weight gain
Some less common Invokana (canagliflozin) side effects are:
- Anxiety
- blurred vision
- chills
- cold sweats
- confusion
- cool, pale skin
- depression
- dizziness
- dry mouth
- fast or irregular heartbeat
- headache
- hives or welts
- increased hunger
- itching skin
- large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
- nightmares
- rash
- redness of the skin
- seizures
- shakiness
- slurred speech
- unusual tiredness or weakness
Jardiance (Empagliflozin) for Diabetes Treatment
Jardiance also branded as Glyxambi or Synjardy is an oral anti-diabetes medicine which contains empagliflozin. Empagliflozin also belongs to gliflozin class. Jardiance mechanism of action is almost like Invokana with pharmacokinetic differences. Jardiance is used together with diet and exercise to treat type 2 diabetes. Jardiance is not suitable for the treatment of type 1 diabetes.
Jardiance Cost
Jardiance is available in tablet forms in 10mg and 25mg potencies. Jardiance cost for 25 mg in the United States varies from $297 to $427 for 30 tablets pack.
Jardiance Dosage
Jardiance is available in two dosage forms 10 mg and 25 mg tab. According to clinical studies the recommended dose is 10 mg once daily. The dose may be increased up to 25mg depending upon tolerance.
Jardiance (Empagliflozin) Side Effects
More common Jardiance (empagliflozin) side effects are:
- Bladder pain
- bloody or cloudy urine
- change in the color, amount, or odor of vaginal discharge
- difficult, burning, or painful urination
- frequent urge to urinate
- itching, stinging, or redness of the vaginal area
- lower back or side pain
- pain during sexual intercourse
Less common Jardiance (empagliflozin) side effects are:
- Discharge with a strong odor from the penis
- increased volume of pale, dilute urine
- redness, itching, swelling, or pain around the penis
- waking to urinate at night
There are the side effects of Jardiance (empagliflozin) that rarely occur:
- Anxiety
- blurred vision
- chills
- cold sweats
- confusion
- decreased urination
- dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
- fast heartbeat
- headache
- increased hunger
- nausea
- nightmares
- rapid breathing
- seizures
- shakiness
- slurred speech
- sweating
- unusual tiredness or weakness
Farxiga (Dapagliflozin) for Diabetes Treatment
Farxiga, Forxiga (outside United Sates) or Xigduo XR (combination Farxiga and metformin) are the trade name of the drug with active component “dapagliflozin”. This drug also belongs to gliflozin class. It was manufactured by Bristol-Myers Squibb in partnership with AstraZeneca. Dapagliflozin inhibits subtype 2 of the sodium-glucose transport proteins (SGLT2) which are responsible for at least 90% of the glucose re-absorption in the kidney. The FDA approved dapagliflozin on January 8, 2014, for glycemic control, along with diet and exercise, in adults with type 2 diabetes.
Farxiga Cost
Farxiga is available in tablet forms in 5mg and 10mg potencies. Farxiga cost for 5mg price is approximate $370 for 30 tablets. Farxiga price for 10mg is $398 approx. in the market for a monthly pack of 30 pills.
Farxiga Dosage
Farxiga is available in two dosage forms 5 mg and 10 mg tab. Farxiga is used together with diet and exercise to treat type 2 diabetes. Farxiga is not for treating type 1 diabetes.
Farxiga (Dapagliflozin) Side Effects
If we compare Farxiga vs Invokana, Farxiga causes heavy glycosuria (sometimes up to about 70 grams per day) which may increase in weight loss and tiredness. Most common Farxiga (dapagliflozin) side effects are:
- Anxiety
- bladder pain
- bloody or cloudy urine
- blurred vision
- chills
- cold sweats
- coma
- confusion
- cool, pale skin
- decreased frequency or amount of urine
- depression
- difficult, burning, or painful urination
- dizziness
- fast heartbeat
- frequent urge to urinate
- headache
- increased hunger
- increased thirst
- itching of the vagina or genitals
- loss of appetite
- lower back or side pain
- nausea
- nightmares
- seizures
- shakiness
- slurred speech
- swelling of the face, fingers, or lower legs
- thick, white vaginal discharge with mild or no odor
- troubled breathing
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- vomiting
- weight gain
Less common Farxiga (dapagliflozin) side effects are:
- Foul smelling discharge from the penis
- pain in the skin around the penis
- rash of the penis
- redness, itching, or swelling of the penis
Some of the rare side effects of the Farxiga (dapagliflozin) are:
- Cough
- difficulty with swallowing
- dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
- dry mouth
- fainting
- increase in heart rate
- large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
- lightheadedness
- puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
- rapid breathing
- skin rash, hives, or itching
- sunken eyes
- sweating
- tightness in the chest
- wrinkled skin
I’ve been taking Jardiance 10mg for a little over a year now. A1C is running at 6.6 to 6.8. My cardiologist has reduced the med (amlodipine 5) he prescribed as a result of me taking Jardiance due to is benefits for Cardio. I’ve also lost 30 pounds since last march 2017. Now my BCBS insurance has denied this drug and wants me to move to Invokanna or Farxiga. I am rejecting this due to the dual benefits (A1C and Cardio). Now insurance says its a cost issue….can’t be true..I have priced it everywhere and see very little cost difference. After discussion with a drug rep. He sent me to a pharmacy that is providing me with Jardiance at $25 for 30 days. I’m greatfull to him, but WTH…how does this happen??
Help! I take Lithium and was just prescribed Jardiance. My concern is that Jardiance has diuretic properties and will cause Lithium toxicity. Can you clarify?
I have a history of bladder cancer. The commercials for Farxiga state it should not be taken if you have bladder cancer. What about Invokana (which I am currently taking) and Jardiance?
Invokana is the only SGLT-2 inhibitor that has an increased risk for toe and foot amputations. The FDA has recently issued a black box warning for invokana only. I would talk to my doctor to switch to a different SGLT-2 inhibitor asap.
gliflozin’s are deadly poison to the body and they are a time bomb health wise. There has to be a better way.
I tried Farxiga and within a week, I suffered a severe yeast infection. So we decided to try Invokana. I lost weight, sugars improved, it was great. My the second month, I once again suffered a yeast infection that would not go away. We moved to a different kind of drug, Trulicity. I gained weight and felt tired all of the time. Yesterday, we decided to try Jardiance. How do I prevent another yeast infection? Is it likely to happen as it did with the other 2 meds? I already eat plenty of yogurt. Thank you for any help.
before I took Invokana my doctor said to start using Coconut Oil. I use a vaginal itch cream (Walmart no name cream). Using the two help, but ever now and then I get itchy.
I use the itch cream with the Coconut oil.
I am currency on Invokana along with Metformin, and could not be better or healthier. My problem is that my new insurance will not cover Invokana. Not at all. Is it worth my reaching out to the manufacturer, to ask if they offer any assistance. Even with coverage through the ACA, I can demonstrate financial need. From your analysis of the drugs, and the comments above, it seems they are all alike, so it may be that none of them will be affordable. I suspect that there is nothing to swap out for Invokana.
Johnson and Johnson is the actual manufacture of the drug. You can go on line and find the application for lowering the cost to you. I check it out. I take the same combination of Invokana and Metformin.
This article is very helpful. Invokana, Farxiga and Jardiance all cost about the same. They all belong to the gliflozin class of drugs. They all inhibit the uptake of glucose in the kidney and dump it in the urine. Their potential side effects vary but no decision-making differences.
Which one is most effective among the three?????
@Daniel,
Since all of these are Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, they are same. Your doctor may best decide which one is for you, based on other medical evaluations and considerations.
From the market point of view, Invokana is doing better than Farxiga and Jardiance respectively. But careful, it could be J&J manipulating the market.
They all seem to cost around the same. I did better with jardiance but now the insurance is not wanting to pay for jardiance and wants me to get invokana. So yeah maybe they getting kickback from manufacturer.
HI did you have joint pain with any of this medicine?
I’ve been taking Invokana 300s for years. Never had any serious side effects much beyond dry mouth, especially not back pain; but then, I’m on half a dozen other meds that could be contributing to the dry mouth… Effective this month, a call to Invokana and they say they are changing their plan, and will no longer provide me with the med for a $0 co-pay, and only cover up to $200 a month, effective immediately (March 1). It will now cost me $236 a month that I can’t afford. Can’t blame it on my Insurance plan, that’s been in effect since January 1.