Navigating the variety of medications available for treating Type 2 Diabetes can feel overwhelming at times. And if you’re also looking for a weight loss solution, you’ll have even more considerations to keep in mind. Your doctor is your primary resource in determining which medications may be the best fit for your particular needs and circumstances, but if you’re the kind of patient who likes to stay informed and review your options, you may find yourself wondering about the relative merits of certain drugs over others.

A perfect example? Ozempic and Jardiance—two Type 2 Diabetes medications that are both also known to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events and promote healthy weight loss in combination with diet and exercise. On the surface, these two medications may appear to be almost identical, but the truth is that there are many differences between them.

In this post, we’ll provide an in-depth overview of Ozempic and Jardiance and review the relative pros and cons of each. We’ll compare their efficacy for Type 2 Diabetes, weight loss, heart failure, and kidney disease outcomes, as well as their potential side effects. The information below does not constitute medical advice and should only be used to help you prepare for a comprehensive conversation with your healthcare provider.

Let’s jump in!

Ozempic Vs. Jardiance: Summary

What Is Ozempic?

Ozempic (active ingredient semaglutide) is a brand-name prescription drug produced by Novo Nordisk. It was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2017 for the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes in adults. Ozempic is also FDA-approved for the reduction of major cardiovascular events in patients with both Type 2 Diabetes and diagnosed cardiovascular disease.

In addition to reducing blood sugar levels and reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes in patients with Type 2 Diabetes, Ozempic also promotes healthy weight loss. This side effect has made the drug popular, and it is sometimes prescribed off-label to overweight and obese patients—even those without Type 2 Diabetes—specifically for weight loss purposes.

In 2021, after extensive clinical trials, the FDA approved semaglutide for weight loss under the brand name Wegovy. Wegovy is also produced by Novo Nordisk and the main difference between it and Ozempic is its higher dosage (Ozempic’s maximum dosage is 2 mg while Wegovy’s is 2.4 mg).

Ozempic is an injectable medication that is taken once weekly. Subcutaneous injection sites include the abdomen, upper arm, and thigh. It comes in pre-filled, single-patient-use pens and must be refrigerated before being opened. It is available in 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg doses.

What Is Jardiance?

Jardiance (active ingredient empagliflozin) is a brand-name prescription drug produced by Boehringer Ingelheim with Eli Lilly. It was approved by the FDA for the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes in adults in 2014. Jardiance is also FDA-approved to lower the risk of cardiovascular death from major cardiovascular events in patients with Type 2 Diabetes and heart disease.

In combination with a healthy diet and regular exercise, Jardiance can be associated with modest weight loss in patients with Type 2 Diabetes. That being said, it has not gained an off-label reputation for weight loss management like Ozempic has.

Jardiance is an oral medication that is taken daily in tablet form with water. It is available in 10 mg or 25 mg doses.

Comparing Ozempic and Jardiance

Similarities

  • Both drugs are non-insulin medications that are FDA-approved for the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes in adults.
  • Both drugs lower blood sugar levels.
  • Both drugs reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in patients with Type 2 Diabetes and diagnosed heart disease.
  • Both drugs are associated with weight loss in combination with diet and exercise.

Differences

  • Ozempic is taken once weekly, while Jardiance is taken once per day.
  • Ozempic is injected, while Jardiance is taken orally in tablet form.
  • Ozempic’s active ingredient is semaglutide, while Jardiance’s is empagliflozin.
  • Ozempic is classed as a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, while Jardiance is classed as a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor.

Ozempic Vs. Jardiance for Diabetes

Both Ozempic and Jardiance are first and foremost indicated to help lower and regulate blood sugar levels in adult patients with Type 2 Diabetes. Both can be effective medications in this regard, but Ozempic is considered the more potent of the two, according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) 2023 Standards of Care.

Ozempic (semaglutide) belongs to the class of medications known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. It lowers blood sugar levels by imitating an incretin hormone produced in the human gut in response to food and selectively binds to GLP-1 receptors, triggering reactions in a variety of different body systems. Semaglutide promotes insulin secretion in the pancreas and inhibits glucagon secretion in the liver, lowering blood sugar. In addition, it also slows gastric emptying (the rate at which food leaves the stomach) and reduces appetite.

Jardiance (empagliflozin) belongs to the class of medications known as SGLT2 inhibitors. It blocks a protein that helps the kidneys recycle sugar from urine back into the bloodstream. This leaves the sugar to be expelled with the urine. In other words, Jardiance increases urine sugar levels, decreasing blood sugar levels.

Effects of Jardiance on Blood Glucose

In clinical trials, Jardiance has been shown to reduce A1C levels by 0.5%-1.0% (0.6% with a 10 mg dose and 0.7% with a 25 mg dose), and the mean changes from baseline in fasting plasma glucose levels have been reported as 17.9 mg/dL with a 10 mg dose and 17.3 mg/dL with a 25 mg dose. Jardiance’s impact on prandial blood glucose levels has not been clinically studied.

Jardiance does not typically impact insulin requirements significantly, and the risk of hypoglycemia while taking the drug is minimal.

Effects of Ozempic on Blood Glucose

In clinical drug trials, Ozempic has been shown to reduce A1C levels by 1.0%-1.8%, and the mean changes from baseline in fasting plasma glucose levels have been reported as 35.5 mg/dL with a 0.5 mg dose and 31 mg/dL with a 1 mg dose. The mean change from baseline in 2-hour postprandial glucose levels has been reported as 60.5 mg/dL with a 0.5 mg dose and 56.5 mg/dL with a 1 mg dose.

Ozempic typically reduces insulin requirements. Though it does not cause hypoglycemia itself, the risk of severe hypoglycemia can increase if it is taken in combination with insulin or sulfonylureas without the doses of each medication being properly adjusted. Such interactions will be taken into consideration and adjusted by your doctor if and when you start Ozempic, so be sure to disclose all medications you are taking at that time.

Ozempic Vs. Jardiance for Weight Loss

Both Ozempic and Jardiance help to promote healthy weight loss for patients with Type 2 Diabetes in combination with a healthy diet and regular exercise routine.

While clinical trial participants lost between 1.8%-2.4% of their starting body weight while taking Jardiance over 24 weeks, participants in semaglutide clinical trials lost between 2%-4% of their starting body weight over 68 weeks on a 1mg dose of the drug. Participants who took a 2.4 mg dose of semaglutide once weekly over a 68-week period (Wegovy’s dose) lost an average of 15% of their starting body weight (and some lost much more).

Of the two drugs, semaglutide is clearly the more effective for weight loss—especially at the 2.4 mg dose found in Wegovy. That being said, Jardiance can still help support healthy weight loss and may be the right drug to help you achieve your goals. To learn more about weight loss medications and which one may be the right choice for your particular situation, speak directly with your doctor.

Ozempic Vs. Jardiance: Heart Failure and Kidney Disease Outcomes

Both Ozempic and Jardiance have been proven to lower the risk of major cardiovascular events in patients with Type 2 Diabetes and cardiovascular disease. While Ozempic is often considered more effective for atherosclerotic heart diseases (atherosclerosis describes the hardening of the arteries) and strokes, Jardiance is usually the better choice for patients with heart failure (preserved and reduced ejection fraction).

Ozempic and Jardiance are both associated with improved cardiovascular outcomes, reduced hospitalizations due to heart failure, reduced strokes, and reduced cardiovascular deaths. Your doctor will advise you which medication is the best choice, given your particular circumstances and medical history.

In terms of renal outcomes, both Ozempic and Jardiance significantly reduce the risk of new or worsening nephropathy. In addition, Jardiance is associated with lowered rates of kidney failure and the need for dialysis or kidney transplant.

Ozempic Vs. Jardiance: Side Effects

Like all prescription medications, Ozempic and Jardiance both come with the risk of potential side effects. While most are mild and many may dissipate over time, there are also some more serious ones to be aware of as you consider the relative merits of each medication.

Ozempic Side Effects

Common mild side effects that can occur while taking Ozempic include the following:

  • Gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Injection site reactions

More serious side effects to be aware of include:

  • Kidney, liver, and gallbladder issues
  • Pancreatitis
  • Vision problems
  • Severe allergic reactions
  • Severe low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
  • Thyroid tumors

Ozempic should not be taken by patients with allergies to any of the ingredients, a personal or family history of certain types of thyroid cancer, children under the age of 18, or people with Type 1 Diabetes. It is also not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Speak with your doctor for more information.

Jardiance Side Effects

Common mild side effects that can occur while taking Jardiance include the following:

  • Drowsiness
  • Increased thirst
  • Skin rash
  • Increased cholesterol levels
  • Yeast infections (vaginal in women and genital in men)
  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
  • Frequent urination
  • Lightheadedness

More serious side effects to be aware of include:

  • A serious bacterial infection in the tissue under the skin known as Fournier’s gangrene
  • Diabetic ketoacidosis
  • Serious urinary tract infections
  • Low blood pressure
  • Severe allergic reactions
  • Kidney issues
  • Severe hypoglycemia
  • Dehydration

Jardiance should not be taken by patients with allergies to any of the ingredients, who are under the age of 18, or who have Type 1 Diabetes. Speak with your doctor about taking Jardiance if you have liver, kidney, or pancreas problems, have a history of UTIs, often drink alcohol, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Ozempic Vs. Other Drugs

Ozempic has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its effectiveness, simple injection scheduling, and reputation for helping to facilite healthy weight loss. To learn more about how Ozempic might compare to other drugs treatments, have a discussion with your physician. You can also look at some of Bisonpharmacy’s other posts comparing Ozempic to other medications:

The Verdict

To conclude, both Ozempic and Jardiance are brand-name prescription medications used to lower and regulate blood sugar levels in patients with Type 2 Diabetes and reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in patients with Type 2 Diabetes and associated cardiovascular disease. They are both also associated with healthy weight loss when complemented with a healthy diet and regular exercise.

In this post, we’ve looked at some of the similarities and differences between Ozempic and Jardiance and explored their efficacy in treating conditions ranging from stroke and kidney failure to obesity and high blood sugar.

Which medication may be the better choice for your particular circumstances and conditions? Only your doctor can determine that. But here are two final lists to help you strategically consider your options.

Ozempic May Be the Better Drug Choice If…

  • You require a high potency Type 2 Diabetes medication to manage your blood sugar.
  • Weight loss is a major goal for you.
  • You have been diagnosed with an atherosclerotic cardiovascular condition.
  • You prefer a once-weekly medication.

Jardiance May Be the Better Drug Choice If…

  • You have been diagnosed with heart failure (preserved or reduced ejection fraction).
  • You are averse to injections.
  • You have a personal or family history of thyroid cancer.

No matter which medication your doctor ultimately prescribes for you, keep in mind that both medications are most effective in combination with healthy lifestyle choices. Remember to maintain a healthy weight, increase your activity level, and reduce (or completely eliminate) substances like tobacco and alcohol.

If you have received or plan to receive an Ozempic prescription and are looking for an affordable way to source this medication, consider ordering high-quality Ozempic online from Canada. At Bisonpharmacy.com, we pride ourselves on providing prompt and reliable service to our valued American customers and are readily available to personally respond to any questions or concerns you may have.

To learn more about ordering Ozempic from Bisonpharmacy.com, contact us today!

About the Author

Ida Edlweiss Gumpal is a licensed Pharmacist and medical writer. She took her internships at Mercury Drug Corporation, Inc., a Hospital internship at De Vera Medical Center, Inc., and a Manufacturing internship at Philmed Laboratories, Inc. She has plans on attending medical school with the goal of specializing in Neurosurgery or Cardiothoracic surgery.