Compare Jardiance vs. Onglyza

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

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Jardiance (empagliflozin)

Prescription only

Onglyza (saxagliptin)

Prescription only
Lowers blood sugar.

Jardiance (empagliflozin) lowers blood sugar for people with diabetes, but can increase the chance of a yeast infection.

Lowers blood sugar.

Onglyza (saxagliptin) can cause heart failure unlike other medicines that work just like it.

Upsides
  • Lowers A1c (average blood sugar over time) levels up to 1%.
  • Can prevent death from heart attack, stroke, or heart failure if you have pre-existing heart disease.
  • Can be easily taken orally as a pill.
  • Can cause weight loss.
  • Not likely to cause hypoglycemia or very low blood sugar.
  • DRUG-NAME is an oral blood sugar lowering medicine. It's a good option if you don't like injections.
  • Does not cause weight gain.
  • May be a good option for those with bad liver function.
  • Does not cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when taken by itself.
Downsides
  • More expensive since it's available as brand name only.
  • Can cause dehydration.
  • Typically not first-choice treatment for diabetes.
  • Only lowers A1C (average blood sugar over time) by ~0.5%.
  • Risk for heart failure has not been seen in other medicines that work just like it.
  • May be more expensive than other anti-diabetic medicines.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Pill
Price
Lowest price
$529.46
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Lowest price
$441.64
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Reviews
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Side effects
9possible side effects
  • Low blood sugar
    40%
  • Urinary tract infection
    9%
  • Yeast infection in women
    5%
  • Elevated cholesterol levels
    4%
  • Head cold
    3%
  • Increased urination
    3%
  • Yeast infection in men
    3%
  • Joint pain
    2%
  • Nausea
    2%
See more detailed side effects
The Onglyza (saxagliptin) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
  • Low blood pressure
    • Over age 65
    • Kidney disease
    • Taking blood pressure medications
  • Worsening kidney function
    • Dehydration
    • Poor baseline kidney function
    • Congestive heart failure
  • Too much acid in the blood
    • Type 1 diabetes
    • Extended fasting
  • Yeast infections and urinary tract infections
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • inflammation of the pancreas
    • Alcoholism
    • Elevated triglycerides
    • History of pancreatitis
    • Gallstones
  • Heart failure
    • History of heart failure
    • Bad kidney function
  • Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
    • Alcohol
    • Unexpected changes in diet
    • Changes in amount of exercise
    • Taking other anti-diabetic medications
  • Severe allergic reactions
  • Severe joint pain
  • Fluid-filled blisters on the skin (bullous pemphigoid)
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Jardiance (empagliflozin)
Learn more about Onglyza (saxagliptin)