Jardiance® vs Metformin: Which Is Better for Type 2 Diabetes?

The Basics

If you’re searching Jardiance® vs metformin, you’re probably trying to answer one big question: which medication is better for type 2 diabetes (T2D) and what the real differences are in benefits, side effects, cost, and when doctors choose one versus the other.

The truth is, neither medicine is better for everyone. Jardiance® and metformin work in different ways, have different risks, and are often used together. This guide explains the differences in simple terms so you can talk more easily with your doctor.

Note: This article is for general education only and isn’t medical advice. A clinician can help you decide based on your A1C, kidney function (eGFR), heart history, other medications, and side effects.

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Jardiance® vs Metformin: At-a-glance Comparison

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What Is Metformin?

Metformin is a well-known pill that helps manage type 2 diabetes. It’s often used early on because it works well, doctors know it well, and it’s usually affordable.

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How metformin works  

Metformin mainly lowers blood sugar by:

• reducing how much sugar the liver releases
• helping your body use insulin more efficiently

The most common side effects of metformin are stomach-related, especially when you first start taking it:

• diarrhea
• nausea
• stomach discomfort

Tip: Many people find that extended-release (ER/XR) metformin is easier on the stomach than the regular kind, and side effects often get better if you increase the dose slowly.

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Metformin cautions (kidney function matters)

Metformin isn’t right for everyone, especially if you have serious kidney problems. Your doctor may avoid it or change how it’s used based on your eGFR and other risk factors.

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What Is Jardiance®?

Jardiance® (empagliflozin) is an oral medication in a class called SGLT2 (sodium-glucose co-transporter 2) inhibitors. In type 2 diabetes, it lowers blood sugar. Some clinicians may also choose Jardiance® when heart failure or chronic kidney disease is part of the picture, or when someone with type 2 diabetes has established cardiovascular disease because it’s approved for certain heart and kidney risk-reduction benefits in specific patients.

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How Jardiance® works  

Jardiance® helps your kidneys get rid of extra sugar in your urine, which lowers your blood sugar.

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Jardiance® side effects

Because Jardiance causes more sugar to leave your body through urine, common side effects can include:

• genital yeast infections
• more frequent urination
• thirst or dehydration symptoms (lightheadedness, especially if you’re not hydrating well)

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Jardiance® cautions (hydration + specific risks)

Your doctor will check for situations where Jardiance® needs extra caution, such as risk of dehydration, frequent infections, or certain metabolic problems. If you have symptoms like severe nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or unusual tiredness, contact your doctor right away.

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How Are Jardiance® And Metformin Different?

If you’re comparing Jardiance® and metformin, here are the main differences:

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1) They lower blood sugar in different ways

• Metformin works mostly inside the body by affecting the liver and how your body uses insulin.
• Jardiance® acts more like an exit ramp, helping your kidneys remove extra sugar from your body.

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2) Side effects feel very different

• Metformin: mostly causes stomach or digestive issues
• Jardiance®: mostly causes urinary or genital side effects and issues with staying hydrated

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3) Cost is often a major deciding factor

Metformin is usually inexpensive, while Jardiance® can cost more depending on your insurance.

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Can You Take Jardiance® And Metformin Together?

Yes, this is common. Because they work differently, clinicians often combine them when a single medication isn’t enough or when a broader set of goals is being considered.

Some people may even use a combination pill that has both medicines, depending on what’s right for them and what their insurance covers.

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Is Jardiance® Better Than Metformin?

This is what many people want to know: Is Jardiance® better than metformin?

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Metformin may be preferred when…

• You’re early in T2D treatment
• You want a well-established option
• Cost is a major factor
• You tolerate it (or can tolerate XR)

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Jardiance® may be preferred or added when…

• Your clinician is targeting more than A1C alone (based on your health history)
• Metformin alone isn’t reaching your A1C goal
• You and your clinician are balancing blood sugar control with other clinical priorities

Bottom line: The best medicine is the one that fits your body, your risks, your goals, and that you can keep taking.

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Dosing    

Metformin (typical use)

• It’s often taken with food to help prevent stomach upset.
• Comes in immediate-release and extended-release forms.
• Side effects are often minimized by starting low and increasing gradually.

Jardiance® (typical use)

• Jardiance® is usually taken once a day.
• It’s important to stay hydrated, especially when you first start or during hot weather or exercise.
• Tell your clinician if you’re also on diuretics (“water pills”) or have frequent dehydration/lightheadedness.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions, since the dose and timing can be different for each person.

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Cost: Jardiance® vs Metformin

Cost is a big reason why people compare these medicines, because it really matters in everyday life.

• Metformin is a generic medication and is usually low-cost.
• Jardiance® is typically brand-name, so your cost depends heavily on:
  
  • Insurance coverage/formulary
  • Deductible status
  • Copay tiers
  • Pharmacy and coupon eligibility (if applicable)

Tip: Ask your pharmacist what your actual monthly cost will be for each medicine. If Jardiance is too expensive, your doctor may talk about other options in the same group if they are right for you.

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What to Ask Your Clinician 

Bring these questions to your next visit:

• What’s my latest A1C, and what’s our target?
• What’s my eGFR (kidney function)?
• Do I have heart failure, CKD, or cardiovascular disease—or higher risk?
• Which side effects am I most likely to experience?
• What will each medication cost me monthly with insurance?

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Bottom line

When comparing Jardiance® and metformin, there isn’t a single best choice for everyone.

• Metformin is often the first choice because it works well, is well-known, and is affordable.
• Jardiance® lowers blood sugar in a different way and may be added depending on your overall health goals and medical needs.
• Many people do best with both medicines, since using them together treats type 2 diabetes in more than one way.