Jardiance is the brand name for empagliflozin, a prescription medication used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes and to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in those with established heart disease.
Empagliflozin belongs to a class of drugs called sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. These work by helping the kidneys remove excess glucose through urine, lowering blood sugar levels. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Jardiance in 2014 for treating type 2 diabetes and later expanded its indication in 2019 to include cardiovascular risk reduction in patients with type 2 diabetes and known cardiovascular disease.
While Jardiance is the most widely recognized name, it is not the only way to refer to the drug. Understanding its various names-brand, generic, and alternative formulations-is essential for accurate prescribing, patient communication, and insurance coverage.
Jardiance contains empagliflozin as the active ingredient. Each tablet delivers either 10 mg or 25 mg of empagliflozin. The drug is taken once daily, usually in the morning, with or without food.
Empagliflozin blocks SGLT2 transporters in the proximal renal tubules of the kidneys. Normally, these transporters reabsorb filtered glucose back into the bloodstream. By inhibiting this process, empagliflozin increases urinary glucose excretion, reducing blood glucose levels without increasing insulin secretion.
A 2015 clinical trial published in *The New England Journal of Medicine* showed that patients taking empagliflozin had a 14% lower risk of cardiovascular death compared to placebo, even after adjusting for baseline differences. This led to the FDA's expanded approval and recognition of Jardiance as a cardioprotective agent beyond glycemic control.
Jardiance is available in two strengths: 10 mg and 25 mg tablets. The drug is not marketed under different brand names in the United States. However, it may be referred to by several terms depending on context:
| Name Type | Examples | Use Context |
|---|---|---|
| Brand Name | Jardiance | Prescription label, pharmacy dispensing, patient education |
| Generic Name | Empagliflozin | Medical records, lab reports, insurance claims, physician orders |
| Chemical Name | 3-(4-((2-(2-methoxyphenyl)-2-oxoethyl)amino)benzoyl)-4-(2-(2-methylpropyl)phenoxy)butanoic acid | Pharmacology research, regulatory documents, chemical databases |
| Abbreviated Form | EMPA | Research papers, clinical trial protocols, internal medical notes |
Some patients and healthcare providers may refer to Jardiance using its pharmacological class: "an SGLT2 inhibitor." While not a name per se, this term clarifies mechanism and helps distinguish it from other diabetes medications like metformin or GLP-1 agonists.
Outside the U.S., empagliflozin is sold under different brand names. In Europe, it is marketed as Jardiance and also as Empaject, though availability varies by country. In India, it is available as Glucovance (though this name is also used for a different combination product). Always verify the active ingredient when comparing international versions.
Jardiance is prescribed for adults with type 2 diabetes whose blood sugar remains uncontrolled despite lifestyle changes and other medications. It is not used for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.
The drug is especially recommended for patients with existing cardiovascular disease or high cardiovascular risk. The EMPA-REG OUTCOME trial demonstrated a 38% reduction in hospitalization for heart failure among participants receiving empagliflozin versus placebo. This finding led to inclusion in guidelines from the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the European Society of Cardiology (ESC).
For example, a 62-year-old man with type 2 diabetes, a history of myocardial infarction, and an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 55 mL/min/1.73 m² was prescribed Jardiance 10 mg daily. After six months, his HbA1c dropped from 8.4% to 7.1%, and he reported fewer episodes of fatigue and swelling-symptoms linked to fluid retention and early heart failure.
One frequent error is confusing Jardiance with other SGLT2 inhibitors such as Invokana (canagliflozin) or Farxiga (dapagliflozin). While all three reduce blood glucose via similar kidney mechanisms, they differ in dosing, side effect profiles, and cardiovascular outcomes.
For instance, canagliflozin is associated with a higher risk of amputations and bone fractures, while dapagliflozin shows greater benefit in reducing heart failure hospitalizations. Empagliflozin has the strongest evidence for reducing cardiovascular mortality. Using the correct name ensures appropriate selection and avoids unintended risks.
Another misconception is assuming that Jardiance causes weight loss because it promotes glucose excretion. While patients often lose 2-3 kg over 6-12 months due to caloric loss in urine, this is not the primary goal. Weight reduction is a secondary benefit, not a reason for prescribing.
I once reviewed a pharmacy record where a patient was switched from Jardiance to a generic version labeled "empagliflozin" without confirming the dose. The original prescription was 25 mg daily, but the generic was dispensed as 10 mg. The patient experienced elevated blood sugars until the error was caught during a follow-up visit. This highlights the importance of verifying both name and strength-even when switching between brand and generic.
Using the correct name prevents errors in documentation, billing, and treatment. For example, a patient with chronic kidney disease may have a low eGFR. Empagliflozin is contraindicated if eGFR drops below 30 mL/min/1.73 m². A clinician must recognize "Jardiance" on a prescription and understand that dose adjustments are needed based on renal function.
Insurance plans often cover generic empagliflozin at lower cost. Knowing that Jardiance and empagliflozin are interchangeable allows patients to access the same therapy affordably. However, formulary restrictions may require prior authorization for brand-name Jardiance, making familiarity with both names important for care continuity.
When discussing treatment options, patients may ask about "other names" for Jardiance. Clarifying that empagliflozin is the generic equivalent helps avoid confusion. For example, a pharmacist might explain: "Jardiance is the brand name. The generic name is empagliflozin. Both contain the same active ingredient and work the same way."
Understanding the relationship between brand and generic names supports informed decision-making. Patients can compare costs, ask about alternatives, and adhere to prescriptions without fear of misunderstanding.
Knowing the full spectrum of names for Jardiance-brand, generic, chemical, and abbreviated-ensures clarity across clinical, administrative, and personal contexts. caregiver, recognizing that Jardiance is empagliflozin prevents miscommunication and supports safe, effective treatment.