Farxiga vs. Amaryl
See how Farxiga and Amaryl compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Farxiga is an SGLT2 inhibitor that also reduces heart failure and kidney disease risk, while Amaryl is a sulfonylurea used only for blood sugar control.
Amaryl carries a much higher risk of hypoglycemia than Farxiga, especially when combined with insulin or other diabetes medicines.
Amaryl is available as a low-cost generic, while Farxiga typically costs several times more per month without insurance.
Farxiga vs. Amaryl Drug Summary
Farxiga
Farxiga (dapagliflozin) is an SGLT2 inhibitor that lowers blood sugar in type 2 diabetes by helping the kidneys remove excess glucose through urine. It is also FDA-approved to reduce heart failure hospitalization and slow chronic kidney disease progression. Farxiga is taken as one tablet by mouth once a day.
Amaryl
Amaryl (glimepiride) is a sulfonylurea that lowers blood sugar by stimulating the pancreas to release more insulin. It is approved only as an add-on to diet and exercise for adults with type 2 diabetes. Amaryl is taken as one tablet by mouth once a day, usually with breakfast.
Farxiga vs. Amaryl Side Effects
Farxiga
Amaryl
Farxiga vs. Amaryl Dosage
Farxiga
Amaryl
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 5 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 10 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | As tolerated |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 1 mg or 2 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 8 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | As tolerated |
Farxiga
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 5 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 10 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | As tolerated |
Amaryl
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 1 mg or 2 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 8 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | As tolerated |
Farxiga vs. Amaryl Indications
Farxiga
Farxiga is FDA-approved for blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes, including children 10 and older, and for three additional heart and kidney conditions. It can be prescribed even in people without diabetes who have heart failure or chronic kidney disease.
Blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes (ages 10+)
Reduce heart failure hospitalization risk
Slow chronic kidney disease progression
Reduce cardiovascular death in heart failure
Amaryl
Amaryl is FDA-approved only as an add-on to diet and exercise for blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. It is not approved for any heart or kidney condition, and it is not used in children or type 1 diabetes.
Blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes
Add-on to diet and exercise
Combination therapy with insulin when needed
Not approved for type 1 diabetes
Farxiga vs. Amaryl Pros and Cons
Farxiga
Farxiga treats type 2 diabetes while also protecting the heart and kidneys, making it a good fit for people with cardiovascular or kidney risk factors. It carries a real risk of genital infections and, rarely, a severe soft-tissue infection called Fournier's gangrene.
Pros
Reduces heart failure hospitalization risk
Slows chronic kidney disease progression
Low hypoglycemia risk when used alone
Approved for children 10 and older
Cons
Roughly $400 to $785 per month without insurance
Risk of genital yeast infections
Rare risk of Fournier's gangrene
Not recommended in advanced kidney disease
Amaryl
Amaryl is a decades-old, inexpensive option that reliably lowers blood sugar by boosting insulin release. Its main tradeoff is a meaningful risk of hypoglycemia, especially when combined with insulin or other blood sugar-lowering drugs.
Pros
Roughly $15 to $110 per month as a generic
Long-standing safety track record since 1995
Can be combined with insulin if needed
Simple once-daily dosing
Cons
No heart or kidney benefit beyond glucose control
Higher risk of hypoglycemia, especially with insulin
Possible increased cardiovascular mortality risk
Only approved for type 2 diabetes
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