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

Most common
Female genital mycotic infection (up to 6.9%)
Nasopharyngitis (up to 6.3%)
Back pain (up to 4.2%)
Increased urination (up to 3.8%)

Amaryl

Most common
Hypoglycemia (up to 19.7%)
Accidental injury (up to 16% at 8 mg)
Dizziness (5% or more)
Headache (5% or more)

Farxiga vs. Amaryl Dosage

Farxiga

Dosage
Dosage Table
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

Dosage
Dosage Table
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

Common Symptoms and Related Diseases You Can Explore

Explore a range of common symptoms the Doctronic Symptom Checker can help you understand.