Jardiance vs. Phentermine
See how Jardiance and Phentermine compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Jardiance is approved for long-term use in type 2 diabetes, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease, while phentermine is approved only for a few weeks of weight loss treatment.
Jardiance lowers blood sugar by causing the kidneys to remove excess glucose through urine, while phentermine suppresses appetite by acting as a stimulant on the central nervous system.
Phentermine is a controlled substance with dependence risk, while Jardiance has no abuse potential but requires monitoring for genital infections and dehydration.
Jardiance vs. Phentermine Drug Summary
Jardiance
Jardiance (empagliflozin) is an SGLT2 inhibitor that lowers blood sugar by causing the kidneys to remove excess glucose through urine. It is approved for type 2 diabetes, and also to reduce cardiovascular death and slow kidney disease progression in adults with heart failure or chronic kidney disease. It comes as a once-daily oral tablet.
Phentermine
Phentermine is a sympathomimetic amine that suppresses appetite by acting on the central nervous system, similar to amphetamine. It is FDA-approved only for short-term use, typically a few weeks, alongside diet and exercise for weight loss in adults with obesity. It is taken as a once-daily oral tablet or capsule and is a Schedule IV controlled substance.
Jardiance vs. Phentermine Side Effects
Jardiance
Phentermine
Jardiance vs. Phentermine Dosage
Jardiance
Phentermine
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 10 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 25 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | As tolerated |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 15 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 37.5 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | As tolerated |
Jardiance
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 10 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 25 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | As tolerated |
Phentermine
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 15 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 37.5 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | As tolerated |
Jardiance vs. Phentermine Indications
Jardiance
Jardiance is FDA-approved for long-term management of type 2 diabetes and for protecting the heart and kidneys in adults with related conditions. It is one of the few medications approved to reduce cardiovascular death in both diabetes and heart failure, and to slow chronic kidney disease progression.
Type 2 diabetes blood sugar control (adults, kids 10+)
Reduce cardiovascular death in diabetes with heart disease
Reduce cardiovascular death and hospitalization in heart failure
Slow chronic kidney disease progression and related risks
Phentermine
Phentermine is FDA-approved only for short-term weight loss, typically just a few weeks, in adults with obesity or a lower BMI plus other risk factors. It is meant to be used alongside diet, exercise, and behavior changes rather than as a standalone or long-term treatment.
Short-term weight loss adjunct (a few weeks only)
For adults with BMI 30+, or 27+ with risk factors
Used with diet, exercise, and behavior modification
Not approved for long-term or pediatric use (16 and under)
Jardiance vs. Phentermine Pros and Cons
Jardiance
Jardiance offers proven long-term cardiovascular and kidney benefits beyond blood sugar control, making it a mainstay for patients with overlapping conditions. It is a non-controlled daily tablet, but it is not FDA-approved for weight loss and carries risk of genital infections and volume depletion.
Pros
Approved for long-term daily use, not just weeks
Reduces cardiovascular death risk in diabetes and heart failure
Slows chronic kidney disease progression
Not a controlled substance, no abuse potential
Cons
Not FDA-approved for weight loss
Risk of urinary tract and genital yeast infections
Can cause dehydration and low blood pressure
Typically $350 to $620 per month without insurance
Phentermine
Phentermine is inexpensive and effective for short-term appetite suppression, but its use is limited to only a few weeks due to safety and dependence concerns. It is a Schedule IV controlled substance with stimulant effects that can raise heart rate and blood pressure.
Pros
Fast-acting appetite suppression
Typically $15 to $75 per month, far cheaper than Jardiance
No injections, simple oral daily dosing
Long track record of use since 1959
Cons
Approved for only a few weeks of use, not long-term
Risk of dependence and withdrawal symptoms
Can raise heart rate and blood pressure
Contraindicated with MAOIs and in pregnancy
Common Symptoms and Related Diseases You Can Explore
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