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

Most common
Hypoglycemia (up to 41.3%)
Urinary tract infection (up to 9.3%)
Female genital mycotic infection (up to 5.4%)
Increased urination (1% to 10%)

Phentermine

Most common
Palpitation (reported)
Tachycardia (reported)
Insomnia (reported)
Dry mouth (reported)

Jardiance vs. Phentermine Dosage

Jardiance

Dosage
Dosage Table
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

Dosage
Dosage Table
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

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