Victoza vs. Jardiance
See how Victoza and Jardiance compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Victoza is a once-daily injectable GLP-1 receptor agonist, while Jardiance is a once-daily oral SGLT2 inhibitor tablet.
Both reduce cardiovascular risk in type 2 diabetes, but Jardiance also has FDA approval for heart failure and chronic kidney disease.
Victoza carries a boxed warning for thyroid C-cell tumor risk, while Jardiance carries warnings for diabetic ketoacidosis and serious genital infections.
Victoza vs. Jardiance Drug Summary
Victoza
Victoza (liraglutide) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist used to improve blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes and to lower the risk of major cardiovascular events in adults with heart disease. It is given as a once-daily injection under the skin, starting at a low dose and increasing over the first few weeks.
Jardiance
Jardiance (empagliflozin) is an SGLT2 inhibitor used to control blood sugar in type 2 diabetes and to reduce cardiovascular death in people with heart disease, heart failure, or chronic kidney disease. It is taken as a once-daily oral tablet with no dose titration needed.
Victoza vs. Jardiance Side Effects
Victoza
Jardiance
Victoza vs. Jardiance Dosage
Victoza
Jardiance
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 0.6 mg once daily | Week 1 |
| Maximum dose | 1.8 mg once daily | Week 3 onward |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | Every week |
| 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 |
Victoza
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 0.6 mg once daily | Week 1 |
| Maximum dose | 1.8 mg once daily | Week 3 onward |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | Every week |
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 |
Victoza vs. Jardiance Indications
Victoza
Victoza is FDA-approved to improve blood sugar control alongside diet and exercise in adults and children age 10 and older with type 2 diabetes. It is also approved to lower the risk of major cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes and known heart disease. It is not approved for type 1 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes glycemic control in adults and children 10+
Cardiovascular risk reduction in adults with heart disease
Not approved for type 1 diabetes
Basis for Saxenda, a higher-dose version for weight management
Jardiance
Jardiance is FDA-approved to control blood sugar in adults and children age 10 and older with type 2 diabetes. It also reduces the risk of cardiovascular death in adults with heart disease, heart failure of any ejection fraction, or chronic kidney disease. It is not approved for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.
Type 2 diabetes glycemic control in adults and children 10+
Cardiovascular death reduction in adults with heart disease
Heart failure regardless of ejection fraction
Chronic kidney disease progression risk reduction
Victoza vs. Jardiance Pros and Cons
Victoza
Victoza offers proven cardiovascular protection for people with type 2 diabetes and established heart disease, delivered through a daily injection many patients find effective for both blood sugar and modest weight loss. It carries a boxed warning for thyroid C-cell tumor risk seen in animal studies, and it typically costs more out of pocket than oral alternatives.
Pros
FDA-approved to reduce cardiovascular events in adults with heart disease
Approved for children as young as 10 with type 2 diabetes
Often supports modest weight loss alongside glucose control
Same active ingredient as Saxenda, used for chronic weight management
Cons
Requires a daily injection rather than a pill
Boxed warning for thyroid C-cell tumor risk
Carries a risk of acute pancreatitis
Typically costs $935 to $1,470 per month before insurance
Jardiance
Jardiance provides an oral option for type 2 diabetes with the broadest set of FDA approvals of the two, covering heart failure and chronic kidney disease in addition to diabetes. It carries its own risks, including genital infections and a rare but serious risk of diabetic ketoacidosis, and it generally costs less than injectable GLP-1 options.
Pros
Taken as a once-daily pill, no injection required
FDA-approved for heart failure regardless of ejection fraction
FDA-approved to slow chronic kidney disease progression
Typically costs $350 to $620 per month before insurance
Cons
Risk of diabetic ketoacidosis, even without high blood sugar
Risk of serious genital and urinary infections, including Fournier's gangrene
Higher hypoglycemia risk when combined with insulin or sulfonylureas
Not recommended in later pregnancy due to fetal kidney risk
Common Symptoms and Related Diseases You Can Explore
Explore a range of common symptoms the Doctronic Symptom Checker can help you understand.