Jardiance is a newer medication for those with type 2 diabetes. It can be taken alone or along with metformin. Jardiance has proven effective at reducing cardiovascular death by 38% with diabetes patients.
Benefits of Jardiance
Jardiance is an SGLT2 inhibitor that works by helping the kidneys remove excess glucose from the body through the urine.
The benefits of taking Jardiance include:
- Better glycemic control,
- Lower risk of cardiovascular health problems,
- Less risk of incidences of hypoglycemia (too low blood sugar), and
- Decreased risk of kidney problems.
In addition, Jardiance is generally well tolerated with few side effects.
Jardiance side effects
The common side effects of Jardiance include dehydration, ketoacidosis, urinary tract infections, and yeast infections.
You may have heard in the news about the risk of Fournier’s gangrene with taking Jardiance. This is a bacterial infection of the perineum that can be very serious if not taken care of. Fournier’s gangrene is very rare and it is not known whether the risk is associated with drugs like Jardiance or simply with having type 2 diabetes. If you have pain in your genital area or have a fever, call your doctor immediately.
Who should not take Jardiance
You should not take Jardiance if you have type 1 diabetes or have severe kidney problems. Also, be sure to talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, are over 65, or have a history of urinary tract infections, kidney, liver, or blood pressure problems.
Cost of Jardiance
The list price of Jardiance is up to $600 for a 30-day pack, but it may be less with insurance. Insurance will cover Jardiance in some cases, but you may need to get your doctor to submit an appeal.
Other ways to lower the cost of Jardiance are to order a 90-day supply, or contact the drug’s Patient Assistance Program. You can also get a Jardiance Savings Card online.
There are alternatives to Jardiance that you may be able to use as well, such as Invokana or Vitctoza.
Conclusion
As with any diabetes medication, it is important to follow the instructions of your doctor, and use it in combination with a healthy diet and exercise.
