When Your Pharmacy Can't Fill Your Jardiance Prescription

Whether it's a stock-out, an insurance issue, or cost concerns, there are times when you simply can't get your hands on Jardiance (Empagliflozin). If that's happening to you, the most important thing is: don't just stop your treatment. There are real alternatives that your doctor can prescribe instead.

Before we get into the options, let's quickly cover what Jardiance does and why it matters — so you can have an informed conversation with your healthcare provider about switching.

What Is Jardiance and How Does It Work?

Jardiance is the brand name for Empagliflozin, a medication in the SGLT2 inhibitor class. SGLT2 stands for sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 — a protein in your kidneys that normally reabsorbs sugar back into your blood. Jardiance blocks this protein, causing your kidneys to flush excess sugar out through your urine.

This mechanism does several things at once:

• Lowers blood sugar without relying on insulin
• Reduces blood pressure slightly through its mild diuretic effect
• Promotes modest weight loss — typically 2-5 pounds
• Protects the heart and kidneys — which is why the FDA has approved it for heart failure and chronic kidney disease, not just diabetes

For a full explanation, see our article on how Jardiance works.

Alternative #1: Farxiga (Dapagliflozin)

Farxiga is the closest alternative to Jardiance. It's also an SGLT2 inhibitor and works in the same way — by blocking sugar reabsorption in the kidneys. Farxiga is FDA-approved for:

• Type 2 diabetes
• Heart failure (with reduced ejection fraction)
• Chronic kidney disease

Farxiga comes in 5 mg and 10 mg tablets taken once daily. Its side effect profile is very similar to Jardiance, including increased risk of genital yeast infections, urinary tract infections, and dehydration. The cash price for Farxiga is comparable to Jardiance, typically ranging from $500 to $600 per month without insurance.

Many doctors consider Farxiga and Jardiance to be interchangeable for most patients, especially for diabetes and heart failure. If your pharmacy doesn't have Jardiance, Farxiga is often the first alternative your prescriber will consider.

Alternative #2: Invokana (Canagliflozin)

Invokana was actually the first SGLT2 inhibitor approved by the FDA (in 2013, one year before Jardiance). It's available in 100 mg and 300 mg tablets taken once daily.

Invokana is FDA-approved for:

• Type 2 diabetes
• Reducing the risk of end-stage kidney disease, doubling of serum creatinine, cardiovascular death, and hospitalization for heart failure in adults with type 2 diabetes and diabetic nephropathy

One important note: Invokana carries a boxed warning about an increased risk of lower limb amputations, particularly toes and feet. This was observed in clinical trials and is something to discuss with your doctor. The risk is higher in patients with a history of amputation, peripheral vascular disease, or diabetic foot ulcers.

The cash price for Invokana is typically $500 to $650 per month.

Alternative #3: Steglatro (Ertugliflozin)

Steglatro is another SGLT2 inhibitor, available in 5 mg and 15 mg tablets taken once daily. It's FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes as an adjunct to diet and exercise.

Unlike Jardiance and Farxiga, Steglatro does not have FDA approval for heart failure or chronic kidney disease. It also has less cardiovascular outcome data. However, as an SGLT2 inhibitor, it works through the same mechanism and provides similar blood sugar-lowering effects.

Steglatro may be a reasonable option if your primary need is glycemic control in type 2 diabetes. The cash price is typically $400 to $550 per month, making it slightly more affordable than Jardiance.

Alternative #4: Brenzavvy (Bexagliflozin)

Brenzavvy is the newest SGLT2 inhibitor on the market, approved in 2023. It comes as a 20 mg tablet taken once daily for type 2 diabetes. Like Steglatro, it doesn't yet have approvals beyond diabetes, but it works through the same SGLT2 mechanism.

Brenzavvy may be worth asking about if other options aren't available or aren't covered by your insurance.

What About Non-SGLT2 Alternatives?

If you can't take any SGLT2 inhibitor — for example, due to recurring genital infections or kidney function concerns — your doctor might consider other drug classes:

• GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic (Semaglutide) or Trulicity (Dulaglutide): These are injectable medications that also lower blood sugar, promote weight loss, and have cardiovascular benefits.
• DPP-4 inhibitors like Januvia (Sitagliptin) or Tradjenta (Linagliptin): Oral medications that work differently but can be alternatives for blood sugar control.
• Metformin: The most commonly prescribed first-line diabetes medication. If you're not already taking it, it may be added or used as a bridge while you find Jardiance.

How to Switch Safely

Switching medications is something you should always do under your doctor's guidance. Here's what to keep in mind:

• Don't switch on your own. Even though SGLT2 inhibitors work similarly, dosing and specific indications differ. Your doctor will choose the right drug and dose for your situation.
• Watch for new side effects. If you switch to a different SGLT2 inhibitor, the side effects are similar but not identical. Report anything unusual to your healthcare team.
• Check your insurance coverage. Before switching, make sure the alternative is covered by your plan. Some insurers prefer one SGLT2 inhibitor over another, and switching to the preferred option could actually save you money.
• Keep monitoring. After switching, your doctor may want to check your blood sugar, kidney function, and blood pressure more frequently until your new medication is working well.

For more on drug interactions with these medications, see our guide on Jardiance drug interactions.

Still Want Jardiance? Here's How to Find It

If your heart (or your doctor) is set on Jardiance, don't give up. Use Medfinder to check real-time pharmacy stock, try independent pharmacies, or ask about mail-order options. Read our full guide on how to find Jardiance in stock near you.

Final Thoughts

Not being able to fill your Jardiance prescription is frustrating, but it's not a dead end. Other SGLT2 inhibitors like Farxiga, Invokana, Steglatro, and Brenzavvy offer similar benefits, and your doctor can help you find the right fit. The key is to act quickly, stay in communication with your healthcare team, and never stop your medication without professional guidance.