What is a generic substitute for Jardiance? (Empagliflozin)

October 9, 2025 •

3 min read

Jardiance (empagliflozin) is a widely prescribed medication for type 2 diabetes, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease, with sales reaching into the billions. Many patients ask: What is a generic substitute for Jardiance? While a direct generic is not yet on the market, its arrival is anticipated.

Quick Summary

A generic version of Jardiance (empagliflozin) is expected in the U.S. market sometime in 2025, following the expiration of key patents. In the meantime, patients can explore other SGLT2 inhibitors and cost-saving options.

Key Points

No Direct Generic Yet: As of late 2025, there is no generic for Jardiance on the market, but one is expected to be available sometime in 2025.
Active Ingredient: The active drug in Jardiance is empagliflozin, an SGLT2 inhibitor that helps kidneys remove sugar from the blood.
Brand Alternatives: Other SGLT2 inhibitors like Farxiga (dapagliflozin) and Invokana (canagliflozin) are alternatives, not direct generic substitutes.
Lower-Cost Options: Farxiga has a generic version available, and the brand-name drug Brenzavvy is marketed as a more affordable SGLT2 inhibitor.
Cost Management: Patients can use manufacturer coupons, patient assistance programs, and prescription discount cards to lower the cost of brand-name Jardiance.
FDA Approval Standard: When a generic becomes available, it will have been rigorously tested by the FDA to ensure it is as safe and effective as Jardiance.
Consult a Doctor: Always talk to a healthcare provider before switching medications or seeking alternatives to your prescription.

Understanding Jardiance and its Role

Jardiance is the brand name for the drug empagliflozin. It belongs to a class of medications known as sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. These drugs work by blocking the SGLT2 protein in the kidneys, causing more glucose to be excreted in the urine, which helps lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

Jardiance is also FDA-approved to reduce cardiovascular risks and kidney disease progression in specific patient populations. Its effectiveness has led to millions of prescriptions annually. However, its status as a brand-name medication means it can be costly, potentially exceeding $650 for a 30-day supply without insurance.

What is a Generic Substitute for Jardiance? The Timeline

As of September 2025, a direct generic version of Jardiance is not available in the U.S.. While generic empagliflozin has been approved by the FDA, market entry is currently blocked by patents held by Boehringer Ingelheim, the manufacturer. Although some exclusivity periods expire in early 2025, other patents may extend the timeline. The consensus is that a generic version of Jardiance may become available sometime in 2025, although ongoing legal challenges could influence this. The introduction of a generic is expected to substantially reduce the cost, potentially by up to 85% compared to the brand-name version.

The FDA's Role in Generic Drug Approval

The FDA employs a stringent process for approving generic drugs. A generic must contain the same active ingredient, strength, dosage form, and administration route as the brand-name drug. It must also be bioequivalent, ensuring it functions identically and provides the same clinical benefits as the brand. This process guarantees that a future generic for Jardiance will be as safe and effective as the original.

Alternatives to Jardiance Available Now

While awaiting a generic empagliflozin, patients can consider other SGLT2 inhibitors. These are not generics of Jardiance but are alternative brand-name drugs with a similar mechanism of action. Any change in medication should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

Alternative SGLT2 inhibitors include:

Farxiga (dapagliflozin): Approved for type 2 diabetes, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease. A generic version of Farxiga is available, potentially offering a more cost-effective option.
Invokana (canagliflozin): Used for type 2 diabetes and to reduce cardiovascular risk in certain patients.
Steglatro (ertugliflozin): Primarily for improving glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes.
Brenzavvy (bexagliflozin): A newer SGLT2 inhibitor for type 2 diabetes, marketed as a more affordable brand-name choice compared to Jardiance.

Comparison of SGLT2 Inhibitors


Medication (Brand Name)	Active Ingredient	Key Approved Uses	Common Side Effects
Jardiance	Empagliflozin	Type 2 Diabetes, Heart Failure, Chronic Kidney Disease	Genital yeast infections, urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Farxiga	Dapagliflozin	Type 2 Diabetes, Heart Failure, Chronic Kidney Disease	Genital yeast infections, UTIs, increased urination
Invokana	Canagliflozin	Type 2 Diabetes, Reduce Cardiovascular Risk	Genital yeast infections, UTIs, increased urination
Brenzavvy	Bexagliflozin	Type 2 Diabetes	Genital yeast infections, UTIs, increased urination

Managing the Cost of Jardiance

Patients currently taking Jardiance can explore several options to help reduce the cost:

Manufacturer Assistance: Boehringer Ingelheim, the maker of Jardiance, provides a copay savings card and a patient assistance program for eligible individuals. The savings card can lower the monthly cost for some patients to as little as $10.
Insurance Review: Check your health insurance plan's drug list (formulary) to understand coverage for Jardiance and its alternatives. Your plan might prefer a different SGLT2 inhibitor, such as generic Farxiga or the lower-cost brand Brenzavvy.
Discount Cards: Websites and apps like SingleCare and GoodRx offer coupons that can reduce the cash price of Jardiance for those paying out-of-pocket. These cannot typically be used in conjunction with insurance.

Conclusion

While a generic substitute for Jardiance (empagliflozin) is not currently available in the U.S., it is expected to launch sometime in 2025. In the meantime, patients can discuss alternative SGLT2 inhibitors with their healthcare provider, including Farxiga (dapagliflozin), which has a generic version, or Brenzavvy (bexagliflozin), a brand with a lower price point. Various programs exist to help manage the cost of brand-name Jardiance. Consulting with a healthcare professional is crucial to determine the most suitable and cost-effective treatment strategy.

For more information on the standards for generic drugs, you can visit the FDA's page on Generic Drug Facts.

Frequently Asked Questions

The generic name for Jardiance is empagliflozin.

No, there is currently no generic version of Jardiance available in the U.S. It is expected to become available sometime in 2025, pending patent expirations.

The exact price is unknown, but generic drugs are typically 80-85% less expensive than their brand-name counterparts. The availability of multiple generic producers can drive the price down even further.

The primary differences will be cost and appearance (shape, color). The active ingredient, dosage, safety, and effectiveness will be the same, as required by the FDA.

No. They are both in the SGLT2 inhibitor class and work similarly, but they have different active ingredients (empagliflozin vs. dapagliflozin). Farxiga is available as a generic, while Jardiance is not yet.

The most common side effects include urinary tract infections (UTIs) and genital mycotic (yeast) infections. When taken with insulin or a sulfonylurea, the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) may increase.

Brenzavvy (bexagliflozin) is another SGLT2 inhibitor that is available at a lower brand-name price than Jardiance. You must speak with your healthcare provider to determine if switching medications is a safe and appropriate option for you.