Jardiance For Weight Loss Reviews, Results: Cheaper Alternative To Jardiance (Empagliflozin) Over The Counter

Jardiance (Empagliflozin) is a medication prescribed to diabetics to help lower blood sugar levels. One of the secondary effects is that it can help people lose weight, so doctors often prescribe Jardiance for weight loss off-label even though it is not FDA approved. 

Further on I will review the weight loss results of Jardiance, the cost, where to get it and also the side effects. 

First of all there are one or two negatives attached to using a medication like Empagliflozin for weight management: It is expensive, costing several hundred dollars a month if you cannot get on health insurance. The tablets can also cause side effects, some serious - I will come to the side effects further down. And of course the tablets can only be obtained with a prescription - so they are not available to all. 

So, there is a boom market for Jardiance alternatives . 

Cheaper Alternatives to Jardiance for Weight Loss 

Here are the best alternatives to Jardiance that are used to lose weight. 

#1 - PhenQ - Fat Burner and Appetite Suppressant 

CLICK to view PhenQ price and availability 

PhenQ is a dietary supplement that is marketed to aid in weight loss.  

PhenQ works by targeting weight loss from multiple angles: 

1. Burn fat: By increasing the body's thermogenesis and metabolic rate, it aims to help burn more calories. 
2. Stop fat production: Claims to contain ingredients that help stop the production of new fat, meaning you won’t need to worry about gaining weight. 
3. Suppress appetite: By curbing your hunger, it helps to reduce calorie intake and makes weight loss more manageable. 
4. Boost energy: It contains ingredients that are alleged to stop the energy dips caused by dieting. 
5. Improve mood: Claims to contain mood-enhancing ingredients, making dieting less taxing on your temperament. 

CLICK to view PhenQ price and availability 

#2 - Altai Balance - Low Blood Sugar Control 

CLICK to view Altai Balance price and availability 

Altai Balance is a dietary supplement marketed with claims of supporting blood sugar control and helping with weight loss. The supplement is named after the Altai Mountains, where some of its ingredients are said to be sourced.  

Altai Balance is claimed to work by addressing what the creators call "insulin resistance," a condition in which the body's cells become resistant to the hormone insulin, which can lead to higher blood sugar levels.  

The supplement contains a proprietary blend of various vitamins, minerals, plant extracts, and other natural ingredients. These include vitamins C and E, biotin, magnesium, zinc, manganese, chromium, and a blend of other ingredients such as licorice root extract, cinnamon bark extract, yarrow flowers, cayenne pepper, and juniper berries, among others. 

What is Jardiance 

Jardiance (generic name: empagliflozin) is a prescription medicine used to treat type 2 diabetes in adults. It belongs to a class of drugs called sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. 

SGLT2 inhibitors work by preventing the kidneys from reabsorbing glucose back into the blood. Instead, the excess glucose is excreted in the urine. This helps to lower blood glucose levels, an important goal in managing type 2 diabetes. 

Jardiance is often used alongside diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control. It can also be used with other diabetes medicines. 

Additionally, Jardiance has been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death in adults with type 2 diabetes who also have established cardiovascular disease. This is an important consideration as people with diabetes are at a higher risk for heart disease. 

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How Does Jardiance Work for Weight Loss 

Jardiance (empagliflozin) may promote modest weight loss in the following ways: 

1. By causing loss of excess glucose through urine: Jardiance blocks reabsorption of glucose in the kidneys, leading to excretion of extra sugar calories in the urine. This can result in gradual loss of around 2 to 3% of body weight (3 to 6 lbs for a 200-300 lb person) over 6-12 months for some patients when combined with diet and exercise. 

2. By inducing a mild diuresis: Inhibiting glucose reabsorption in the kidneys also reduces reabsorption of water and sodium, increasing urination. This may account for a temporary 2 to 3 lb loss of excess fluid in the first weeks of use for certain individuals. Ongoing weight loss then continues at a rate of 1 to 2 lbs per month dependent on lifestyle factors. 

However, some important notes regarding Jardiance and weight loss: 

It does not treat obesity or substitute for lifestyle changes required for significant/sustained loss. Diet/exercise remain essential. 

Weight loss varies between people based on calorie balance, activity, health status. Not all lose the same amount; some remain weight stable or slowly gain over time. Many factors influence outcomes.  

Weight loss is gradual. Quick/drastic drops often represent temporary fluid loss. Fat reduction depends on your overall effort and choices day to day. There are no shortcuts.  

Work closely with your doctor regarding use of Jardiance and make adjustments based on your progress, health markers and safety factors. Medication does not replace medical guidance in pursuit of wellness. 

To lose 1-2 lbs of fat per month through diet alone requires a 500 to 1000 calorie deficit each day. Jardiance provides a small extra deficit, but significant loss still requires significant change on your part.  

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Jardiance Weight Loss Results 

Here are some examples of weight loss results reported in studies and reviews of patients using Jardiance (empagliflozin) to lose weight. 

In clinical trials, patients taking Jardiance 10 mg or 25 mg daily for 24 weeks lost an average of 2% to 3% of their body weight (about 3 to 6 lbs for a 200-300 lb individual). Weight loss was gradual over the 6 month period while also following their diabetes treatment plan including diet and exercise. 

According to a 2018 systematic review, the weight loss associated with Jardiance use tends to be modest but can achieve 3% to 5% total body weight reduction over 9 months to 2 years of treatment for some patients. For example, a 220 lb patient may lose 6 to 11 lbs. However, it depends on factors like calorie deficit and activity achieved alongside medication use. 

A study of 784 obese patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes found those taking Jardiance 10 mg daily, in addition to diet and exercise, lost significantly more body fat after 52 weeks compared to the placebo group - a difference of about 8%. This amounted to a loss of nearly 5% total body weight or about 11 to 22 lbs for a 250 to 440 lb person over the course of 1 year. 

According to an analysis of 5 clinical trials, patients using Jardiance 25 mg lost an average of 3.7% to 4.5% of body weight over the 12 to 18 months of the studies compared to placebo patients who lost only about 0.5 %. For a 300 lb individual this could amount to a loss of 15 to 20 lbs. However, the rate of weight loss was gradual at about 1 to 2 lbs per month to achieve these results with normal blood sugar control and monitoring. 

While Jardiance may help certain patients achieve modest yet significant weight loss over longer periods of 6 months up to 2 years, results vary based on several influencing factors. Weight loss of 1% to 2% of total body weight per 3 to 6 months can be expected for some when combined with nutrition therapy and increased physical activity. Short term or drastic losses represent fluid and are temporary. Fat reduction requires ongoing effort and calorie balance over time. 

Jardiance Dosage 

Jardiance (empagliflozin) is typically prescribed for adults with type 2 diabetes. The usual initial dosage is 10 mg once daily, taken orally in the morning with or without food. Depending on the patient's individual response and tolerability, the dosage may be increased to a maximum of 25 mg daily. 

However, it's important to note that the dosage may vary depending on the patient's medical condition, kidney function, and response to treatment. Patients should always follow their healthcare provider's instructions on dosage and use. 

This medication can also be used in combination with other diabetes drugs if needed. It's also used to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death in adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease. 

Possible Side Effects 

An increased risk of cardiovascular death from heart disease or related cardiovascular disease was noted in some clinical trials, especially for patients already at higher risk due to a history of heart and blood vessel problems or statically higher blood sugar levels.  However, Jardiance may also help lower the risk of cardiovascular death for certain individuals based on its effects of reducing blood pressure, body weight  and blood glucose levels when fda approved and used properly under medical guidance based on your unique situation. 

Lowering blood sugar levels too much (hypoglycemia):   

As Jardiance works to lower blood sugar levels and A1c by causing the kidneys to remove excess glucose through urine excretion (glucose excretion), in some patients it may reduce blood sugar and blood glucose levels more than intended, especially when starting treatment or if used with other diabetes medications.  Watch for symptoms like dizziness or confusion and check blood sugars frequently when first beginning Jardiance or if changes are made to your diabetes drug regimen.  

Dehydration/low blood pressure:   

By increasing the amount of urine output through blocking reabsorption of glucose and sodium in the kidneys (sodium glucose co-transporter), Jardiance can lead to loss of fluids and a temporary drop in blood pressure, especially in hot weather or if not drinking enough.  Lightheadedness or dizziness may occur.  Be sure to stay hydrated and consult your doctor if these issues persist or concern you.  

Kidney problems/failure:   

Jardiance may cause kidney function to worsen over time or increase the risk of end stage renal disease, especially in patients with severe renal impairment or kidney disease at the outset of treatment.  Kidney function should be tested prior to starting and monitored periodically thereafter for safety based on guidance from your physician.  Jardiance may need to be discontinued if kidney damage occurs or failure is progressing.  

Other side effects include: 

• Increased risk of genital yeast infections. Monitor for symptoms. 
• Increased risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), especially in women.  Watch for signs and report any suspected UTIs immediately.  
• Rare cases of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), especially at higher doses of Jardiance.  Check for symptoms of nausea, vomiting and weakness/fatigue and contact your doctor right away.  
• Mild constipation or diarrhea which tends to lessen over time.  Stay hydrated and speak to your doctor if issues persist or become severe. 

Where to Get Jardiance Weight Loss Medication 

 Here are some pharmacies in the United States and Canada where you may be able to obtain Jardiance (empagliflozin) medication: 

Pharmacies that Sell Jardiance in United States: 

• CVS Pharmacy - CVS includes Jardiance in their list of covered diabetic medications. A 30 day supply costs between $330 to $420 without insurance.  
• Walgreens - Walgreens pharmacies also provide availability of Jardiance 10mg and 25mg with similar pricing to CVS around $330 to $420 per month. 
• Rite Aid - Jardiance can be found on the Rite Aid Rx Savings drug list for around $330 to $420 for a 30 day amount. 
• Kroger Pharmacy - Kroger pharmacies stock and fill prescriptions for Jardiance following standard costs of $330 to $420 per month without insurance. 
• Publix Pharmacy - Publix Super Markets pharmacies offer Jardiance 10mg and 25mg for purchase at an average of $330 to $420 for a 30 day supply. 
• Costco Pharmacy - For Costco members and customers, the Costco pharmacy includes Jardiance with prices slightly lower from $300 to $400 per month. 

Pharmacies that Sell Jardiance in Canada: 

• Shoppers Drug Mart - As Canada's largest drugstore chain, Shoppers Drug Mart sells Jardiance for between $340 to $430 monthly without insurance.  
• Rexall Pharmaprix - Rexall pharmacies, especially those located within medical clinics, provide availability of Jardiance typically for $340 to $430 for a 30 day amount. 
• London Drugs - London Drugs pharmacies on the west coast of Canada offer Jardiance with costs of around $340 to $430 per month without coverage.   
• Pharmasave - Pharmasave pharmacies supply Jardiance in most locations for approximately $340 to $430 for a 30 day supply at non-insured rates. 
• Costco Pharmacy - For Costco members in Canada, the Costco pharmacy provides Jardiance, often at lower prices around $300 to $400 per month versus some other retailers. 

Other Diabetes Medications Like Jardinace 

There are several other medications in the same class as Jardiance: 

• Invokana (canagliflozin): This was the first SGLT2 inhibitor approved by the FDA. It's used to control blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes and has similar side effects and benefits to Jardiance. 
• Farxiga (dapagliflozin): Another SGLT2 inhibitor, Farxiga is used to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes. It also has an indication for reducing hospitalization risk for heart failure in patients with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease or multiple cardiovascular risk factors. 
• Steglatro (ertugliflozin): This is a newer SGLT2 inhibitor that is used in combination with diet and exercise to lower blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes. 

It's important to note that while all of these medications are in the same class and have similar mechanisms of action, they are not identical and may have different side effects or interactions. Each person's response to a medication can also be different, so what works best for one person might not work as well for another. As always, any changes to medication should be discussed with a healthcare provider.  

Jardiance Weight Loss Summary 

The drug Empagliflozin is FDA approved as a treatment for type 2 diabetes to increase low blood sugar levels. It does not have FDA approval for weight loss but is prescribed off label by doctors in the USA, Canada, UK and Australia.  

Although effective for reducing BMI, Jardiance when used to lose weight can cause several side effects - it is also pretty expensive as many insurance companies may not cover it if it is not used as a diabetes medication. 

Natural and cheaper alternatives such as PhenQ often provide a very effective substitute to drug class medication. 

Disclaimer: The above is a sponsored post, the views expressed are those of the sponsor/author and do not represent the stand and views of Outlook Editorial.