There is no FDA-approved generic for Jardiance (empagliflozin) available in the United States as of early 2026. The molecule remains under patent protection held by Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly. Industry analysts expect generic empagliflozin to enter the U.S. market sometime between 2026 and 2027, depending on the outcome of patent litigation and ANDA approvals at the FDA.
What Jardiance Is
Jardiance contains empagliflozin, a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor. It blocks glucose reabsorption in the kidneys, causing excess glucose to spill into the urine. Beyond lowering A1C in type 2 diabetes (T2D), Jardiance is also FDA-approved to:
- Reduce cardiovascular death in adults with T2D and established cardiovascular disease.
- Reduce the risk of hospitalization in adults with heart failure (with or without diabetes).
- Reduce the risk of kidney function decline in adults with chronic kidney disease.
It is one of the most widely prescribed cardio-renal-metabolic medications in the United States.
The Patent Picture
| Patent Type | Approximate Expiry | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Composition of matter (US) | Late 2025 | Core compound patent |
| Method-of-use patents | 2026-2027 | Cardiovascular, kidney indications |
| Formulation patents | 2027-2030 | Tablet formulation specifics |
| Pediatric exclusivity | +6 months | Adds to existing patent terms |
Several generic drugmakers have filed Abbreviated New Drug Applications (ANDAs) with Paragraph IV certifications challenging Jardiance patents. Settlements have allowed certain manufacturers earlier entry dates. The exact launch sequence is determined by FDA approval, court rulings, and any 180-day exclusivity awarded to the first-to-file generic.
Authorized Generic vs True Generic
Two paths could deliver a less expensive empagliflozin to U.S. pharmacies:
- Authorized generic — the brand-name manufacturer (Boehringer Ingelheim) licenses an unbranded version of Jardiance to a generic distributor. Same factory, same tablets, lower price. This sometimes happens before patent expiry under settlement.
- True generic — a separate manufacturer produces empagliflozin from scratch under an ANDA. This usually launches at or after patent expiry and tends to be cheaper than authorized generics over time.
Cost-Saving Options Today
Until a generic launches, here are realistic ways to reduce Jardiance costs:
- Jardiance Savings Card — eligible commercially insured patients can pay as little as $10 per month with a Boehringer Ingelheim copay card. Income and insurance restrictions apply.
- Patient Assistance Program — uninsured patients meeting income criteria may qualify for free Jardiance through the Boehringer Ingelheim Cares Foundation.
- Mail-order pharmacy — many insurers offer 90-day supplies at lower per-month cost.
- GoodRx and equivalent discount cards — sometimes lower than insurance copay, particularly when out of pocket.
- Switch SGLT2 inhibitor — Farxiga (dapagliflozin), Invokana (canagliflozin), and Steglatro (ertugliflozin) are clinically related but each has distinct cost, dosing, and outcomes data.
- Cross-border pharmacy programs — some patients use licensed Canadian pharmacies; check legality and counterfeit risks before doing this.
When Switching SGLT2 Inhibitors Makes Sense
Switching from Jardiance to a different SGLT2 inhibitor or a different drug class is a clinical decision, not a price comparison. Empagliflozin has the strongest evidence for cardiovascular death reduction in T2D (EMPA-REG OUTCOME). Dapagliflozin (Farxiga) has strong heart failure and chronic kidney disease evidence. Canagliflozin (Invokana) showed cardiovascular and kidney benefit but carries a black-box warning for amputation risk based on the CANVAS trial.
If cost is the only reason to switch, look first at copay cards and patient assistance for Jardiance before changing molecules.
Side Effects of Jardiance and Other SGLT2 Inhibitors
- Genital yeast infections — most common side effect, more frequent in women.
- Urinary tract infections — moderate increase versus placebo.
- Volume depletion and dehydration — particularly in elderly patients or those on diuretics.
- Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) — rare but serious; can occur at near-normal blood sugars.
- Fournier’s gangrene — extremely rare necrotizing infection of the perineum; requires urgent medical attention.
- Mild weight loss and modest blood pressure reduction — these are usually viewed as benefits.
Where SGLT2 Inhibitors Fit in Diabetes and Prediabetes
SGLT2 inhibitors are not first-line for prediabetes. The cornerstones of prediabetes care remain weight management, dietary change, physical activity, and sometimes metformin — see our prediabetes treatment overview. Jardiance and its peers come into play for established T2D, especially when cardiovascular or kidney disease is present. Tracking your A1C levels over time is the simplest way to see whether any treatment is working.
The Bottom Line
There is no generic for Jardiance available in the United States as of early 2026, but generic empagliflozin is expected to launch within the next year or two. Until then, the most effective ways to reduce out-of-pocket cost are the Jardiance Savings Card, manufacturer patient assistance, 90-day mail-order fills, and discount card pricing. Switching to a different SGLT2 inhibitor is a clinical decision best made with your prescriber, not a workaround for cost alone.
