As of 2026, Jardiance does not have a US generic. The original compound patent on empagliflozin expired in 2025, but Boehringer Ingelheim holds additional formulation and method patents that delay generic entry. Most analysts expect the first generic empagliflozin in the US between 2027 and 2028, depending on ongoing patent litigation. Once generics launch, expect a 60 to 90 percent price drop within 12 to 24 months as multiple manufacturers enter the market.
Current Patent Status
| Patent Type | Expiration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| US compound patent | 2025 (with PTE) | Original molecule protection — already expired |
| US formulation patent | 2027 to 2028 | Covers specific tablet formulation |
| US method-of-use patents | 2028 to 2030 | Cover specific clinical uses (HF, CKD) |
| Combination product patents | Variable, into 2030s | Synjardy, Glyxambi, Trijardy XR |
| Pediatric exclusivity bonus | Adds 6 months | Granted in 2023 |
What Brand and Generic Mean
- Brand-name drug — sold by the original developer under a proprietary name (Jardiance)
- Generic drug — chemically identical active ingredient (empagliflozin) sold under the chemical name once exclusivity ends
- Bioequivalent — generics must demonstrate FDA-required equivalence in absorption and effect
- Authorized generic — sometimes the brand manufacturer launches its own generic, often at a discount
- Biosimilar — does not apply here; empagliflozin is a small molecule, not a biologic
Why Generic Approval Is Delayed
- Layered patents — manufacturers commonly file additional patents over the life of a drug
- Ongoing litigation — generic filers challenge weaker patents; resolution can take years
- Citizen petitions — sometimes used to delay generic approval
- 30-month FDA stay — when patent infringement is alleged, FDA must stay approval up to 30 months
- Pediatric exclusivity — testing in children adds 6 months of exclusivity
Current Jardiance Pricing
| Channel | Approximate Monthly Cost (2026) |
|---|---|
| US retail (no insurance) | $540 to $580 |
| Commercial insurance (no copay card) | $30 to $100 |
| Commercial insurance + manufacturer copay card | $10 |
| Medicare Part D (post-IRA negotiation, 2026) | $50 to $150 |
| Medicaid | Minimal copay or none |
| Patient Assistance Program | Free for qualifying low-income |
| International pharmacies (estimate) | $60 to $150 |
What Happens When Generics Launch
- First 180 days — single generic at 80 to 85 percent of brand price (FDA exclusivity for first ANDA filer)
- Months 6 to 12 — additional generics enter; price drops 40 to 60 percent
- Year 2 — multiple manufacturers; price often 10 to 20 percent of original brand
- Insurance — generics move to lower formulary tiers, often $0 to $10 copay
- Brand strategies — Jardiance brand may persist on formulary, but most prescribing shifts to generic
How to Save Money on Jardiance Now
- Apply the manufacturer copay card if commercially insured
- Enroll in Boehringer Ingelheim Patient Assistance Program if uninsured / underinsured
- Check 90-day mail-order pharmacy pricing
- Compare GoodRx and other discount programs
- Discuss switching to a different SGLT2 inhibitor that may be on your formulary
- For Medicare patients, the Inflation Reduction Act negotiated price applies starting 2026
- Verify any prior authorization requirements with your prescriber
Comparison With Other SGLT2 Generic Timelines
| Drug (Brand) | Active Ingredient | US Generic Expected |
|---|---|---|
| Jardiance | Empagliflozin | 2027 to 2028 |
| Farxiga | Dapagliflozin | 2027 to 2028 |
| Invokana | Canagliflozin | 2027 to 2029 |
| Steglatro | Ertugliflozin | 2030 or later |
What Stays the Same When Generics Arrive
- The active drug — generic empagliflozin will be chemically identical
- The dosing — 10 mg or 25 mg once daily
- The clinical benefits — A1C, weight, BP, CV and kidney effects
- The side effects — yeast infections, UTIs, dehydration, rare DKA
- The monitoring — same labs and follow-up schedule
- The interactions — same drug interactions as brand Jardiance
- FDA quality oversight — bioequivalence required before approval
What Changes
- Price — substantial drop
- Formulary tier — moves down, lower copay
- Manufacturer — generic makers (Teva, Mylan, Aurobindo, Lupin, others) instead of Boehringer
- Tablet appearance — different shape, color, imprint by manufacturer
- Inactive ingredients — may differ between generics, but no clinical difference expected
What If You Are on Synjardy, Glyxambi, or Trijardy XR
These are fixed-dose combinations with empagliflozin plus metformin (Synjardy), linagliptin (Glyxambi), or both (Trijardy XR). Their patents extend beyond the empagliflozin compound patent because of the formulation. Even once generic empagliflozin is available, generic versions of these combinations will take longer. You may save money by switching to separate generic metformin plus generic empagliflozin when both become available.
Related Reading
See our treatment hub, the Farxiga vs Jardiance comparison, and Jardiance for diabetes. For ongoing drug pricing context, see the CMS Inflation Reduction Act pages.
The Bottom Line
Generic Jardiance is not available in the US as of 2026. The original compound patent expired in 2025, but additional formulation and method patents are expected to keep brand exclusivity in place until 2027 or 2028, possibly later depending on patent litigation outcomes. When generic empagliflozin arrives, expect a steep price drop within 12 to 24 months. Until then, the manufacturer copay card, patient assistance programs, and Medicare price negotiation can help. Talk to your doctor about whether a different SGLT2 inhibitor or class might be appropriate while you wait for generics to launch.
