Farxiga vs. Invokana for Kidney Disease and Diabetes Type 2: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Key takeaways

Dapagliflozin (Farxiga) and canagliflozin (Invokana) are both medications in the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor class, used to manage Type 2 diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels. They also help reduce the risk of heart and kidney problems in people with diabetes. However, there are some differences between them. Dapagliflozin is approved for use in children 10 years and older, while canagliflozin is only for adults. Dapagliflozin is available in both generic and brand-name forms, whereas canagliflozin is only available as a brand-name medication. The typical starting dose for dapagliflozin is 5 mg once daily, while canagliflozin starts at 100 mg once daily. Both medications can cause urinary tract infections, yeast infections, and increased urination. Both medications should be taken with caution if you are on other diabetes medications, as this can increase the risk of low blood sugar.

Farxiga

(dapagliflozin)

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Invokana

(canagliflozin)

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Summary for Farxiga

Prescription only

Farxiga, the brand name for dapagliflozin, is used together with a nutritious diet and exercise plan to lower blood sugar levels in people 10 years and older with Type 2 diabetes. It can also help lower the risk of serious complications, hospitalization, and death in certain adults with heart failure or chronic kidney disease (CKD). Farxiga (dapagliflozin) belongs to the drug class called sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. It's taken by mouth once a day. Some side effects include yeast infections, urinating more often, and weight loss.

Indications for Farxiga

Type 2 diabetes (in addition to diet and exercise) in people age 10 and over
Lowering the risk of hospitalization for heart failure in adults with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease
Lowering the risk of hospitalization and death due to heart problems in people with heart failure
Lowering the risk of worsening kidney problems, hospitalization for heart failure, and death due to heart problems in adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD)

Pros and Cons for Farxiga

Pros

Taken only once daily
Low risk of causing low blood sugar when taken by itself
Can take with other diabetes medications

Cons

Raises risk of yeast infections and urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Not available as a liquid
Not recommended during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy

Common Side Effects for Farxiga

Vaginal yeast infection in females (7-8%)
Nose and throat infection (6-7%)
Urinary tract infection (UTI, 4-6%)

Warnings for Farxiga

Ketoacidosis
Low fluids in the body (leading to low blood pressure or dehydration)
Genital and urinary tract infections
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when used with other diabetes medications

Summary for Invokana

Prescription only

Invokana (canagliflozin) is a medication that's used together with a healthy diet and exercise to lower blood sugar levels in adults with Type 2 diabetes. It can also lessen the chance of worsening heart and kidney problems in some people with Type 2 diabetes. This medication is taken by mouth once a day.

Indications for Invokana

Type 2 diabetes
Lowering the risk of major heart events (e.g., heart attack, stroke) in adults with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease
Lowering the risk of hospitalization for heart failure, death due to heart problems, and worsening of kidney problems in certain adults with Type 2 diabetes and diabetic kidney disease

Pros and Cons for Invokana

Pros

Only taken once a day
Can use alone or together with other diabetes medications
Dose can be adjusted based on how well the medication is working for you

Cons

Only available as brand only
Might raise the risk of genital infections or bone fracture
Not recommended in second and third trimesters of pregnancy
Unknown if safe or works well in people on dialysis

Common Side Effects for Invokana

Vaginal yeast infection in females (11-12%)
Urinary tract infections (UTIs; 4-6%)
More urination (5%)

Warnings for Invokana

Leg and foot amputations
Ketoacidosis
Low fluids in the body (leading to low blood pressure or dehydration)
Genital and urinary tract infections
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when used with certain other diabetes medications
Severe allergic reactions
Bone fractures