Invokamet vs. Glucovance for Diabetes Type 2: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Key takeaways

Invokamet (canagliflozin/metformin) and Glucovance (glyburide/metformin) are both combination medications used to manage Type 2 diabetes, but they have some key differences. Invokamet combines an SGLT2 inhibitor (canagliflozin) with metformin, while Glucovance combines a sulfonylurea (glyburide) with metformin. Invokamet works by helping your kidneys remove excess sugar through urine and reducing sugar production in the liver, whereas Glucovance stimulates your pancreas to release more insulin and also reduces sugar production in the liver. Invokamet is available in both immediate-release and extended-release forms, but Glucovance is only available in immediate-release form. Invokamet can cause urinary tract infections and genital infections, while Glucovance has a higher risk of causing low blood sugar. Additionally, Invokamet is only available as a brand-name medication, whereas Glucovance is available as a lower-cost generic. Both medications should be taken with meals to reduce side effects like stomach upset and low blood sugar and kidney function needs to be monitored.

Invokamet

(canagliflozin / metformin)

Get free coupons

Glyburide/metformin

Get free coupons

Summary for Invokamet

Prescription only

Invokamet (canagliflozin / metformin) is a combination medication used along with diet and exercise to lower blood sugar levels in adults with Type 2 diabetes. It's available as immediate-release tablets that are taken twice daily, as well as extended-release tablets that are taken once daily. This medication raises the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and genital infections.

Indications for Invokamet

Type 2 diabetes
To lower the risk of major heart events (e.g., heart attack, stroke) in adults with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease
To lower 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 Invokamet

Pros

Combines two medications into one pill
Available as an extended-release tablet that lasts throughout the day (Invokamet XR)
Can lower A1C (a blood test that measures your average sugar level over time) by up to 1.8% in people who aren't already taking either Invokana (canagliflozin) or metformin
Dose can be adjusted based on how well the medication is working for you

Cons

Might cause more urination
Can lower vitamin B12 levels
Raises the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), genital infections, and bone fractures
Only available as brand

Common Side Effects for Invokamet

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

Warnings for Invokamet

Lactic acidosis
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
Low vitamin B12 levels

Summary for Glucovance

Prescription only

Glyburide/metformin is used to manage blood sugar levels in adults with Type 2 diabetes. It works best when taken with a healthy diet and regular exercise. This medication combines a sulfonylurea (glyburide) and a biguanide (metformin). You take it by mouth, typically once or twice daily with meals. Since glyburide/metformin can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), it's important to carry fast-acting sugars like gummy candy or fruit juice to quickly raise your blood sugar if needed. Other common side effects include diarrhea, headache, and nausea. Brand name Glucovance has been discontinued.

Indications for Glucovance

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) in adults

Pros and Cons for Glucovance

Pros

Combines two medications into one pill for convenience
Dose can be adjusted if needed
Taken by mouth instead of an injection

Cons

Need to take with meals
Not safe for use in people with moderate-to-severe kidney disease
More likely to cause weight gain compared to some other medications for diabetes