Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Invokamet (canagliflozin/metformin) and glipizide/metformin are both combination medications used to treat Type 2 diabetes, but they have some key differences. Invokamet combines an SGLT2 inhibitor (canagliflozin) with metformin, while glipizide/metformin combines a sulfonylurea (glipizide) with metformin. Invokamet works by helping your kidneys remove excess sugar through urine and reducing sugar production in the liver, whereas glipizide/metformin works by stimulating your pancreas to release insulin and also reducing sugar production. Invokamet is available in both immediate-release and extended-release forms, while glipizide/metformin is only available in immediate-release form. Invokamet can cause more urination and raises the risk of urinary tract infections, while glipizide/metformin is more likely to cause low blood sugar and diarrhea. Additionally, Invokamet is only available as a brand-name medication, whereas glipizide/metformin is available as a lower-cost generic. Both medications can cause lactic acidosis and low vitamin B12 levels, so regular monitoring is important.
Invokamet (canagliflozin / metformin)
Glipizide/metformin
Invokamet (canagliflozin / metformin)
Glipizide/metformin
Summary of Invokamet vs. Metaglip
Summary for SGLT2 inhibitor / Biguanide
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.
Summary for Sulfonylurea / Biguanide
Prescription only
Glipizide/metformin combines two diabetes medications into one tablet: glipizide (a sulfonylurea) and metformin (a biguanide). It's approved to treat Type 2 diabetes in adults along with diet and exercise. This medication is typically taken by mouth once or twice a day. Some common side effects of glipizide/metformin can include diarrhea and headache; it isn't likely to cause weight gain or weight loss.
Indications of Invokamet vs. Metaglip
Indications for
•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
•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