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.
