Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Invokamet (canagliflozin / metformin) and saxagliptin are both medications used to treat Type 2 diabetes. However, they belong to different medication classes. Invokamet is a combination of a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor and a biguanide, while saxagliptin is a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor. Invokamet is available as immediate-release tablets taken twice daily or extended-release tablets taken once daily, whereas saxagliptin is taken once daily. Invokamet is only available as a brand-name medication, while saxagliptin is available in a generic form and used to be available as brand-name Onglyza. Invokamet can cause side effects like urinary tract infections, yeast infections, and frequent urination, while saxagliptin may lead to upper respiratory infections and headaches. Both medications can interact with other diabetes medications, potentially causing low blood sugar.
Invokamet (canagliflozin / metformin)
Saxagliptin (Onglyza)
Invokamet (canagliflozin / metformin)
Saxagliptin (Onglyza)
Summary of Invokamet vs. Onglyza
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 DPP-4 inhibitor
Prescription only
Saxagliptin (Onglyza) is an add-on medication to exercise and a balanced, nutritious diet to improve blood sugar control in adults with Type 2 diabetes. It belongs to the drug class called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. The saxagliptin (Onglyza) dosage is taken by mouth once daily. Possible side effects include certain infections and headaches. The brand name, Onglyza, is no longer available. But the lower-cost generic version is still available.
Indications of Invokamet vs. Onglyza
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