Key takeaways
Invokana (canagliflozin) and glyburide / metformin are both medications used to manage Type 2 diabetes. They help control blood sugar levels when combined with a healthy diet and exercise. However, they belong to different medication classes. Invokana is a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, which works by preventing sugar reabsorption in the kidneys, while glyburide / metformin combines a sulfonylurea and a biguanide to increase insulin release and reduce sugar production in the liver. Invokana is taken once daily, whereas glyburide / metformin is typically taken once or twice daily with meals. Invokana is only available as a brand-name medication, while glyburide / metformin is available in generic form. Glyburide / metformin used to be available under the brand name Glucovance. Common side effects of Invokana include urinary tract infections, yeast infections, and increased urination, while glyburide / metformin can cause low blood sugar and gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea.
