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Compare Invokana vs. Onglyza

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Invokana (canagliflozin) and Onglyza (saxagliptin) are both medications used to manage Type 2 diabetes, but they work in different ways and belong to different drug classes. Invokana is a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor that helps lower blood sugar by preventing the kidneys from reabsorbing sugar, which is then excreted through urine. Onglyza, on the other hand, is a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor that works by blocking a protein that breaks down hormones responsible for insulin production, allowing insulin to stay in the body longer. Invokana is only available as a brand-name medication, while Onglyza is available in a lower-cost generic form. Invokana is taken once daily before the first meal, whereas Onglyza can be taken at any time of day, with or without food and once daily. Invokana has additional benefits like reducing the risk of heart and kidney problems, but it also carries risks such as genital infections and potential amputations. Onglyza has a lower risk of causing low blood sugar and weight gain but may increase the risk of heart failure in some individuals.

  • Invokana (canagliflozin)
    Saxagliptin (Onglyza)
  • Invokana (canagliflozin)
    Saxagliptin (Onglyza)

  • Summary of Invokana vs. Onglyza

    Summary for SGLT2 inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Invokana (canagliflozin) is a medication that's used together with a healthy diet and exercise to lower blood sugar levels in adults with Type 2 diabetes. It can also lessen the chance of worsening heart and kidney problems in some people with Type 2 diabetes. This medication is taken by mouth once a day.

    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 Invokana vs. Onglyza

    Indications for
    •Type 2 diabetes
    •Lowering the risk of major heart events (e.g., heart attack, stroke) in adults with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease
    •Lowering 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
    Indications for
    •Type 2 diabetes in adults

  • Pros and Cons of Invokana vs. Onglyza

    Pros and Const for SGLT2 inhibitor
    Pros
    •Only taken once a day
    •Can use alone or together with other diabetes medications
    •Dose can be adjusted based on how well the medication is working for you
    Cons
    •Only available as brand only
    •Might raise the risk of genital infections or bone fracture
    •Not recommended in second and third trimesters of pregnancy
    •Unknown if safe or works well in people on dialysis
    Pros and Const for DPP-4 inhibitor
    Pros
    •Taken once daily (with or without food)
    •Less likely to cause weight gain (compared to some other diabetes medications)
    •Very low risk of causing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when it's taken by itself
    Cons
    •Doesn't lower A1C and blood sugar levels as well as other diabetes medications
    •Might raise risk of hospitalization due to heart failure in certain people
    •Not for treating Type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis

  • Common Side Effects of Invokana vs. Onglyza

    Common Side Effects for
    •Vaginal yeast infection in females (11-12%)
    •Urinary tract infections (UTIs; 4-6%)
    •More urination (5%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (8%)
    •Urinary tract infection (UTI; 7%)
    •Headache (7%)

  • Warnings of Invokana vs. Onglyza

    Common Side Effects for
    •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
    Common Side Effects for
    •Pancreas problems
    •Heart failure
    •Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
    •Joint pain
    •Large blisters
    •Risk of allergic reaction

  • Prices with our coupons for Invokana vs. Onglyza

    Learn more about Invokana
    Learn more about Saxagliptin

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