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Compare Invokana vs. Victoza

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

Key takeaways

Invokana (canagliflozin) and Victoza (liraglutide) are both medications used to manage Type 2 diabetes, but they work in different ways and have different forms. Invokana is an oral medication that belongs to the sodium glucose transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor class, which helps lower blood sugar by causing your body to excrete excess sugar through urine. It also helps reduce the risk of heart and kidney problems. On the other hand, Victoza is an injectable GLP-1 agonist that lowers blood sugar by increasing insulin release, reducing sugar production, and slowing digestion. While Invokana is taken once daily before the first meal, Victoza is injected once daily at any time, with or without food. Both Invokana and Victoza are only available as a brand-name medication. Common side effects of Invokana include yeast infections and urinary tract infections, while Victoza often causes nausea and diarrhea. Additionally, Invokana carries a risk of leg and foot amputations, whereas Victoza has a warning for potential thyroid cancer and pancreatitis.

  • Invokana (canagliflozin)
    Victoza (liraglutide)
  • Invokana (canagliflozin)
    Victoza (liraglutide)

  • Summary of Invokana vs. Victoza

    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 GLP-1 agonist
    Prescription only

    Victoza (liraglutide) is a medication that's injected once a day. It helps lower blood sugar levels in people 10 years and older with Type 2 diabetes when used with a nutritious diet and regular exercise. It can also help lower the risk of heart-related problems in adults with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Victoza (liraglutide) belongs to the drug class called GLP-1 agonists. The medication comes as single-dose prefilled pens and is injected under the skin. It can cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. Victoza (liraglutide) is available as both a brand-name and generic medication.

  • Indications of Invokana vs. Victoza

    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 people age 10 and older, together with a balanced diet and exercise
    •Lowering the risk of serious heart-related problems in adults with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease

  • Pros and Cons of Invokana vs. Victoza

    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 GLP-1 agonist
    Pros
    •Lowers A1C by up to 1% over a year
    •Can take with or without food at any time of day
    •Available as an injectable pen
    Cons
    •Must inject once a day
    •Might have uncomfortable side effects, like nausea, diarrhea, and headache
    •Can slow down gut movement, which can affect how other medications get absorbed into the body

  • Common Side Effects of Invokana vs. Victoza

    Common Side Effects for
    •Vaginal yeast infection in females (11-12%)
    •Urinary tract infections (UTIs; 4-6%)
    •More urination (5%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (up to 20%)
    •Diarrhea (up to 12%)
    •Headache (up to 11%)
    •Common cold symptoms (up to 10%)
    •Lower appetite (up to 10%)
    •Vomiting (up to 9%)
    •Indigestion (up to 7%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (up to 7%)
    •Constipation (5%)

  • Warnings of Invokana vs. Victoza

    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
    •Possible risk of thyroid cancer
    •Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
    •Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
    •Kidney damage
    •Allergic reactions
    •Gallbladder problems
    •Lung problems during general anesthesia or deep sedation

  • Prices with our coupons for Invokana vs. Victoza

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    Learn more about Victoza

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