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Compare Januvia vs. Invokana

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

Key takeaways

Januvia (sitagliptin) and Invokana (canagliflozin) are both oral medications used to treat Type 2 diabetes, but they work in different ways and belong to different drug classes. Januvia is a dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitor that helps increase insulin levels and decrease sugar production in your body, while Invokana is a sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor that helps your kidneys remove excess sugar through urine. Januvia is typically taken once daily and does not affect body weight, whereas Invokana can cause weight loss and is also taken once daily, preferably before the first meal. Invokana has additional benefits of lowering the risk of major heart events and worsening kidney problems, which Januvia does not specifically address. However, Invokana carries a risk of genital infections and possible amputations, while Januvia may cause severe joint pain and has a rare risk of pancreatitis. Both Invokana and Januvia are only available as brand-name medications.

  • Januvia (sitagliptin)
    Invokana (canagliflozin)
  • Januvia (sitagliptin)
    Invokana (canagliflozin)

  • Summary of Januvia vs. Invokana

    Summary for DDP-4 inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Januvia (sitagliptin) is a prescription medication used along with a healthy diet and exercise to treat Type 2 diabetes. It belongs to the drug class dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor, also known as gliptins. Januvia (sitagliptin) is taken by mouth, typically once daily. Most people don't experience many side effects from this medication, but possible ones include stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, and headache.

    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.

  • Indications of Januvia vs. Invokana

    Indications for
    •Type 2 diabetes in adults
    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

  • Pros and Cons of Januvia vs. Invokana

    Pros and Const for DDP-4 inhibitor
    Pros
    •Only taken once a day
    •Can take with or without food
    •Not known to affect your body weight
    Cons
    •Can cause severe joint pain
    •Not a first choice option for people with Type 2 diabetes and heart problems
    •Might cause sudden kidney injury in people with kidney problems
    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

  • Common Side Effects of Januvia vs. Invokana

    Common Side Effects for
    •Runny nose, sore throat, and other symptoms of the common cold (5%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Vaginal yeast infection in females (11-12%)
    •Urinary tract infections (UTIs; 4-6%)
    •More urination (5%)

  • Warnings of Januvia vs. Invokana

    Common Side Effects for
    •Pancreas problems
    •Heart failure
    •Sudden kidney problems
    •Serious allergic reactions
    •Joint pain
    •Severe skin reactions
    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

  • Prices with our coupons for Januvia vs. Invokana

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