Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Repaglinide and canagliflozin (Invokana) are both medications used to treat Type 2 diabetes. However, they belong to different medication classes and have some important differences. Repaglinide is a meglitinide that stimulates the pancreas to release more insulin, helping to lower blood sugar levels. The typical dosage is a 0.5 mg to 4 mg oral tablet before each meal. In contrast, canagliflozin is an SGLT2 inhibitor that works by preventing sugar reabsorption in the kidneys, causing excess sugar to be eliminated through urine. It is taken once daily before the first meal of the day, with a starting dose of 100 mg. Repaglinide is available as a generic, while canagliflozin is only available as a brand-name medication. Common side effects of repaglinide include low blood sugar, headache, and diarrhea, whereas canagliflozin may cause yeast infections, urinary tract infections, and increased urination. Additionally, canagliflozin is FDA-approved to reduce the risk of major heart events and worsening kidney problems in some people with Type 2 diabetes.
Repaglinide
Invokana (canagliflozin)
Repaglinide
Invokana (canagliflozin)
Summary of Prandin vs. Invokana
Summary for Glinide
Prescription only
Repaglinide is an oral tablet taken in addition to diet and exercise to control blood sugar in adults with Type 2 diabetes. It belongs to the drug class called meglitinide, and works similar to sulfonylureas. The usual dosing is to take 0.5 mg to 4 mg by mouth before each meal. Potential warnings and side effects include low blood sugar, headache, and diarrhea. The brand name Prandin has been discontinued, but this medication is still available as a generic.
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.
•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 Prandin vs. Invokana
Pros and Const for Glinide
Pros
•Can quickly lower blood sugar during meal times
•Comes as an oral tablet taken by mouth
•Available as a lower-cost generic
Cons
•Has a risk of low blood sugar
•Can cause some weight gain
•Can interact with many medications
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