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Compare Tradjenta vs. Invokamet

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

Key takeaways

Tradjenta (linagliptin) and Invokamet (canagliflozin/metformin) are both prescription medications used to treat Type 2 diabetes, but they work in different ways and have distinct characteristics. Tradjenta helps your body produce more insulin and reduce sugar production by blocking the DPP-4 protein. It’s taken once daily and can be used with or without food. Common side effects include runny nose, sneezing, and diarrhea. Invokamet, on the other hand, is a combination of two type 2 diabetes medications, canagliflozin and metformin. It works by helping your kidneys remove excess sugar through urine and reducing sugar production in the liver. Invokamet is available in both immediate-release (taken twice daily) and extended-release (taken once daily) forms, and it should be taken with food to reduce stomach upset. Invokamet can cause more urination, urinary tract infections, and genital infections. Unlike Tradjenta, Invokamet also has benefits for heart and kidney health in certain people with Type 2 diabetes. While Tradjenta is available in generic form, Invokamet is only available as a brand-name medication.

Tradjenta (linagliptin)
Invokamet (canagliflozin / metformin)
Tradjenta (linagliptin)
Invokamet (canagliflozin / metformin)
Summary of Tradjenta vs. Invokamet
Summary for DDP-4 inhibitor
Prescription only
Tradjenta (linagliptin) is a prescription medication that's used along with a balanced diet and exercise to manage blood sugar levels in adults with Type 2 diabetes. It's a type of diabetes medication called a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor. The dose is 5 mg (1 tablet) that's taken by mouth once per day. Tradjenta (linagliptin) doesn't cause many side effects but can sometimes include runny nose, sneezing, and diarrhea. As of 2024, Tradjenta (linagliptin) is available as a brand-name medication only; there's no generic version yet.
Summary for SGLT2 inhibitor / Biguanide
Prescription only
Invokamet (canagliflozin / metformin) is a combination medication used along with diet and exercise to lower blood sugar levels in adults with Type 2 diabetes. It's available as immediate-release tablets that are taken twice daily, as well as extended-release tablets that are taken once daily. This medication raises the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and genital infections.
Indications of Tradjenta vs. Invokamet
Indications for

•Improve blood sugar levels in adults with Type 2 diabetes (as an add-on to a nutritious diet and exercise routine)

Indications for

•Type 2 diabetes

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

•To lower 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 Tradjenta vs. Invokamet
Pros and Const for DDP-4 inhibitor
Pros

•Only taken once a day

•Can take with or without food

•Has little to no effect on weight

Cons

•Not approved for people with Type 1 diabetes

•Lowers A1C (average blood sugar level over a 3-month period) by less than 1%

•Not approved for protecting the heart or kidneys

Pros and Const for SGLT2 inhibitor / Biguanide
Pros

•Combines two medications into one pill

•Available as an extended-release tablet that lasts throughout the day (Invokamet XR)

•Can lower A1C (a blood test that measures your average sugar level over time) by up to 1.8% in people who aren't already taking either Invokana (canagliflozin) or metformin

•Dose can be adjusted based on how well the medication is working for you

Cons

•Might cause more urination

•Can lower vitamin B12 levels

•Raises the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), genital infections, and bone fractures

•Only available as brand
Common Side Effects of Tradjenta vs. Invokamet
Common Side Effects for

•Common cold symptoms (runny nose, sneezing, coughing; 7%)

•Diarrhea (3%)

•Cough (2%)

Note: Side effects were reported by people who took Tradjenta (linagliptin) by itself or people who took Tradjenta (linagliptin) with other diabetes.
Common Side Effects for

•Vaginal yeast infection in females (11-12%)

•Urinary tract infections (UTIs; 4-6%)

•More urination (5%)

•Male genital yeast or fungal infections (4%)

•Diarrhea (4%)
Warnings of Tradjenta vs. Invokamet
Common Side Effects for

•Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)

•Risk for low blood sugar when taken with certain other diabetes medications

•Heart failure

•Severe joint pain

•Serious allergic reactions

•Severe skin reaction

Common Side Effects for

•Lactic acidosis

•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

•Low vitamin B12 levels
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Compare Tradjenta vs. Invokamet

Key takeaways

Summary of Tradjenta vs. Invokamet

Indications of Tradjenta vs. Invokamet

Pros and Cons of Tradjenta vs. Invokamet

Common Side Effects of Tradjenta vs. Invokamet

Warnings of Tradjenta vs. Invokamet

Prices with our coupons for Tradjenta vs. Invokamet

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