Tradjenta vs. Invokamet for Diabetes Type 2: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

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)

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Invokamet

(canagliflozin / metformin)

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Summary for Tradjenta

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.

Indications for Tradjenta

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

Pros and Cons for Tradjenta

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

Common Side Effects for Tradjenta

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.

Warnings for Tradjenta

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

Summary for Invokamet

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 for Invokamet

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 for Invokamet

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 for Invokamet

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 for Invokamet

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