Patients with type 2 diabetes usually take metformin as the first line of treatment. Metformin is an oral prescription drug that is used with a proper diet and exercise program to control blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetic patients. If metformin does not work in controlling blood sugar levels, your health-care provider may prescribe other diabetes drugs, such as Invokana. Invokana, which is also referred to as canagliflozin, is an oral diabetes drug that works in the body by helping the kidney excrete excess sugar from the bloodstream.
This medication can be used alone or in combination with metformin. Research shows that using Invokana and metformin together is more effective compared to using the individual drugs to control blood sugar levels. There is a significant decrease in HbA1c when Invokana and metformin were used as a combined therapy rather than single therapy.
Invokana and metformin combination
Invokana belongs to a class of diabetes medication known as SGLT-2 or sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors. On the other hand, metformin is the only known diabetes drug in a class of medication called biguanides. Invokana and metformin is only available as a brand name medication called Invokamet XR and Invokamet.
Invokamet XR is an extended-release diabetes tablet while Invokamet is an immediate-release diabetes tablet. Invokamet or Invokamet XR can be used alone to control blood sugar in type 2 diabetic patients or in combination with other diabetes drugs. Invokana and metformin is usually prescribed with a diet and exercise program.
Dosage
Whether you take Invokamet or Invokamet XR, your dosage will be based on the individual dosage of Invokana and metformin. If you are taking Invokana and metformin separately, you will take the same dose of Invokamet as the current dose of each drug taken individually. If you are not taking either metformin or Invokana, then you will most likely start with 1 tablet that contains 50mg Invokana and 500mg metformin.
Your dose of Invokamet should be taken twice every day with meals.
Side effects
Taking Invokamet may cause side effects.
The most common side effects include:
- Bladder infection with symptoms like pain or burning sensation while urinating, and strong feeling to urinate
- Genital infection with symptoms like redness, itching, swelling, rash, and odor
- Weakness
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Indigestion
- Headache
These are just some of Invokamet side effects. Speak to your doctor if you want to find out more about the side effects of this combination therapy.
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Disclaimer: Please note that the contents of this community article are strictly for informational purposes and should not be considered as medical advice. This article, and other community articles, are not written or reviewed for medical validity by Canadian Insulin or its staff. All views and opinions expressed by the contributing authors are not endorsed by Canadian Insulin. Always consult a medical professional for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.
