What is Invokana?
Invokana is the brand name of Canagliflozin. It is an oral diabetes drug that is used to control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. This medication can be used alone or in combination with other diabetes drugs to treat type 2 diabetes. However, this medication should not be used by patients with type 1 diabetes. If you have severe kidney disease, you should not use Invokana. This medication is meant to be taken orally once every day. Carefully follow the instructions on your doctors advice. You should not take this medication in case you are allergic to any of its ingredients. This drug is part of a treatment program that also includes exercise, a diet plan, weight control, and checking blood sugar regularly.
Also read: Jardiance vs Invokana
What is Farxiga?
Farxiga is an oral diabetes drug that belongs to a class of medications known as SGLT2 inhibitors. This medication is also known by its generic name Dapagliflozin, and is used to treat high blood glucose in people with type 2 diabetes. Controlling high blood glucose is important because it prevents the risk of nerve damage, kidney problems, or other serious medical conditions. When you take this medication, it increases the body’s ability to properly metabolize glucose, which helps to reduce high levels of blood sugar. Farxiga can be taken together with or without food in the morning. Take this medication at the same time every day so that you can remember your dosage.
Similarities and differences between Invokana and Farxiga
Similarities
Both Invokana and Farxiga are oral diabetes drugs that are used to treat type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition where the beta cells cannot produce enough insulin or the body becomes resistant to it. Insulin is the hormone responsible for helping glucose get into the body cells for fuel. Without insulin, people with diabetes experience high levels of blood glucose. This is where Invokana and Farxiga comes in. If you are diagnosed with diabetes, your doctor may prescribe these medications together with an exercise and diet plan. Both medicines belong to a class of medications known as sodium glucose co-transporter 2 or SGLT2 inhibitors. Invokana and Farxiga work by helping the kidney excrete glucose from the bloodstream. This helps to lower high blood sugar levels. Both these medications are less likely than other diabetes treatments to cause low blood sugar, and they can lower blood sugar levels by 1%. The drugs should not be used to treat patients who are under the age of 18.
Differences
Invokana is also available as a combination drug with metformin. As well, you only have to take Invokana once a day. In comparison, Farxiga can help you lose weight if necessary.
Doctor’s Recommendation
It is typically more cost effective for the patient to consume Invokana and metformin separately versus taking a combined formulation unless the patient has adequate health insurance.
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.
