Invokana vs Metformin
A side-by-side look at two diabetes medications advertised on TV. Informational only — not medical advice.
| US Invokana | US Metformin | |
|---|---|---|
| Generic name | canagliflozin | metformin |
| Drug class | SGLT2 Inhibitor | Biguanide |
| Treats | Type 2 diabetes, diabetic kidney disease | Type 2 diabetes |
| Category | Diabetes | Diabetes |
| Manufacturer | Janssen | Various (generic) |
| Year approved | 2013 | 1995 |
| FDA warning | Moderate warnings | Black box warning |
| Est. TV ad spend | $110M | $2M |
| Common side effects | Genital yeast infections, Urinary tract infections, Increased urination, Risk of leg/foot amputation | Nausea, Diarrhea, Abdominal discomfort, Vitamin B12 deficiency |
Metformin
Frequently asked questions
Is Invokana or Metformin better?
Neither is universally "better." Invokana (canagliflozin) and Metformin (metformin) are both used for diabetes, but the right choice depends on your medical history, insurance and your doctor's guidance. This comparison is informational only.
What's the difference between Invokana and Metformin?
Invokana is a SGLT2 Inhibitor made by Janssen, while Metformin is a Biguanide made by Various (generic). See the table above for a side-by-side breakdown.
Which one spends more on TV ads?
Invokana has the larger estimated TV advertising budget of the two.