Rybelsus vs Invokana
A side-by-side look at two diabetes medications advertised on TV. Informational only — not medical advice.
| US Rybelsus | US Invokana | |
|---|---|---|
| Generic name | semaglutide | canagliflozin |
| Drug class | GLP-1 Receptor Agonist | SGLT2 Inhibitor |
| Treats | Type 2 diabetes | Type 2 diabetes, diabetic kidney disease |
| Category | Diabetes | Diabetes |
| Manufacturer | Novo Nordisk | Janssen |
| Year approved | 2019 | 2013 |
| FDA warning | Black box warning | Moderate warnings |
| Est. TV ad spend | $180M | $110M |
| Common side effects | Nausea, Abdominal pain, Diarrhea, Decreased appetite | Genital yeast infections, Urinary tract infections, Increased urination, Risk of leg/foot amputation |
Frequently asked questions
Is Rybelsus or Invokana better?
Neither is universally "better." Rybelsus (semaglutide) and Invokana (canagliflozin) 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 Rybelsus and Invokana?
Rybelsus is a GLP-1 Receptor Agonist made by Novo Nordisk, while Invokana is a SGLT2 Inhibitor made by Janssen. See the table above for a side-by-side breakdown.
Which one spends more on TV ads?
Rybelsus has the larger estimated TV advertising budget of the two.