Invokamet (Canagliflozin/Metformin) for Diabetes

Overview
Invokamet is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help improve blood glucose control in adults with type 2 diabetes. Invokamet is considered an adjunct treatment to diet and exercise. You may be a candidate for Invokamet if you are already taking an SGLT2 such as Invokana and Metformin, or if you are taking one of these drugs and still have uncontrolled blood glucose levels.

Invokamet is a combination drug composed of the drugs Canagliflozin, the active ingredient in Invokana, and Metformin. Canagliflozin is a sodium-glucose transporter 2 (SGLT2). Canagliflozin is believed to work by causing excess glucose to be eliminated in the urine. Metformin is a biguanide. Metformin is believed to work by decreasing the amount of glucose produced by the liver and making the muscle tissue more sensitive to insulin.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Invokamet is generally taken twice daily with meals.

Invokamet comes in tablet form.

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for Invokamet lists common side effects including urinary tract infections, yeast infections in women, increased urination, nausea, diarrhea, upset stomach, and gas.

Rare but serious side effects listed for Invokamet include lactic acidosis (when the tissues and blood become too acidic) and systemic allergic reaction.

For answers to frequently asked questions about exposure to Metformin during pregnancy and breastfeeding, visit the experts at MothertoBaby.org.