Invokamet Is a Prescription Combination Medication for Type 2 Diabetes That Combines Canagliflozin and Metformin in a Single Tablet

If your doctor has mentioned Invokamet — or you've seen it on your prescription — you probably have questions. What exactly is it? How is it different from just taking Metformin? What are the risks? And how much is it going to cost?

This guide covers everything you need to know about Invokamet in 2026, written in plain language.

What Is Invokamet?

Invokamet is a brand-name prescription medication that contains two active ingredients:

• Canagliflozin — an SGLT2 inhibitor (also sold separately as Invokana)
• Metformin Hydrochloride — a biguanide, the most widely prescribed diabetes medication in the world

By combining both drugs into one tablet, Invokamet simplifies treatment for patients who need both medications. It's manufactured by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, and was approved by the FDA for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Invokamet is not a controlled substance and is available in two formulations:

• Invokamet (immediate-release): Taken twice daily with meals
• Invokamet XR (extended-release): Taken once daily with the morning meal

What Is Invokamet Used For?

Invokamet is FDA-approved for two indications:

1. Improving blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes, as an adjunct to diet and exercise, when treatment with both Canagliflozin and Metformin is appropriate.
2. Reducing cardiovascular risk — specifically the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular death) in adults with type 2 diabetes who also have established cardiovascular disease. This benefit comes from the Canagliflozin component.

Invokamet is not for type 1 diabetes and is not used for weight loss, although some patients do experience modest weight loss as a secondary effect.

How Is Invokamet Taken?

The dosing depends on which formulation your doctor prescribes:

Invokamet (Immediate-Release)

• Take one tablet twice daily with meals (usually breakfast and dinner)
• Available strengths: 50/500 mg, 50/1000 mg, 150/500 mg, 150/1000 mg

Invokamet XR (Extended-Release)

• Take two tablets once daily with the morning meal
• Available strengths: 50/500 mg, 50/1000 mg, 150/500 mg, 150/1000 mg

Important: Tablets should be swallowed whole — do not crush, cut, or chew them. Always take with food to reduce stomach side effects from Metformin. Stay well hydrated throughout the day.

Your doctor will determine the right strength based on your current Metformin dose and the Canagliflozin dose that's appropriate for your kidney function and treatment goals. The typical combined daily dose is Canagliflozin 100-300 mg plus Metformin 1,000-2,000 mg.

Who Should Not Take Invokamet?

Invokamet is not appropriate for everyone. It is contraindicated in patients with:

• Severe kidney impairment (eGFR below 30 mL/min/1.73 m²), end-stage renal disease, or patients on dialysis
• Known allergy to Canagliflozin, Metformin, or any inactive ingredients in the tablet
• Metabolic acidosis, including diabetic ketoacidosis

Additionally, Invokamet carries two FDA boxed warnings:

• Lactic acidosis: A rare but potentially fatal buildup of lactic acid related to the Metformin component. Risk increases with kidney problems, liver disease, alcohol use, dehydration, and certain medical procedures.
• Lower limb amputations: An approximately 2-fold increased risk (primarily toes and midfoot) associated with the Canagliflozin component.

For more details on what to watch for, read our guide on Invokamet side effects.

Invokamet is also not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing.

How Much Does Invokamet Cost?

Invokamet is a brand-name medication with no generic available (generic entry is estimated around 2029). Here's what you can expect to pay:

• Without insurance: $575 to $800 per month for a 30-day supply (60 tablets for IR)
• With commercial insurance: Varies by plan, but copays can be high since many insurers classify it as a non-preferred brand. Prior authorization or step therapy may be required.
• Janssen CarePath Savings Program: Eligible commercially insured patients may pay $0 per month. Not valid for Medicare, Medicaid, or Tricare patients.
• Patient assistance: Uninsured or underinsured patients may qualify for free medication through the Johnson & Johnson Patient Assistance Foundation (JJPAF) at www.jjpaf.org or by calling 1-800-652-6227.

For a full breakdown of savings options, see our guide on how to save money on Invokamet.

An alternative approach some patients consider is taking generic Metformin ($4-$20/month) plus brand-name Invokana (Canagliflozin) as separate pills. This doesn't save money on the Canagliflozin portion but may provide more dosing flexibility. Discuss this option with your doctor.

How Does Invokamet Compare to Other Medications?

Invokamet isn't the only SGLT2 inhibitor plus Metformin combination available. Alternatives include:

• Synjardy/Synjardy XR (Empagliflozin/Metformin) — Similar class, with proven cardiovascular and renal benefits. No boxed warning for amputation risk.
• Xigduo XR (Dapagliflozin/Metformin) — Once-daily dosing. Dapagliflozin has additional heart failure and chronic kidney disease indications.
• Segluromet (Ertugliflozin/Metformin) — Similar mechanism but less cardiovascular outcome data.

For a detailed comparison, see our article on alternatives to Invokamet.

Final Thoughts

Invokamet is a proven combination medication that simplifies type 2 diabetes treatment by putting two effective drugs in one pill. It can improve blood sugar control and reduce cardiovascular risk — but it comes with important safety considerations, including boxed warnings about lactic acidosis and amputation risk.

Talk to your doctor about whether Invokamet is right for you, and use Medfinder to find it at a pharmacy near you once you have your prescription.