What Is Invokamet?

Invokamet is a prescription combination medication containing Canagliflozin (an SGLT2 inhibitor) and Metformin Hydrochloride (a biguanide). It is used alongside diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes when treatment with both Canagliflozin and Metformin is appropriate.

The Canagliflozin component has also been shown to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events — including heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death — in adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease.

Invokamet is manufactured by Janssen Pharmaceuticals (a Johnson & Johnson company) and is available in both immediate-release (Invokamet) and extended-release (Invokamet XR) formulations.

How does Invokamet work?

Invokamet combines two complementary mechanisms to lower blood sugar:

• Canagliflozin (SGLT2 Inhibitor): Blocks the SGLT2 protein in the kidneys, reducing glucose reabsorption and causing excess sugar to be excreted in the urine. This also contributes to modest weight loss and blood pressure reduction.
• Metformin (Biguanide): Decreases glucose production in the liver, reduces intestinal absorption of glucose, and improves insulin sensitivity by increasing peripheral glucose uptake and utilization.

By targeting multiple pathways, Invokamet provides more comprehensive blood sugar control than either medication alone.

What doses are available for Invokamet?

Invokamet (Immediate-Release)

• Canagliflozin 50 mg / Metformin 500 mg
• Canagliflozin 50 mg / Metformin 1000 mg
• Canagliflozin 150 mg / Metformin 500 mg
• Canagliflozin 150 mg / Metformin 1000 mg

Invokamet XR (Extended-Release)

• Canagliflozin 50 mg / Metformin 500 mg
• Canagliflozin 50 mg / Metformin 1000 mg
• Canagliflozin 150 mg / Metformin 500 mg
• Canagliflozin 150 mg / Metformin 1000 mg

Your doctor will determine the best dose based on your current Canagliflozin and Metformin regimen.

How hard is it to find Invokamet in stock?

Invokamet scores a 55 out of 100 on our findability scale. As a brand-name combination product with no generic available, Invokamet can be harder to find than common generics. It is not currently on the FDA Drug Shortage list, but availability varies by pharmacy and specific strengths may be intermittently out of stock. Not every pharmacy stocks this niche combination product, so you may need to call around or use Medfinder to locate it near you.

Who Can Prescribe Invokamet?

Invokamet can be prescribed by a range of healthcare providers, including:

• Endocrinologists — Diabetes and hormone specialists, often manage complex or advanced cases
• Primary Care Physicians — Family medicine and internal medicine doctors who treat most type 2 diabetes patients
• Cardiologists — May prescribe for cardiovascular risk reduction in diabetic patients
• Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants — Can prescribe in most states

Telehealth consultations are also available for Invokamet prescriptions. If you're having trouble finding a prescriber, Medfinder can help you locate one.

Is Invokamet a controlled substance?

No. Invokamet is not a controlled substance and has no DEA scheduling. It does not carry a risk of abuse or dependence. Invokamet can be prescribed with refills and does not require special prescribing procedures like triplicate prescriptions.

Common Side Effects of Invokamet

• Female genital yeast infections (vulvovaginal candidiasis)
• Urinary tract infections
• Increased urination
• Nausea and diarrhea
• Abdominal discomfort
• Thirst
• Constipation
• Metallic taste (from Metformin)

Serious side effects (seek immediate medical attention):

• Lactic acidosis (rare but potentially fatal — from Metformin)
• Lower limb amputations (primarily toes and midfoot — boxed warning)
• Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
• Acute kidney injury
• Serious urinary tract infections (urosepsis, pyelonephritis)
• Necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum (Fournier's gangrene)
• Bone fractures

Contact your healthcare provider if you experience any concerning symptoms.

Alternative Medications to Invokamet

If Invokamet is unavailable or not the right fit, consider these alternatives:

• Synjardy / Synjardy XR (Empagliflozin/Metformin): A similar SGLT2 inhibitor + Metformin combination with proven cardiovascular and renal benefits. No boxed warning for amputation risk.
• Xigduo XR (Dapagliflozin/Metformin Extended-Release): Once-daily SGLT2 inhibitor + Metformin combination. Dapagliflozin also has heart failure and chronic kidney disease indications.
• Segluromet (Ertugliflozin/Metformin): Another SGLT2 inhibitor + Metformin combination, though Ertugliflozin has less cardiovascular outcome data.
• Invokana + Generic Metformin (separate pills): Same active ingredients taken as individual tablets. Generic Metformin costs $4–$20/month, allowing more flexible dosing.

Talk to your doctor about which option is best for your situation.

Drug Interactions with Invokamet

Invokamet can interact with several medications. Tell your doctor about all medications you take, including:

• Insulin and Sulfonylureas: Increased risk of hypoglycemia; dose reduction may be needed
• UGT Enzyme Inducers (Rifampin, Phenytoin, Phenobarbital, Ritonavir): May decrease Canagliflozin levels; dose adjustment may be required
• Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors (Topiramate, Zonisamide, Acetazolamide): Increased risk of lactic acidosis
• Digoxin: Canagliflozin increases Digoxin exposure; monitor levels closely
• Diuretics: Additive dehydration and low blood pressure risk
• ACE Inhibitors and ARBs: Additive blood pressure lowering and kidney effects
• Alcohol: Significantly increases the risk of lactic acidosis — avoid excessive intake

Final Thoughts on Invokamet

Invokamet is an effective combination medication for managing type 2 diabetes, offering the dual benefits of an SGLT2 inhibitor and Metformin in a single tablet. With no generic available, the cash price of $575–$800/month can be a barrier — but the Janssen CarePath Savings Program may bring the cost to $0 for eligible commercially insured patients, and the Johnson & Johnson Patient Assistance Foundation provides free medication for qualifying uninsured patients.

Because Invokamet is a brand-name niche product, not every pharmacy keeps it in stock. If you're having trouble finding Invokamet, use Medfinder to locate pharmacies near you that have it available. You can also ask your doctor about alternatives like Synjardy or Xigduo XR, or about taking Invokana and generic Metformin as separate pills.