Invokana Comparison: Generic vs Jardiance vs Farxiga

What Is Invokana?

Invokana is the brand name for the active ingredient “canagliflozin.”

Canagliflozin is usually used to treat type 2 diabetes.

It’s an active ingredient that belongs to a class of drugs called “SGLT2 inhibitors.”

As an SGLT2 inhibitor, Invokana works a bit differently from some more traditional diabetes treatments (like, say, metformin).

Invokana works through the kidneys.

Specifically, it helps the body remove excess glucose through urine.

This approach can help you, as a patient possibly taking Invokana to treat your type 2 diabetes:

Because of these additional benefits, SGLT2 inhibitors have become increasingly important in modern diabetes care.

But, of course, with great (medicinal) power tends to come high (medicinal) prices.

Invokana is no exception.

In the United States, a 30-day supply of brand Invokana tends to cost about $800.00.

Fortunately for you, your health, and your wallet, you do have options. Here, through NorthWestPharmacy.com, you can buy that same amount of brand Invokana for about $95.00 or savings of up to 88%. Or, order the generic and save even more!

So Is There an Invokana Generic?

Brand Invokana costs quite a pretty penny.

Generics, by and large, cost less.

So – is there an Invokana generic that you can leverage to keep your health costs low?

If you look in the right places, yes, there is.

This can be a confusing question to answer because generics are subject to regional availability. Even if there is an approved a generic equivalent to a popular brand-name medication, it might not be available at the brick-and-mortar pharmacy down the street from your house.

But you don’t have to shop there, if you don’t want to.

If, instead, you would like to save money and also benefit from the convenience of shipping your diabetes medications directly to your front door, you can buy generic medication right here.

Through NorthWestPharmacy.com, you can buy generic Invokana for a little under $2.00 per pill.

How SGLT2 Inhibitors Work, In the First Place

SGLT2 inhibitors target a protein in the kidneys called sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2).

Under normal – read: nondiabetic – conditions, the kidneys filter glucose and then reabsorb much of it back into the bloodstream.

SGLT2 plays a major role in this process.

Medications like Invokana block SGLT2, causing more glucose to leave the body through urine rather than being reabsorbed.

In simple terms, they help the body get rid of excess sugar.

COMPARISON: Invokana vs Jardiance

Invokana vs Jardiance is probably the most common modern diabetic medication showdown you’re seeing in various online and in-person formats.

Jardiance is the brand name for empagliflozin, another SGLT2 inhibitor widely prescribed for adults with type 2 diabetes.

At a high level, the two medications have remarkably similar goals.

Both are designed to:

Are There Differences Between Invokana and Jardiance?

Yes, there are differences between Invokana and Jardiance (though they are slight).

Although they belong to the same drug class, Invokana and Jardiance do contain different active ingredients.

Invokana contains canagliflozin.

Jardiance contains empagliflozin.

Because they are different medications, Invokana and Jardiance also have:

So, although these medications are very similar, the best choice depends on the individual patient.

If your doctor has determined that Jardiance is the better medication for you, you can buy brand Jardiance here through NorthWestPharmacy.com for about $2.70 per pill. Or, purchase the generic Jardiance for much less still!

COMPARISON: Farxiga vs Invokana

Farxiga is the brand name for dapagliflozin, another member of the SGLT2 inhibitor family.

Like Invokana, Farxiga works by helping the kidneys remove excess glucose from the body.

Because both medications use a similar mechanism, they share many of the same benefits and side effects.

Both medications:

Are There Differences Between Farxiga and Invokana?

Farxiga and Invokana have different active ingredients, slightly different use recommendations, and different sets of pre-existing conditions that they are suited for.

When your doctor is helping you figure out which medication you’ll take, they’ll take a look at your:

… to arrive at a treatment decision that truly works well for your care.

You can buy Farxiga for about $3.00 per pill right here, through NorthWestPharmacy.com. But the generic Farxiga costs even less so be sure to compare its price too.

Are There Other Invokana Alternatives?

Jardiance and Farxiga are not the only options you have available.

Another SGLT2 inhibitor sometimes considered is:

Steglatro

Steglatro contains ertugliflozin (also an SGLT2 inhibitor). Like its colleagues (if you will), Steglatro works in the kidneys. It can help lower blood sugar by increasing glucose excretion through urine.

You can buy brand Steglatro through NorthWestPharmacy.com for about $4.00 per pill.

Are GLP-1 Medications Invokana Alternatives?

GLP-1s (like Ozempic and Wegovy) get a lot of media attention for weight loss, but they’re actually extremely effective diabetes medications (or, at least, that’s how they first arrived on the medicinal scene).

Technically these medications are not direct Invokana alternatives.

That’s because they belong to a completely different drug class.

That said, sometimes, healthcare providers may discuss SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 medications together when developing treatment plans for type 2 diabetes.

In some cases, patients may use one class of medication.

In other cases, they may use both.

The appropriate strategy depends on the individual's medical history and treatment goals.

A Quick Side Effects Comparison

Invokana, Jardiance, and Farxiga work in similar ways.

This means that their side effect profiles are also relatively similar.

Many of the most common side effects of these meds occur because these medications increase the amount of glucose that leaves the body through urine.

So, as you might expect, some of the more common side effects of these SGLT2 inhibitors affect the urinary system … and include:

Here’s Why Urinary and Yeast Infections Can Occur

Sometimes, when some people take SGLT2 inhibitors, they risk getting a yeast infection.

This happens because more glucose is present in the urine while taking medications such as Invokana, Jardiance, or Farxiga.

Glucose can create an environment that promotes the growth of bacteria and yeast, which helps explain why some patients experience:

Not every patient experiences these effects, and many people take SGLT2 inhibitors without developing significant problems.

Serious Risks and Safety Considerations

Most people tolerate SGLT2 inhibitors relatively well.

That said, for your health, comfort, and safety, there are a few risks that you should be aware of before you start taking this medication.

Dehydration and Low Blood Pressure

Because these medications increase glucose and fluid excretion, some patients may experience:

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

Diabetic ketoacidosis is a more serious complication. It’s very rare, but if you think you have it, you’ll need to get medical treatment quickly.

Symptoms of DKA may include:

Patients experiencing these symptoms should seek prompt medical attention.

What About The Invokana Amputation Warning?

If you’ve done your research, you might be aware that Invokana is, sometimes, associated with a history of lower-limb amputation warnings.

That was based on trends found in historical studies.

Subsequent research has helped provide additional context, but, still, your healthcare provider will help you carefully evaluate your own risk factors for this rare outcome – factors which include:

Cost Comparison: Invokana vs. Generic vs. Jardiance vs. Farxiga

Invokana can cost a lot (especially if you’re not buying it through an Canadian online pharnacy and international medications website!).

All three of the medications we’ve discussed in this piece – Invokana, Jardiance, and Farxiga – are relatively newer. That means they will cost quite a bit more than treatments like metformin.

There are many reasons driving these higher prices (not limited to but including the following):

Questions to Ask Before Switching Medications

Considering switching from Invokana to another medication?

Whether you’re moving from Invokana to Jardiance, Farxiga, or another med, it’s a good idea to work with your doctor to understand why you need a change.

That said, we know you likely only have a few minutes with your doctor at any time.

It can feel very stressful to make the most out of those few minutes.

Having these questions in your back pocket should help.

Which SGLT2 Inhibitor Is Best? (And What Are Your Next Steps?)

The which-med-is-best question is, of course, a tricky question.

Invokana, Jardiance, and Farxiga are all effective medications that belong to the same drug class.

Depending on your unique biology, they may all work very well for you.

All three of these meds …

The differences between these meds are often smaller than patients expect.

And the suitability each med offers to you may depend less on those small differences and more on your biochemistry.

For one patient, Jardiance may be the preferred choice.

For another, Farxiga may be ideal.

For someone else, Invokana may remain the most appropriate option.

This can, of course, be confusing.

And if you’re been searching for Invokana vs Jardiance, Farxiga vs Invokana, Invokana alternatives, or information about an Invokana generic, you’re probably just looking for the answer to a simple question:

Which medication is right for me?

Your doctor will help you answer this question definitively for you (and then assist with ongoing monitoring to make you feel confident about the choices that you make!).

Then, once you have your updated and valid prescription for the diabetes medication of your choice in hand, we’re here to help.

Here, through NorthWestPharmacy.com, you can buy brand Invokana, Jardiance, or Farxiga for less – and, where generic alternatives are available, you can buy those here, too. Regardless, you can buy your required diabetes meds for less and with the benefit of being able to ship your treatment directly to your front door.

Ready to get started? We’re ready to assist. Head to our diabetes medication pages to learn more about the med of your choice, and then hit “add to cart” to get started. The entire team here at NorthWestPharmacy.com looks forward to supporting you!