Compare Invokana vs. Afrezza
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Lowers blood sugar.
Invokana (canagliflozin) can be used together with other diabetes medicines to help lower your blood sugar, but it can be expensive because it's brand name.
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4.0/ 5 average rating with 27 reviewsforInvokana
Controls mealtime blood sugar.
Afrezza (insulin) is effective at controlling blood sugar, but you can't use it if you've had lung problems or smoke.
Upsides
- Lowers A1C (blood sugar) levels by 1%.
- You only have to take Invokana (canagliflozin) once a day before meals.
- Less likely to cause low blood sugar than other diabetes medicines.
- Also available as a combination drug with metformin (Invokamet).
- Afrezza (insulin) is as effective as other mealtime insulin products.
- Starts working faster and stays in your body for a shorter time than other mealtime insulin products, so you're less likely to have severely low blood sugar.
- If you don't like needles, Afrezza (insulin) is a good alternative since you inhale it.
- Safe to use in people 65 or older.
- Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about ways to lower your copay, such as coupons.
Downsides
- You're more likely to have broken bones, yeast infections and urinary tract infections with Invokana (canagliflozin).
- There's a rare but serious risk of leg and foot amputations with Invokana (canagliflozin). Talk to your doctor if you develop new pain or infections in your feet.
- Not for people with severe kidney problems.
- Can raise your cholesterol.
- Avoid if you are a heavy drinker of alcohol.
- Not recommended if you're a smoker or if you've smoked in the last 6 months.
- Afrezza (insulin) only comes in 3 different strengths, so it can be inconvenient if you need a lot of insulin.
- Not recommended in children under 18.
- If you're pregnant, you'll need to talk to your doctor before you start Afrezza (insulin).
- There is no generic available, and may not be covered right away by Medicare or other insurances.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Inhalation powder
Price
Lowest price
$469.87
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$304.35
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Reviews
27 reviews so far
67%
saidit'sworth it
56%
saiditworked well
19%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Invokana (canagliflozin)?
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Side effects
9possible side effects
- Yeast infection in women11%
- Urinary tract infections6%
- Increased urination5%
- Yeast infection in men4%
- Thirst3%
- Vaginal itching2%
- Constipation2%
- Nausea2%
- Abdominal pain2%
6possible side effects
- Cough28%
- Throat pain or irritation6%
- Headache5%
- Worsening lung function test3%
- Airway inflammation3%
- Urinary tract infection2%
Risks and risk factors
- Increased risk of leg and foot amputations
- History of amputations
- Peripheral vascular disease (narrowed blood vessels)
- Nerve problems
- Diabetic foot ulcers
- Kidney damage and low blood pressure
- History of kidney damage
- Heart failure
- Blood pressure medicines (water pills, ACE inhibitors, ACE inhibitors)
- Anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs)
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- Taking medicines for diabetes
- Genital yeast infection and urinary tract infection
- Increased acid and ketones in the blood
- Long periods of fasting
- Alcohol abuse
- Dehydration
- History of pancreatitis
- Low blood sugar
- Changes in diet and exercise
- Drinking alcohol
- Taking other medications for diabetes
- Over age 65
- Liver or kidney problems
- Breathing problems
- Asthma
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Other long term lung problems
- Low blood potassium levels
- Taking laxatives
- Taking medications that increase urination
- Worsening lung function
- Smoking
- Second-hand smoke
- Indoor and outdoor pollution
- Work-related fume and chemical exposure
- Fluid buildup
- Taking Avandia or Actos
- Too much acid in the blood
- Type 1 diabetes
- Long periods of fasting
- Alchohol abuse
- History of pancreatitis