Canagliflozin and Metformin Hydrochloride is a prescription medicine. The sections below reproduce one FDA label for it, named under "Label". Products in other forms, strengths or from other makers have their own labels, which can differ.
- Type
- Prescription only (Rx)
- Brand names
- Invokamet, Invokamet Xr
- Taken
- Oral
- Label
- Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., revised August 24, 2026 · full label on DailyMed
- Generic
- Not yet (tentatively approved) · details
Boxed warning — the FDA's most serious warning for a medicine
WARNING: LACTIC ACIDOSIS Post-marketing cases of metformin-associated lactic acidosis have resulted in death, hypothermia, hypotension, and resistant bradyarrhythmias. The onset of metformin-associated lactic acidosis is often subtle, accompanied only by nonspecific symptoms such as malaise, myalgias, respiratory distress, somnolence, and abdominal pain. Metformin-associated lactic acidosis was characterized by elevated blood lactate levels (> 5 mmol/Liter), anion gap acidosis (without evidence of ketonuria or ketonemia), an increased lactate/pyruvate ratio; and metformin plasma levels generally >5 mcg/mL [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Risk factors for metformin-associated lactic acidosis include renal impairment, concomitant use of certain drugs (e.g., carbonic anhydrase inhibitors such as topiramate), age 65 years old or greater, having a radiological study with contrast, surgery and other procedures, hypoxic states (e.g., acute congestive heart failure), excessive alcohol intake, hepatic impairment, and mitochondrial diseases [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Steps to reduce the risk of and manage metformin-associated lactic acidosis in these high risk groups are provided in the full prescribing information [see Dosage and Administration (2.2 , 2.3) , Contraindications (4) , Warnings and Precautions (5.1) , Drug Interactions (7) , and Use in Specific Populations (8.6 , 8.7) ] . If metformin-associated lactic acidosis is suspected, immediately discontinue INVOKAMET or INVOKAMET XR and institute general supportive measures in a hospital setting. Prompt hemodialysis is recommended [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . WARNING: LACTIC ACIDOSIS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Postmarketing cases of metformin-associated lactic acidosis have resulted in death, hypothermia, hypotension, and resistant bradyarrhythmias. Symptoms included malaise, myalgias, respiratory distress, somnolence, and abdominal pain. Laboratory abnormalities included elevated blood lactate levels, anion gap acidosis, increased lactate/pyruvate ratio; and metformin plasma levels generally >5 mcg/mL. ( 5.1 ) Risk factors include renal impairment, concomitant use of certain drugs, age >65 years old, radiological studies with contrast, surgery and other procedures, hypoxic states, excessive alcohol intake, hepatic impairment, and mitochondrial diseases. Steps to reduce the risk of and manage metformin-associated lactic acidosis in these high risk groups are provided in the Full Prescribing Information. ( 5.1 ) If lactic acidosis is suspected, discontinue INVOKAMET or INVOKAMET XR and institute general supportive measures in a hospital setting. Prompt hemodialysis is recommended. ( 5.1 )
What it is used for
INVOKAMET INVOKAMET is a combination of canagliflozin and metformin HCl immediate-release indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults and pediatric patients aged 10 years and older with type 2 diabetes mellitus. INVOKAMET XR INVOKAMET XR is a combination of canagliflozin and metformin HCl extended-release indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults and pediatric patients aged 10 years and older with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Canagliflozin Canagliflozin, when used as a component of INVOKAMET or INVOKAMET XR, is indicated in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus to reduce the risk of: Major adverse cardiovascular events (cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction and nonfatal stroke) in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and established cardiovascular disease (CVD). End-stage kidney disease (ESKD), doubling of serum creatinine, cardiovascular (CV) death, and hospitalization for heart failure in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and diabetic nephropathy with albuminuria greater than 300 mg/day. Limitations of Use INVOKAMET or INVOKAMET XR are not recommended for use to improve glycemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . INVOKAMET and INVOKAMET XR are a combination of canagliflozin, a sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, and metformin hydrochloride (HCl), a biguanide, indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults and pediatric patients aged 10 years and older with type 2 diabetes mellitus ( 1 ). Canagliflozin Canagliflozin, when used as a component of INVOKAMET or INVOKAMET XR is indicated in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus to reduce the risk of: Major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and established cardiovascular disease ( 1 ). End-stage kidney disease, doubling of serum creatinine, cardiovascular death, and hospitalization for heart failure in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and diabetic nephropathy with albuminuria ( 1 ). Limitations of Use: Not recommended for use to improve glycemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus ( 1 ).
Forms and strengths
INVOKAMET (canagliflozin and metformin HCl) tablets are available as follows: Canagliflozin Strength Metformin HCl Strength Color/Shape Tablet Identifiers Embossing appears on both sides of tablet. 50 mg 500 mg white/capsule-shaped CM 155 50 mg 1,000 mg beige/capsule-shaped CM 551 150 mg 500 mg yellow/capsule-shaped CM 215 150 mg 1,000 mg purple/capsule-shaped CM 611 INVOKAMET XR (canagliflozin and metformin HCl) extended-release tablets are available as follows: Canagliflozin Strength Metformin HCl Strength Color/Shape Tablet Identifiers Embossing appears on one side only of tablet. 50 mg 500 mg almost white to light orange/oblong, biconvex CM1 50 mg 1,000 mg pink/oblong, biconvex CM3 150 mg 500 mg orange/oblong, biconvex CM2 150 mg 1,000 mg reddish brown/oblong, biconvex CM4 INVOKAMET tablets: Canagliflozin 50 mg and metformin HCl 500 mg ( 3 ) Canagliflozin 50 mg and metformin HCl 1,000 mg ( 3 ) Canagliflozin 150 mg and metformin HCl 500 mg ( 3 ) Canagliflozin 150 mg and metformin HCl 1,000 mg ( 3 ) INVOKAMET XR extended-release tablets: Canagliflozin 50 mg and metformin HCl 500 mg ( 3 ) Canagliflozin 50 mg and metformin HCl 1,000 mg ( 3 ) Canagliflozin 150 mg and metformin HCl 500 mg ( 3 ) Canagliflozin 150 mg and metformin HCl 1,000 mg ( 3 )
Who should not take it (contraindications)
INVOKAMET or INVOKAMET XR is contraindicated in patients with: Severe renal impairment (eGFR less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Use in Specific Populations (8.6) ] . Acute or chronic metabolic acidosis, including diabetic ketoacidosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . Serious hypersensitivity reaction to canagliflozin or metformin HCl, such as anaphylaxis or angioedema [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) and Adverse Reactions (6) ] . Severe renal impairment (eGFR less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ) ( 4 ) Metabolic acidosis, including diabetic ketoacidosis ( 4 ) Serious hypersensitivity reaction to canagliflozin or metformin HCl ( 4 )
Warnings and precautions
Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus and Other Ketoacidosis : Consider ketone monitoring in patients at risk for ketoacidosis, as indicated. Assess for ketoacidosis regardless of presenting blood glucose levels and discontinue INVOKAMET or INVOKAMET XR if ketoacidosis is suspected. Monitor patients for resolution of ketoacidosis before restarting ( 5.2 ). Lower Limb Amputation : Monitor patients for infection or ulcers of lower limb and institute appropriate treatment ( 5.3 ). Volume Depletion : May result in acute kidney injury. Before initiating, assess and correct volume status in patients with renal impairment, elderly patients, or patients on loop diuretics. Monitor for signs and symptoms during therapy ( 5.4 ). Genitourinary Infections, including Urosepsis, Pyelonephritis, Necrotizing Fasciitis of the Perineum (Fournier's Gangrene), and Genital Mycotic Infections : Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of genitourinary infections and treat promptly, if indicated. Immediately evaluate patients presenting with pain or tenderness, erythema, or swelling in the genital or perineal area, along with fever or malaise, for necrotizing fasciitis and if suspected, discontinue INVOKAMET or INVOKAMET XR, and promptly institute appropriate medical and/or surgical intervention ( 5.5 ). Hypoglycemia with Concomitant Use with Insulin or Insulin Secretagogues : Consider a lower dose of insulin or insulin secretagogue to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia when used in combination ( 5.6 ). Hypersensitivity Reactions : Discontinue and monitor until signs and symptoms resolve ( 5.7 ). Bone Fracture : Consider factors that contribute to fracture risk before initiating INVOKAMET or INVOKAMET XR ( 5.8 ). Vitamin B 12 Deficiency : Metformin HCl may lower vitamin B 12 levels. Measure hematological parameters annually and vitamin B 12 at 2- to 3-year intervals and manage any abnormalities ( 5.9 ).
5.1 Lactic Acidosis There have been post-marketing cases of metformin-associated lactic acidosis, including fatal cases. These cases had a subtle onset and were accompanied by nonspecific symptoms such as malaise, myalgias, abdominal pain, respiratory distress, or increased somnolence; however, hypothermia, hypotension and resistant bradyarrhythmias have occurred with severe acidosis. Metformin-associated lactic acidosis was characterized by elevated blood lactate concentrations (>5 mmol/Liter), anion gap acidosis (without evidence of ketonuria or ketonemia), and an increased lactate:pyruvate ratio; metformin plasma levels generally >5 mcg/mL. Metformin decreases liver uptake of lactate increasing lactate blood levels which may increase the risk of lactic acidosis, especially in patients at risk. If metformin-associated lactic acidosis is suspected, general supportive measures should be instituted promptly in a hospital setting, along with immediate discontinuation of INVOKAMET or INVOKAMET XR. In INVOKAMET or INVOKAMET XR-treated patients with a diagnosis or strong suspicion of lactic acidosis, prompt hemodialysis is recommended to correct the acidosis and remove accumulated metformin (metformin is dialyzable, with a clearance of up to 170 mL/min under good hemodynamic conditions). Hemodialysis has often resulted in reversal of symptoms and recovery. Educate patients and their families about the symptoms of lactic acidosis and if these symptoms occur instruct them to discontinue INVOKAMET or INVOKAMET XR and report these symptoms to their healthcare provider. For each of the known and possible risk factors for metformin-associated lactic acidosis, recommendations to reduce the risk of and manage metformin-associated lactic acidosis are provided below: Renal Impairment: The postmarketing metformin-associated lactic acidosis cases primarily occurred in patients with significant renal impairment. The risk of metformin accumulation and metformin-associated lactic acidosis increases with the severity of renal impairment because metformin is substantially excreted by the kidney. Clinical recommendations based upon the patient's renal function include [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. Before initiating INVOKAMET or INVOKAMET XR, obtain an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). INVOKAMET or INVOKAMET XR is contraindicated in patients with an eGFR less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m 2 [see Contraindications (4) ] . Obtain an eGFR at least annually in all patients taking INVOKAMET or INVOKAMET XR. In patients at increased risk for the development of renal impairment (e.g., the elderly), renal function should be assessed more frequently. Drug Interactions: The concomitant use of INVOKAMET or INVOKAMET XR with specific drugs may increase the risk of metformin-associated lactic acidosis: those that impair renal function, result in significant hemodynamic change, interfere with acid-base balance or increase metformin accumulation (e.g. cationic drugs) [see Drug Interactions (7) ]. Therefore, consider more frequent monitoring of patients. Age 65 or Greater: The risk of metformin-associated lactic acidosis increases with the patient's age because elderly patients have a greater likelihood of having hepatic, renal, or cardiac impairment than younger patients. Assess renal function more frequently in elderly patients [see Use in Specific Populations (8.5) ]. Radiological Studies with Contrast: Administration of intravascular iodinated contrast agents in metformin-treated patients has led to an acute decrease in renal function and the occurrence of lactic acidosis. Stop INVOKAMET or INVOKAMET XR at the time of, or prior to, an iodinated contrast imaging procedure in patients with an eGFR less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ; in patients with a history of hepatic impairment, alcoholism, or heart failure; or in patients who will be administered intra-arterial iodinated contrast. Re-evaluate eGFR 48 hours after the imaging procedure, and restart INVOKAMET or INVOKAMET XR if renal function is stable. Surgery and Other Procedures: Withholding of food and fluids during surgical or other procedures may increase the risk for volume depletion, hypotension and renal impairment. INVOKAMET or INVOKAMET XR should be temporarily discontinued while patients have restricted food and fluid intake. Hypoxic States: Several of the postmarketing cases of metformin-associated lactic acidosis occurred in the setting of acute congestive heart failure (particularly when accompanied by hypoperfusion and hypoxemia). Cardiovascular collapse (shock), acute myocardial infarction, sepsis, and other conditions associated with hypoxemia have been associated with lactic acidosis and may also cause pre-renal azotemia. When such events occur, discontinue INVOKAMET or INVOKAMET XR. Excessive Alcohol Intake: Alcohol potentiates the effect of metformin on lactate metabolism and this may increase the risk of metformin-associated lactic acidosis. Warn patients against excessive alcohol intake while receiving INVOKAMET or INVOKAMET XR. Hepatic Impairment: Patients with hepatic impairment have developed metformin-associated lactic acidosis. This may be due to impaired lactate clearance resulting in higher lactate blood levels. Therefore, avoid use of INVOKAMET or INVOKAMET XR in patients with clinical or laboratory evidence of hepatic disease. Mitochondrial Diseases: Metformin may increase the risk of lactic acidosis in patients with mitochondrial diseases such as mitochondrial encephalomyopathy with lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) syndrome and maternally inherited diabetes and deafness (MIDD). INVOKAMET and INVOKAMET XR are not recommended in patients with mitochondrial diseases such as MELAS syndrome and MIDD. If a patient taking INVOKAMET or INVOKAMET XR develops elevated lactic acid levels (with or without accompanying neurologic signs and symptoms), discontinue INVOKAMET or INVOKAMET XR. […]
Side effects (adverse reactions)
The following important adverse reactions are also discussed elsewhere in the labeling: Lactic Acidosis [see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions (5.1 , 5.4) ] Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes and Other Ketoacidosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Lower Limb Amputation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Volume Depletion [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Genitourinary Infections, including Urosepsis, Pyelonephritis, Necrotizing Fasciitis of the Perineum (Fournier's Gangrene), and Genital Mycotic Infections [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Hypoglycemia with Concomitant Use with Insulin or Insulin Secretagogues [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] Bone Fracture [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] Vitamin B 12 Deficiency [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] Most common adverse reactions associated with canagliflozin (5% or greater incidence): female genital mycotic infections, urinary tract infection, and increased urination ( 6.1 ). Most common adverse reactions associated with metformin HCl (5% or greater incidence) are diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, flatulence, asthenia, indigestion, abdominal discomfort, and headache ( 6.1 ). To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. at 1-800-526-7736 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch .
6.1 Clinical Studies Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to the rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. Canagliflozin has been evaluated in clinical trials in adults and pediatric patients aged 10 years and older with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Additionally, canagliflozin has been studied in clinical trials in adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who also have heart failure or chronic kidney disease. The overall safety profile of canagliflozin was consistent across the studied indications. Clinical Trials in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Pool of Placebo-Controlled Trials for Glycemic Control Canagliflozin The data in Table 3 are derived from four 26-week placebo-controlled trials where canagliflozin was used as monotherapy in one trial and as add-on therapy in three trials. These data reflect exposure of 1,667 adult patients to canagliflozin and a mean duration of exposure to canagliflozin of 24 weeks with 1,275 patients exposed to a combination of canagliflozin and metformin HCl. Patients received canagliflozin 100 mg (N=833), canagliflozin 300 mg (N=834) or placebo (N=646) once daily. The mean daily dose of metformin HCl was 2,138 mg (SD 337.3) for the 1,275 patients in the three placebo-controlled metformin HCl add-on trials. The mean age of the population was 56 years and 2% were older than 75 years of age. Fifty percent (50%) of the population was male and 72% were White, 12% were Asian, and 5% were Black or African American. At baseline the population had diabetes for an average of 7.3 years, had a mean HbA 1C of 8.0% and 20% had established microvascular complications of diabetes. Baseline renal function was normal or mildly impaired (mean eGFR 88 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ). Table 3 shows common adverse reactions associated with the use of canagliflozin. These adverse reactions were not present at baseline, occurred more commonly on canagliflozin than on placebo, and occurred in at least 2% of patients treated with either canagliflozin 100 mg or canagliflozin 300 mg. Table 3: Adverse Reactions from Pool of Four 26-Week Placebo-Controlled Trials Reported in ≥ 2% of Canagliflozin-Treated Adult Patients The four placebo-controlled trials included one monotherapy trial and three add-on combination trials with metformin HCl, metformin HCl and sulfonylurea, or metformin HCl and pioglitazone. Adverse Reaction Placebo N=646 Canagliflozin 100 mg N=833 Canagliflozin 300 mg N=834 Note: Percentages were weighted by trials. Trial weights were proportional to the harmonic mean of the three treatment sample sizes. Urinary tract infections Urinary tract infections include the following adverse reactions: Urinary tract infection, Cystitis, Kidney infection, and Urosepsis. 3.8% 5.9% 4.4% Increased urination Increased urination includes the following adverse reactions: Polyuria, Pollakiuria, Urine output increased, Micturition urgency, and Nocturia. 0.7% 5.1% 4.6% Thirst Thirst includes the following adverse reactions: Thirst, Dry mouth, and Polydipsia. 0.1% 2.8% 2.4% Constipation 0.9% 1.8% 2.4% Nausea 1.6% 2.1% 2.3% N=312 N=425 N=430 Female genital mycotic infections Female genital mycotic infections include the following adverse reactions: Vulvovaginal candidiasis, Vulvovaginal mycotic infection, Vulvovaginitis, Vaginal infection, Vulvitis, and Genital infection fungal. 2.8% 10.6% 11.6% Vulvovaginal pruritus 0.0% 1.6% 3.2% N=334 N=408 N=404 Male genital mycotic infections Male genital mycotic infections include the following adverse reactions: Balanitis or Balanoposthitis, Balanitis candida, and Genital infection fungal. 0.7% 4.2% 3.8% Abdominal pain was also more commonly reported in patients taking canagliflozin 100 mg (1.8%), 300 mg (1.7%) than in patients taking placebo (0.8%). Canagliflozin and Metformin HCl The incidence and type of adverse reactions in the three 26-week placebo-controlled metformin HCl tablets add-on trials in adults, representing a majority of data from the four 26-week placebo-controlled trials, was similar to the adverse reactions described in Table 3. There were no additional adverse reactions identified in the pooling of these three placebo-controlled trials that included metformin HCl tablets relative to the four placebo-controlled trials. In a trial in adults with canagliflozin as initial combination therapy with metformin HCl [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ] , an increased incidence of diarrhea was observed in the canagliflozin and metformin HCl combination groups (4.2%) compared to canagliflozin or metformin HCl monotherapy groups (1.7%). Placebo-Controlled Trial in Diabetic Nephropathy The occurrence of adverse reactions for canagliflozin was evaluated in patients participating in CREDENCE, a trial in adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and diabetic nephropathy with albuminuria > 300 mg/day [see Clinical Studies (14.4) ] . These data reflect exposure of 2,201 adult patients to canagliflozin and a mean duration of exposure to canagliflozin of 137 weeks. The rate of lower limb amputations associated with the use of canagliflozin 100 mg relative to placebo was 12.3 vs 11.2 events per 1,000 patient-years, respectively, with 2.6 years mean duration of follow-up. The incidence of hypotension was 2.8% and 1.5% on canagliflozin 100 mg and placebo, respectively. Pool of Placebo- and Active-Controlled Trials for Glycemic Control and Cardiovascular Outcomes The occurrence of adverse reactions for canagliflozin was evaluated in adult patients participating in placebo- and active-controlled trials and in an integrated analysis of two cardiovascular trials, CANVAS and CANVAS-R. The types and frequency of common adverse reactions observed in the pool of eight clinical trials (which reflect an exposure of 6,177 adult patients to canagliflozin) were consistent with those listed in Table 3. Percentages were weighted by trials. Trial weights were proportional to the harmonic mean of the three treatment sample sizes. In this pool, canagliflozin was also associated with the adverse reactions of fatigue (1.8%, 2.2%, and 2.0% with comparator, canagliflozin 100 mg, and canagliflozin 300 mg, respectively) and loss of strength or energy (i.e., asthenia) (0.6%, 0.7%, and 1.1% with comparator, canagliflozin 100 mg, and canagliflozin 300 mg, respectively). […]
Drug interactions
Table 8: Clinically Significant Drug Interactions with INVOKAMET or INVOKAMET XR Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors Clinical Impact: Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors frequently cause a decrease in serum bicarbonate and induce non-anion gap, hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis. Concomitant use of these drugs with INVOKAMET or INVOKAMET XR may increase the risk for lactic acidosis. Intervention: Consider more frequent monitoring of these patients. Examples: Topiramate or other carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (e.g., zonisamide, acetazolamide or dichlorphenamide) Drugs That Reduce Metformin Clearance Clinical Impact: Concomitant use of drugs that interfere with common renal tubular transport systems involved in the renal elimination of metformin (e.g., organic cationic transporter-2 [OCT2] / multidrug and toxin extrusion [MATE] inhibitors) could increase systemic exposure to metformin and may increase the risk for lactic acidosis [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. Intervention: Consider the benefits and risks of concomitant use. Examples: Ranolazine, vandetanib, dolutegravir, and cimetidine Alcohol Clinical Impact: Alcohol is known to potentiate the effect of metformin HCl on lactate metabolism. Intervention: Warn patients against excessive alcohol intake while receiving INVOKAMET or INVOKAMET XR. UGT Enzyme Inducers Clinical Impact: UGT enzyme inducers decrease canagliflozin exposure which may reduce the effectiveness of INVOKAMET or INVOKAMET XR. Intervention: For patients with eGFR 60 mL/min/1.73 m 2 or greater, if an inducer of UGTs is co-administered with INVOKAMET or INVOKAMET XR, increase the total daily dose of canagliflozin to 200 mg in patients currently tolerating INVOKAMET or INVOKAMET XR with a total daily dose of canagliflozin 100 mg. The total daily dose of canagliflozin may be increased to 300 mg in patients currently tolerating canagliflozin 200 mg and who require additional glycemic control. For patients with eGFR less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m 2 , if an inducer of UGTs is co-administered with INVOKAMET or INVOKAMET XR, increase the total daily dose of canagliflozin to 200 mg in patients currently tolerating canagliflozin 100 mg [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Examples: Rifampin, phenytoin, phenobarbital, ritonavir Insulin or Insulin Secretagogues Clinical Impact: The risk of hypoglycemia is increased when INVOKAMET or INVOKAMET XR is used concomitantly with insulin secretagogues (e.g., sulfonylurea) or insulin. Intervention: Concomitant use may require a lower dosage of the insulin secretagogue or insulin to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia. Drugs Affecting Glycemic Control Clinical Impact: Certain drugs tend to produce hyperglycemia and may lead to loss of glycemic control. Intervention: When such drugs are administered to a patient receiving INVOKAMET or INVOKAMET XR, monitor for loss of blood glucose control. When such drugs are withdrawn from a patient receiving INVOKAMET or INVOKAMET XR, monitor for hypoglycemia. Examples: Thiazides and other diuretics, corticosteroids, phenothiazines, thyroid products, estrogens, oral contraceptives, phenytoin, nicotinic acid, sympathomimetics, calcium channel blockers, and isoniazid. Digoxin Clinical Impact: Canagliflozin increases digoxin exposure [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Intervention: Monitor patients taking INVOKAMET or INVOKAMET XR with concomitant digoxin for a need to adjust the dosage of digoxin. Lithium Clinical Impact: Concomitant use of an SGLT2 inhibitor with lithium may decrease serum lithium concentrations. Intervention: Monitor serum lithium concentration more frequently during INVOKAMET or INVOKAMET XR initiation and dosage changes. Drug/Laboratory Test Interference Positive Urine Glucose Test Clinical Impact: SGLT2 inhibitors increase urinary glucose excretion which will lead to positive urine glucose tests. Intervention: Monitoring glycemic control with urine glucose tests is not recommended in patients taking SGLT2 inhibitors. Use alternative methods to monitor glycemic control. Interference with 1,5-anhydroglucitol (1,5-AG) Assay Clinical Impact: Measurements of 1,5-AG are unreliable in assessing glycemic control in patients taking SGLT2 inhibitors. Intervention: Monitoring glycemic control with 1,5-AG assay is not recommended in patients taking SGLT2 inhibitors. Use alternative methods to monitor glycemic control. Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors : May increase risk of lactic acidosis. Consider more frequent monitoring ( 7 ). Drugs that Reduce Metformin Clearance : May increase risk of lactic acidosis. Consider benefits and risks of concomitant use ( 7 ). See full prescribing information for additional drug interactions and information on interference of INVOKAMET and INVOKAMET XR with laboratory tests. ( 7 ).
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, children and older adults
Pregnancy : Advise females of the potential risk to a fetus especially during the second and third trimesters ( 8.1 ). Lactation : Not recommended when breastfeeding ( 8.2 ). Females and Males of Reproductive Potential : Advise premenopausal females of the potential for an unintended pregnancy ( 8.3 ). Geriatrics : Higher incidence of adverse reactions related to reduced intravascular volume. Assess renal function more frequently ( 8.5 ). Renal Impairment : Higher incidence of adverse reactions related to hypotension and renal function ( 8.6 ). Hepatic Impairment : Avoid use in patients with hepatic impairment ( 8.7 ).
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on juvenile animal data showing adverse renal effects from canagliflozin, INVOKAMET or INVOKAMET XR is not recommended during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Limited data with INVOKAMET, INVOKAMET XR or canagliflozin in pregnant women are not sufficient to determine a drug-associated risk for major birth defects or miscarriage. Published studies with metformin HCl use during pregnancy have not reported a clear association with metformin HCl and major birth defect or miscarriage risk [see Data ]. There are risks to the mother and fetus associated with poorly controlled diabetes in pregnancy [see Clinical Considerations ]. In juvenile animal studies, adverse renal pelvic and tubule dilatations that were not reversible were observed in rats when canagliflozin was administered during a period of renal development corresponding to the late second and third trimesters of human pregnancy, at an exposure 0.5-times the 300 mg clinical dose, based on AUC. No adverse developmental effects were observed when metformin HCl was administered to pregnant Sprague Dawley rats and rabbits during the period of organogenesis at doses up to 2- and 6-times, respectively, a 2,000 mg clinical dose, based on body surface area [see Data ] . The estimated background risk of major birth defects is 6–10% in women with pre-gestational diabetes with a HbA 1C >7 and has been reported to be as high as 20–25% in women with a HbA 1C >10. The estimated background risk of miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2–4% and 15–20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Disease-Associated Maternal and/or Embryo/Fetal Risk Poorly controlled diabetes in pregnancy increases the maternal risk for diabetic ketoacidosis, pre-eclampsia, spontaneous abortions, preterm delivery, and delivery complications. Poorly controlled diabetes increases the fetal risk for major birth defects, stillbirth, and macrosomia related morbidity. Data Human Data Published data from post-marketing studies have not reported a clear association with metformin HCl and major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes when metformin HCl was used during pregnancy. However, these studies cannot definitely establish the absence of any metformin-associated risk because of methodological limitations, including small sample size and inconsistent comparator groups. Animal Data Canagliflozin Canagliflozin dosed directly to juvenile rats from postnatal day (PND) 21 until PND 90 at doses of 4, 20, 65, or 100 mg/kg increased kidney weights and dose dependently increased the incidence and severity of renal pelvic and tubular dilatation at all doses tested. Exposure at the lowest dose was greater than or equal to 0.5-times the 300 mg clinical dose, based on AUC. These outcomes occurred with drug exposure during periods of renal development in rats that correspond to the late second and third trimester of human renal development. The renal pelvic dilatations observed in juvenile animals did not fully reverse within a 1-month recovery period. In embryo-fetal development studies in rats and rabbits, canagliflozin was administered for intervals coinciding with the first trimester period of organogenesis in humans. No developmental toxicities independent of maternal toxicity were observed when canagliflozin was administered at doses up to 100 mg/kg in pregnant rats and 160 mg/kg in pregnant rabbits during embryonic organogenesis or during a study in which maternal rats were dosed from gestation day (GD) 6 through PND 21, yielding exposures up to approximately 19-times the 300 mg clinical dose, based on AUC. Metformin HCl Metformin HCl did not cause adverse developmental effects when administered to pregnant Sprague Dawley rats and rabbits up to 600 mg/kg/day during the period of organogenesis. This represents an exposure of about 2- and 6-times a 2,000 mg clinical dose based on body surface area (mg/m 2 ) for rats and rabbits, respectively. Canagliflozin and Metformin HCl No adverse developmental effects were observed when canagliflozin and metformin HCl were co-administered to pregnant rats during the period of organogenesis at exposures up to 11 and 13 times, respectively, the 300 mg and 2,000 mg clinical doses of canagliflozin and metformin HCl based on AUC.
8.2 Lactation Risk Summary There is no information regarding the presence of INVOKAMET, INVOKAMET XR or canagliflozin in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. Limited published studies report that metformin is present in human milk [see Data ] . However, there is insufficient information on the effects of metformin HCl on the breastfed infant and no available information on the effects of metformin HCl on milk production. Canagliflozin is present in the milk of lactating rats [see Data ] . Since human kidney maturation occurs in utero and during the first 2 years of life when lactational exposure may occur, there may be risk to the developing human kidney. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in a breastfed infant, advise women that use of INVOKAMET or INVOKAMET XR is not recommended while breastfeeding. Data Published clinical lactation studies report that metformin is present in human milk which resulted in infant doses approximately 0.11% to 1% of the maternal weight-adjusted dosage and a milk/plasma ratio ranging between 0.13 and 1. However, the studies were not designed to definitely establish the risk of use of metformin HCl during lactation because of small sample size and limited adverse event data collected in infants. Radiolabeled canagliflozin administered to lactating rats on day 13 post-partum was present at a milk/plasma ratio of 1.40, indicating that canagliflozin and its metabolites are transferred into milk at a concentration comparable to that in plasma. Juvenile rats directly exposed to canagliflozin showed a risk to the developing kidney (renal pelvic and tubular dilatations) during maturation.
8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential Discuss the potential for unintended pregnancy with premenopausal women as therapy with metformin HCl may result in ovulation in some anovulatory women.
8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of INVOKAMET and INVOKAMET XR as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus have been established in pediatric patients aged 10 years and older. Use of INVOKAMET and INVOKAMET XR for this indication is supported by evidence from a 52-week double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of canagliflozin in 171 pediatric patients aged 10 to 17 years with type 2 diabetes mellitus and in a pediatric pharmacokinetic study [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) and Clinical Studies (14.2) ] . The safety profile of pediatric patients treated with canagliflozin was similar to that observed in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. […]
How it works
Canagliflozin SGLT2, expressed in the proximal renal tubules, is responsible for the majority of the reabsorption of filtered glucose from the tubular lumen. Canagliflozin is an inhibitor of SGLT2. By inhibiting SGLT2, canagliflozin reduces reabsorption of filtered glucose and lowers the renal threshold for glucose (RT G ), and thereby increases urinary glucose excretion (UGE). Canagliflozin increases the delivery of sodium to the distal tubule by blocking SGLT2-dependent glucose and sodium reabsorption. This is believed to increase tubuloglomerular feedback and reduce intraglomerular pressure. Metformin HCl Metformin HCl is an antihyperglycemic agent which improves glucose tolerance in patients with type 2 diabetes, lowering both basal and postprandial plasma glucose. Metformin HCl decreases hepatic glucose production, decreases intestinal absorption of glucose, and improves insulin sensitivity by increasing peripheral glucose uptake and utilization. With metformin therapy, insulin secretion remains unchanged while fasting insulin levels and day-long plasma insulin response may decrease.
Is there a generic Canagliflozin and Metformin Hydrochloride?
Not yet. The FDA has tentatively approved generics from 2 companies: they meet the FDA standards but cannot be sold yet, usually because of patents or marketing exclusivity on the brand.
Macleods Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Zydus Pharms Usa Inc
Brand-name versions
- Invokamet Janssen Pharms, approved 2014
- Invokamet Xr Janssen Pharms, approved 2016
Source: Drugs@FDA (via openFDA), checked October 29, 2026. Marketing status is what companies report to the FDA; whether a pharmacy stocks a product, and what your insurance covers, can differ.
Dosage:
we do not reproduce dosing instructions. The right dose depends on the person and the condition and is set by the prescriber or pharmacist. Dosage section of the full label.
Canagliflozin and metformin hydrochloride in the news
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Source: FDA structured product labeling, retrieved through openFDA. Label text is shown as published by the FDA, without editing; long sections are shortened, marked […]. openFDA data are not validated for clinical use — always check the current label and ask a doctor or pharmacist about your own treatment. Set ID 6868666b-c25e-40d1-9d1f-306bbe9390c1.