What is Canagliflozin and metformin?
Canagliflozin combined with metformin improves blood sugar levels in adults who have type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Canagliflozin combined with metformin can also be used to reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure among adults who have type 2 diabetes, as well as heart disease.
Canagliflozin combined with metformin can also be used to lower the risk of kidney failure and heart disease in adult patients who have type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is not treated with canagliflozin or metformin. This medication guide does not list all possible uses for canagliflozin or metformin.
Side effects of Canagliflozin and metformin
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergy: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling in your lips, face, throat, or tongue If any of these symptoms appear, seek medical help immediately.The symptoms can get worse very quickly.
The mild symptoms of lactic acidosis can worsen with time. This condition is fatal. If you experience unusual pain in the muscles, stomach pain, or nausea, stop taking this medication and contact your doctor immediately.
Canagliflozin or metformin can cause severe side effects. If you experience:
- New pain or tenderness in the legs or feet, as well as sores or ulcers;
- Little or no urine;
- A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you could pass out.
- High potassium levels cause weakness, nausea, and chest pain.
- Ketoacidosis is a condition where there's too much acid in your blood. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, confusion, and unusual sleepiness.
- Signs of bladder infections include pain or burning while urinating, cloudy urine, and back or pelvic pain.
This medicine may cause kidney or dehydration problems in older adults.
This medicine may increase your chances of breaking a bone. Speak to your doctor for advice on how you can reduce the chance of fractures.
Side effects that can be caused by metformin and canagliflozin include:
- Urinating more often than usual
- Headache, weakness;
- Gas, stomach pain, indigestion;
- Nausea, omitting,
- Diarrhea.
There may be other side effects. Call your doctor if experiencing side effects; otherwise contact FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 to file your report.
Warnings
Canagliflozin should be avoided if you suffer from severe kidney problems or diabetes ketoacidosis.
Canagliflozin may cause infections of the vagina or penis. Seek medical attention immediately if there is any burning, itching, or discharge in your genital area or if the pain or tenderness increases.
You could develop lactic acidosis. This is a buildup of dangerous lactic acids in your blood. If you experience unusual pain in your muscles, difficulty breathing, nausea, dizziness, or cold feelings, call your doctor.
Before you take this drug
This medicine should not be used if:
- Severe kidney disease
- Ketoacidosis: Call your doctor to get treated.
You may have to stop canagliflozin or metformin temporarily if you are going to undergo an x-ray, CT scan, or any other type of test that uses a dye injected directly into your veins.
Canagliflozin can increase the risk of amputation in your lower legs, particularly if you've had an amputation before, have a foot wound, suffer from heart disease, circulatory problems, or nerve damage.
If you've ever:
- Heart problems
- A diabetic ulcer, or an amputation.
- You may have problems with your feet or legs, such as nerve or circulation issues.
- Liver or kidney disease
- Low levels of vitamin B12 and calcium in the blood
- Other urination issues or bladder infections
- A pancreatic disorder or surgery
- Change your diet or
- If you're on a diet low in salt,
Lactic acidosis is a buildup of dangerous lactic acids in the blood. You may have a higher risk if, among other things, you suffer from a serious infection or chronic alcoholism. Consult your doctor to determine your level of risk.
If you are pregnant, tell your doctor immediately. Canagliflozin can harm an unborn child if taken during the second or third trimester. Metformin can stimulate ovulation and increase unintended pregnancies in women who are not yet menopausal. Speak to your doctor about the risks. This medicine should not be used while breastfeeding. Canagliflozin or metformin should not be used by those under 18 years of age.
How to take Canagliflozin and metformin?
Skip your evening metformin tablets the night before you begin taking metformin and canagliflozin. Read all the instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow the directions. Sometimes, your doctor will change the dose. You must take the medication exactly as prescribed.
Take along your food. Do not chew or crush the Extended-Release Tablet. You might feel hyperglycemia, which is low blood sugar. This can make you dizzy, irritable, or confused. If you want to treat hyperglycemia quickly, consume or drink sugary foods or drinks (fruit juices, candy bars, crackers, or raisins).
In the event of severe hypoglycemia, your doctor might prescribe a glucagon injectable kit. Make sure that your close family members or friends are familiar with how to administer this medication in case of an emergency.
Watch for symptoms of high blood sugar, such as an increase in thirst or increased urination. Stress, illness, surgeries, physical activity, drinking alcohol, and skipping meals can all affect blood sugar levels. Consult your doctor before making any changes to your medication or dose schedule.
You may be prescribed extra B12. Only take the prescribed amount of vitamin B12 as directed by your physician. If you experience diarrhoea or vomiting or are perspiring excessively, call your doctor. Canagliflozin can cause dehydration, leading to low pressure and electrolyte balance.
Tell any doctor treating you that you use canagliflozin or metformin if you require surgery, medical testing, etc. This medicine may have to be stopped at least three days prior to surgery. You can ask your doctor how you should control your blood glucose during this period. Canagliflozin is part of an overall treatment plan that includes diet, exercise, and weight management, as well as blood glucose testing and other medical attention. You should follow your doctor's advice. Tablets should be stored in their original packaging at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. Canagliflozin tablets and metformin should not be kept in daily pill boxes for more than 30 days.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are close to your next dose, skip the missed dosage. Do not take multiple doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care. If you have a severe low blood sugar level (extreme fatigue, nausea, tremors or tremors with sweating and confusion, difficulty speaking, rapid heartbeats, or seizures), seek emergency medical attention.
What should be avoided?
It is best to avoid alcohol. Alcohol lowers your blood sugar levels and can increase the risk of lactic acidosis.
Interaction with other drug
Inform your physician of all medications taken, including:
- Digoxin (digitalis, lanoxin);
- A diuretic, or "water pills."
- Insulin and other oral diabetic medications
- Rifampin;
- Ritonavir
- Seizure medicine—phenobarbital, phenytoin.
The list below is not exhaustive. Canagliflozin may interact with metformin and other drugs, such as vitamins and herbs. This list does not include all possible interactions with other drugs.
