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Invokana

Generic name: canagliflozin [KAN-a-gli-FLOE-zin]
Drug class: SGLT-2 inhibitors

What is Invokana?

Invokana is an oral diabetic medication that helps regulate your blood sugar. Canagliflozin helps the kidneys remove glucose from the bloodstream. Invokana is a combination of exercise and diet to help improve blood sugar control for people suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus. Invokana can also be used to reduce the risk of death from stroke, heart attack, or heart failure among those who suffer from type 2 diabetes and also suffer from heart disease. Invokana can also be utilized to lower the risk of kidney disease, hospitalization, or death due to heart issues in adults with kidney issues due to type 2 diabetes. Invokana is not a treatment for type 1 diabetes.

Warnings

It is not recommended to use Invokana if you suffer from serious kidney disease or are taking dialysis. Invokana may cause serious infections of the vagina or penis. Get medical help immediately if you experience burns, an itchy smell and discharge, pain or swelling, redness or tenderness of the rectal or genital region, a fever, or are not feeling well.

Before you take this drug

You shouldn't take Invokana if you are allergic to canagliflozin or if you are:

  • Chronic kidney condition (or those who have dialysis).

Invokana can increase your chance of having your lower leg amputated, particularly if you've previously had a foot ulcer, amputation, or heart condition with circulation issues as well as nerve injuries.

To ensure this medication is appropriate for you, inform your physician if you have any of the following:

  • Heart-related problems;
  • A diabetic foot ulcer or amputation
  • Issues with circulation or nerves in your feet or legs;
  • Kidney disease;
  • Liver disease;
  • Bladder infections or other urinary issues;
  • A pancreas disorder;
  • If you frequently drink or drink a lot of alcohol,
  • If you're taking fewer calories than you normally do, or
  • If you're on an eating plan that is low in salt.

Follow your doctor's advice on the use of this medication if you are expecting. Blood sugar control is crucial during pregnancy. Your dosage requirements may differ throughout each trimester. It is not advised to use canagliflozin during the 2nd or 3rd trimester of pregnancy. It is not recommended to breastfeed when taking this medication. Invokana is not a product that has been approved for use by anyone less than 18 years of age.

How do I use Invokana?

Invokana is typically taken once each day. Follow the directions on the prescription label and go through all medication guides or instruction sheets. The doctor might modify your dose. Invokana is generally consumed at least once a day, just prior to the first meal of the day. There is a possibility that you may experience very low blood pressure when you take this medication. Contact your physician if you are suffering from diarrhea or sweating more than normal. Take plenty of fluids while you take Invokana.

It is possible that you have insufficient glucose levels (hypoglycemia) and experience extreme hunger, dizziness, and confusion. You may also feel irritable, angry, and shaky. To treat hypoglycemia quickly, take a snack or drink a rapid-acting sugar source (fruit juice crackers, hard candy, hard candy raisins, apricots, or sugar-free soda). The doctor might prescribe an injection kit of glucagon for those suffering from severe hypoglycemia. Make sure that your family or close family members know what to do with the injection in an emergency.

Also, look out for indications of excessive levels of blood sugar (hyperglycemia), such as increased thirst and urination. The levels of blood sugar are changed through stress illnesses, stress surgical procedures, exercise, drinking, or not eating meals. Talk to your doctor prior to making changes to your medication or dosage schedule. Invokana is just one part of a comprehensive treatment program that might comprise exercise, diet, controlling weight, blood sugar tests, and other medical treatments. Follow the doctor's advice precisely. This medication can alter the outcomes of certain medical tests. Inform any physician who treats patients that you're using canagliflozin. Place it in a cool, dry place free of heat and moisture.

Details on dosage

Usual Adult Dose for Diabetes Type 2:

Initial dosage: 100 mg orally at least once per day.
-May be increased to 300 mg once every day for further control of glycemic, but only in patients who tolerated the doses lower and possess an estimated glycemic response of mL/min/1.73 m2 or higher.
Maximum dose: 300 mg/day

Comments:
Do not begin treatment for patients who have an eGFR of less than 45 mL/min/1.73 m2 since this drug will not be effective.
If used in conjunction with an insulin or insulin secretagogue, the use of a lower dose of insulin or the insulin secretagogue must be considered to lower the risk of hypoglycemia.

Use: As an addition to exercise and diet to increase glycemic control in patients suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus.

What happens if I miss the dose?

You should take the medication as quickly as you are able, but avoid any missed doses if you are close to the time of the next dose. Don't take two doses at a time.

What happens if I overdose?

Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the poison help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should be avoided?

Be careful not to get up too fast from a lying or sitting position. You could get dizzy.

Side effects of Invokana

See a doctor immediately. If you are experiencing symptoms of an allergic reaction, Invokana: hives, breathing problems, and swelling of your lips, face, and tongue. Get medical attention immediately if you notice symptoms of a genital illness (penis or vagina): burning, itching, and odor, as well as discharge, pain, tenderness, swelling, or redness in the rectal or genital area, fever, or not feeling well. These symptoms could worsen quickly. See your doctor right away for:

  • A lightheaded sensation, similar to feeling like you're about to pass out.
  • Very little or no urine;
  • Discomfort or burning sensation after you urinate;
  • New pain, tenderness, or tenderness in your feet; blisters, sores, or infections that affect your feet or in your legs;
  • Very high in potassium; nausea; irregular heartbeats; weakening; loss of movement;
  • Ketoacidosis (too much acidity in the blood): nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, disorientation, unusual drowsiness, or difficulty breathing;
  • Symptoms of dehydration such as dizziness, weakness, and feeling lightheaded (like you could faint).

There is a higher chance of suffering a fractured bone when using Invokana. Discuss with your physician ways to minimize the risk of breaking your bones.

Some side effects are more likely to happen in older people. Common side effects of Invokana include:

  • Genital infections.
  • More frequently urinating than usual.

This isn't an exhaustive list of possible side effects, and other side effects could be present. Consult your physician for advice regarding medical effects. You can report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Interaction with other drugs

Discuss with your doctor any other medications you take, including:

  • Insulin or other diabetes medications that are taken orally;
  • A diuretic, or "water pill";
  • Digoxin, digitalis;
  • Rifampin;
  • Ritonavir
  • Seizure medication: phenobarbital and phenytoin.

This list isn't comprehensive. Other medications can interact with canagliflozin. These include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. There are many possible interactions between drugs. are included here.