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Home > Drug Category > Diabetic Medications and Products > Invokana and Equivalent

Invokana Information

Invokana (Canagliflozin Hemihydrate) is used alone with healthy diet and lifestyle modifications to control blood sugar in people aged 10 years and older with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It may also be prescribed to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events (like heart attack or stroke) and hospitalization for heart failure in individuals with type 2 diabetes who have established cardiovascular disease. Additionally, it may help to slow the progression of kidney disease, such as diabetic nephropathy, in patients with type 2 diabetes, which is significant because diabetes is a leading cause of kidney failure. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition where the body either doesn't produce enough insulin or doesn't use insulin effectively, leading to high blood sugar levels. Uncontrolled high blood sugar can cause serious health problems over time, including heart disease, kidney damage, nerve damage, and blindness. The active ingredient, canagliflozin, belongs to the drug class known as sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2 inhibitors). In healthy individuals, the kidneys reabsorb most of the glucose filtered from the blood back into the bloodstream. Invokana blocks explicitly the action of the SGLT2 protein, which is responsible for this reabsorption. Invokana consequently prevents the kidneys from reabsorbing as much glucose, causing more sugar to be excreted from the body through urine. This process lowers blood glucose levels independently of insulin, thereby helping to manage type 2 diabetes and mitigate its associated cardiovascular and renal complications.

Invokana Side Effects

Like all medications, canagliflozin may cause some side effects. Some common side effects include constipation, headache, nausea, and thirst. Stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects, including the following:
• Allergic reactions such as breathing difficulties, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or throat;
• Bone pains and fracture;
• Dehydration with symptoms such as decreased urine, dry skin, dry and sticky mouth;
• Diabetic ketoacidosis - with symptoms such as abdominal pain, severe nausea and vomiting, fruity breath smell;
• Kidney problems with symptoms such as increased urination at night, fever, chills, bloody urine;
• Low blood sugar with symptoms such as palpitations, excessive sweating, headache, anxiety and fainting;
• Necrotizing Fasciitis with symptoms such as pain, redness, tenderness, or swelling of the perineum and genitals, fever, and malaise;
• Pancreatitis with symptoms such as abdominal pain on the upper left side, back pain, nausea;
• Peripheral ischemia (blocked or narrowed blood vessels), such as leg pain that gets worse with walking and better with rest, cold, and bluish skin;
• Severe dizziness and lightheadedness, especially when standing;
• Skin rash, ulcer, or sore;
• Yeast infection with symptoms such as penile or vaginal discharge

Inform your doctor about any other side effects you notice that are not listed here.

Invokana Precautions

Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to canagliflozin or any other ingredients in Invokana. Before using this medication, ensure you inform your doctor about any medical conditions you previously or currently have, including the following:
• Bone problems such as osteoporosis;
• Dehydration;
• Electrolyte imbalance, such as high levels of potassium in the blood;
• Heart disease;
• High cholesterol levels in the blood;
• Liver disease;
• Low blood pressure;
• Peripheral neuropathy;
• Severe kidney disease;
• Urinary tract infection

This medication is not indicated for use in individuals with type 1 diabetes or a diabetic emergency called diabetic ketoacidosis. It is recommended that you do not drive or operate machinery until you are certain how this medication affects you, as it can cause dizziness. Avoid the intake of alcohol or alcoholic beverages while taking this medication, as alcohol can cause you to develop side effects. Research shows there may be an increased risk of amputation of the lower limbs while using this medication, especially in individuals with a risk of specific heart disease. Therefore, ensure good foot care and contact your doctor if you notice any infected wounds or leg ulcers. Make sure to check your blood sugar regularly to ensure optimal control and be aware of the signs of low blood sugar. If you are scheduled for planned surgery, please inform your medical team that you are taking canagliflozin. This medication should be used with caution in older adults (>65 yrs) as they are more likely to experience side effects with this medication. Do not use this medication during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Inform your doctor right away if you become pregnant while using this medicine.

Canagliflozin may interact with other medications or substances such as anticonvulsants, diuretics, digoxin, and HIV medicines such as efavirenz or ritonavir. Therefore, inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines, including herbal supplements and over-the-counter medications, that you are taking before starting Invokana to prevent potential drug interactions. Take Invokana tablets orally, preferably before the first meal of the day. Swallow the tablet whole with water. Maintain adequate hydration, especially during illness or hot weather. Consult your doctor for the appropriate dose for you. Refer to the leaflets in the medication pack for additional usage information. Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Invokana?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Invokana.