What is Invokana?

Invokana also known as canagliflozin is an oral diabetes medicine that helps control blood sugar levels. Invokana is used together with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

This medication is used to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events (including heart attack, stroke or death) in adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease.

Invokana is also used to reduce the risk of end stage kidney disease (ESKD), worsening of kidney function, cardiovascular death, and hospitalization for heart failure in adults with type 2 diabetes and diabetic kidney disease.

How does Invokana work?

Invokana works by increasing the removal of sugar by your kidneys which helps to get rid of glucose from your bloodstream. You need to take Invokana regularly to get the most benefit from it.

Canagliflozin controls type 2 diabetes but does not cure it. Continue to take canagliflozin even if you feel well. Do not stop taking canagliflozin without talking to your doctor.

Invokana is used for adults with type 2 diabetes and is not for treating type 1 diabetes.

Always read the patient information and instructions carefully before using this medication.

• Invokana comes as a tablet to take by mouth.
• It is usually taken once a day before breakfast or the first main meal of the day.
• Take canagliflozin at around the same time every day.
• Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
• Continue to take canagliflozin even if you feel well. Do not stop taking canagliflozin without talking to your doctor.
• Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
• If you miss a dose of Invokana, take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

Make sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist:

• If you have any drug allergies.
• Which other prescription and non-prescription medications you currently take.
• Your medical history especially of kidney disease, dehydration, low blood pressure, heart failure, mineral imbalances such as high levels of potassium and your history of yeast infections in the vagina or penis.
• Your use or any abuse of alcohol.
• If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed.

Also be aware that:

• Limit your alcohol intake while taking this medication because it can increase your risk of developing low blood sugar and a high ketone level.
• You may experience blurred vision, dizziness, or drowsiness due to extremely low or high blood sugar. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness or clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely.
• It may be harder to control your blood sugar when your body is stressed (such as due to fever, infection, injury, or surgery). Also, if you are eating less or not able to eat due to these conditions or any illness, this can lead to a high ketone level while you are taking this medication.
• Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially dizziness/fainting (usually when standing), dehydration, or some bone loss.
• Canagliflozin does not usually cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Low blood sugar may occur if this drug is prescribed with other diabetes medications, or if you do not consume enough calories from food, or if you do unusually heavy exercise. Symptoms of low blood sugar include sudden sweating, shaking, fast heartbeat, hunger, blurred vision, dizziness, or tingling hands/feet. It is a good habit to carry glucose tablets or gel to treat low blood sugar. If you don't have these reliable forms of glucose, rapidly raise your blood sugar by eating a quick source of sugar such as table sugar, honey, or candy, or drink fruit juice or non-diet soda. Tell your doctor right away about the reaction and the use of this product. To help prevent low blood sugar, eat meals on a regular schedule, and do not skip meals.
• Canagliflozin may cause some bone loss, or even a broken bone. Lifestyle habits that help promote healthy bones include weight-bearing exercises, stopping smoking, limiting alcohol, and eating well-balanced meals that contain adequate calcium and vitamin D. You may also need to take calcium and vitamin D supplements.

Common side-effects may include but are not limited to:

• Frequent urination.
• Unusual dry mouth.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness. To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.

Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following side-effects:

• Signs of bladder infection such as fever, urgent urination and burning or pain when you urinate.
• Signs of kidney problems such as change in the amount of urine or swelling of the legs or feet.
• Signs of high level of potassium in the blood such as muscle weakness and slow or irregular heartbeat.
• Unusual tiredness.
• Trouble breathing.
• Nausea or vomiting, stomach or abdominal pain.
• Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction such as rashes, itching, swelling especially of the face, tongue or throat, severe dizziness or trouble breathing.
• Signs of a yeast infection in the vagina such as unusual vaginal discharge, burning, itching or odor.
• Signs of a yeast infection in the penis such as redness, itching, swelling of the penis or unusual discharge from the penis.
• Pain, redness or swelling in or around the genital or anal area.

Q: Is there a generic alternative to Invokana?

A: There is currently no therapeutically equivalent generic alternative to Invokana. However you can still save up to 90% on the cost of your medicine by buying with us.

Q: What is the strength of Invokana?

A: Invokana comes in strengths of 100mg and 300mg.