Invokana (Canagliflozin)

INVOKANA (CANAGLIFLOZIN)

Overview

Invokana (Canagliflozin) is a prescription drug which is used to treat type 2 diabetes. Moreover, Invokana is a brand name under which generic drug Canagliflozin is sold. It is an oral drug. It is prescribed by the doctor along with diet and exercise for glycemic control, above all.

How It Works

This drug relates to a group of medicines known as sodium-glucose transport protein 2 (SGLT 2) inhibitors. Moreover, Kidney filters the glucose out of the blood. However, the glucose gets reabsorbed due to SGLT 2 proteins. SGLT 2 inhibitors prevent the glucose from being absorbed back into the blood. Similarly, it removes the access of glucose from the body through urination. It also helps in losing weight as many calories are removed from the body with glucose. This is how Invokana helps to remove excess sugar from the blood, thus maintaining blood sugar levels.

Dosage

• Not recommended for children below 18 years.
• Adult Dosage: Initial dose of 100 mg once daily before breakfast.
• Increase in dose to 300 mg once daily depending on tolerability.
• Maximum dose of 300 mg once daily is recommended.
• Dosage for Patients with Renal Impairment:
• A standard dose of 100 mg once daily.
• Not for patients having serious renal impairment

Common Side Effects

• Serious Side Effects:
• Lower Limb Amputation
• Allergic Reactions
• Genital Infection: Symptoms are,

1. Frequent Urination
2. Burning while urinating
3. Dark and cloudy urine
4. A strong odour of urine
5. Pelvic Pain
6. White Discharge from the vagina
7. Vaginal odour and itching
8. Swelling of the penis
9. Discharge from the penis

• Dehydration: Symptoms are,

1. Dizziness
2. Weakness

• Ketoacidosis: Symptoms are,

1. Nausea
2. Vomiting
3. Stomach pain

• Hypoglycemia
• Hypotension
• Fracture
• Common Side Effects:
• Mild genital infection
• More urination
• Thirst
• Constipation

These are some side effects of Invokana. However, if you notice any symptoms, get immediate medical help.

How to Take This Medication

• Take this medication as and when prescribed by the doctor.
• Read the instructions carefully.
• Take it once daily before breakfast.
• If you miss a dose, don’t take 2 doses at once.
• If you overdose, contact your doctor consequently.
• Follow this medication with diet and exercise, above all.

Warnings and Precautions

• Important Warnings:
• Lower Limb Amputation: Invokana (Canagliflozin) may increase the risk of lower limb amputation in patients.
• Genital Infection: Patients may suffer from a severe genital infection.
• Other Warnings and Precautions:
• Don’t take this drug if you have/are,

1. Kidney Problems
2. On Dialysis
3. Heart problems

• Inform your doctor if you have/are,

1. Diabetic foot ulcer
2. Kidney problems
3. Diabetic Ketoacidosis
4. Nerve problems in limbs
5. Blood circulation problems in limbs
6. Liver disease
7. Heart disease
8. Bladder Infection
9. Problem with Pancreas
10. On a low salt diet
11. Pregnant or planning for a child
12. Breastfeeding
13. Going to have a surgery
14. On other medication

• Not recommended for children under 18 years.

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