Invokana : Uses, Side Effects, Interactions & More

IMPORTANT WARNING:

Taking Invokana (Canagliflozin) may increase the risk of lower limb amputation (toe, foot, or leg). Tell your doctor if you have ever had an amputation, or if you have or have ever had heart disease, peripheral vascular disease (narrowing of the blood vessels in the feet, legs or arms that causes numbness, pain or coldness in that part of the body). Body). , neuropathy (nerve damage that causes tingling, numbness and pain, usually in your hands and feet), or ulcers or sores on the feet. Your doctor will tell you how to properly care for your legs and feet to help avoid infections and complications that could lead to amputation. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and call your doctor right away if you have pain, tenderness, sores, ulcers, or a swollen, hot, or red area on your leg or foot, fever or chills, or other signs and symptoms of infection.

Your doctor or pharmacist will give you the manufacturer’s patient information sheet (Medication Guide) when you start treatment with Invokana and each time you get a refill. Read the information carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. You can also visit the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website (http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm085729.htm) or the manufacturer’s website to obtain the Medication Guide.

Why is this medication prescribed?

Invokana (Canagliflozin) is used along with diet and exercise, and sometimes with other medications, to lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes (a condition in which the blood sugar is too high because the body does not make or use insulin normally). Invokana is also used to reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, or death in people who have type 2 diabetes along with heart and blood vessel disease. Invokana is also used to reduce the risk of end-stage kidney disease, worsening kidney function, the need to be hospitalized for heart failure, and cardiovascular death in people who have type 2 diabetes along with severe kidney disease. Invokana is in a class of medications called sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. It lowers blood sugar by causing the kidneys to excrete more glucose in the urine. Invokana is not used to treat type 1 diabetes (a condition in which the body does not produce insulin and therefore cannot control the amount of sugar in the blood) or diabetic ketoacidosis (a serious condition that can develop if not treats high blood sugar). ).

Over time, people with diabetes and high blood sugar can develop serious or life-threatening complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney problems, nerve damage, and eye problems. Taking medicine, making lifestyle changes (for example, diet, exercise, quitting smoking), and regularly checking your blood sugar level can help control your diabetes and improve your health. This therapy may also lower your chances of having a heart attack, stroke, or other diabetes-related complications, such as kidney failure, nerve damage (numbness, cold legs or feet; decreased sexual ability in men and women) , eye problems, including changes. or vision loss or gum disease. Your doctor and other healthcare providers will talk with you about the best way to control your diabetes.

How should this medicine be used?

Invokana (Canagliflozin) 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 Invokana at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any parts you do not understand. Take Invokana exactly as directed. Do not take more or less, or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Your doctor may start you on a low dose of Invokana and gradually increase your dose.

Invokana controls type 2 diabetes but does not cure it. Keep taking Invokana even if you feel fine. Do not stop taking Invokana without consulting your doctor.

Other uses for this medicine

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking Invokana,

  • Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic (rash, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or difficulty breathing) to Invokana, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in Invokana tablets. Ask your pharmacist or see the Medication Guide for a list of ingredients.
  • Tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors such as benazepril (Lotensin, in Lotrel), captopril, enalapril (Vasotec, in Vaseretic), fosinopril, lisinopril (in Zestoretic), moexipril (Univasc, in Uniretic), perindopril (Aceon, in Prestalia), quinapril (Accupril, in Accuretic, in Quinaretic), ramipril (Altace) and trandolapril (Mavik, in Tarka); Angiotensin receptor blockers such as azilsartan (Edarbi, in Edarbyclor), candesartan (Atacand, in Atacand HCT), eprosartan (Teveten), irbesartan (Avapro, in Avalide), losartan (Cozaar, in Hyzaar), olmesartan (Benicar, in Azor, in Benicar HCT, in Tribenzor), telmisartan (Micardis, in Micardis HCT, in Twynsta) and valsartan (Diovan, in Diovan HCT, in Exforge); aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn); digoxin (Lanoxin); diuretics (‘water pills’); insulin; other medications for diabetes; phenobarbital; phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek); rifampicin (Rifadin, Rimactane, in Rifamate, in Rifater); and ritonavir (Norvir, in Kaletra). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you closely for side effects.
  • Tell your doctor if you are on dialysis and if you have or have ever had kidney disease. Your doctor may tell you not to take Invokana.
  • Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol regularly or sometimes drink large amounts of alcohol in a short time (excessive alcohol consumption), or if you are on a low sodium diet. Also, tell your doctor if you have or have ever had low blood pressure, urinary tract infections or urinary problems, pancreatic disease including pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), or have had surgery on the pancreas, yeast infections in the genital area. , osteoporosis. (a condition in which the bones become thin and weak and break easily), kidney or liver disease. If you are male, tell your doctor if you have never been circumcised. Tell your doctor if you are eating less due to illness, surgery, or a change in your diet, or if you are unable to eat or drink normally due to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or if you become dehydrated from being in the sun too long. .
  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Do not breastfeed while you are taking Invokana. If you become pregnant while taking Invokana, call your doctor.
  • If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking Invokana.
  • Alcohol can cause a change in blood sugar. Ask your doctor about the safe use of alcoholic beverages while taking Invokana.
  • You should know that Invokana can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting when you get up too quickly from lying down. If you have this problem, call your doctor. This problem is more common when you start taking Invokana. To avoid this problem, get out of bed slowly, resting your feet on the floor for a few minutes before standing up.
  • Ask your doctor what to do if you get sick, develop an infection or fever, experience unusual stress, or are injured. These conditions can affect your blood sugar and the amount of Invokana you may need.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Be sure to follow all of the diet and exercise recommendations made by your doctor or dietitian. It is important to eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly.

Follow your doctor’s instructions about drinking enough fluids throughout the day while taking this medicine.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the one you forgot.

What side effects can this medication cause?

This medication may cause changes in your blood sugar. You should know the symptoms of low and high blood sugar and what to do if you have these symptoms.

Invokana may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

  • urinating a lot, including at night
  • increased thirst
  • constipation
  • dry mouth

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

  • frequent, urgent, burning, or painful urination
  • decrease in amount of urine
  • urine that is cloudy, red, pink, or brown
  • strong smelling urine
  • pelvic or rectal pain
  • (in women) vaginal odor, white or yellowish vaginal discharge (may be lumpy or look like cottage cheese), or vaginal itching
  • (in men) redness, itching, or swelling of the penis; rash on the penis; foul smelling discharge from the penis; or pain in the skin around the penis
  • feeling tired, weak, or uncomfortable; along with a fever and pain, tenderness, redness, and swelling of the genitals or the area between the genitals and the rectum

If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop taking Invokana and call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:

  • rash
  • hives
  • itching
  • difficulty swallowing
  • swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, mouth, or eyes
  • hoarseness

If you experience any of the following symptoms of ketoacidosis, stop taking Invokana and call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment. If possible, check for ketones in your urine if you have these symptoms, even if your blood sugar is less than 250 mg/dL:

  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • stomach-area pain
  • tiredness
  • difficulty breathing

Invokana may increase the chance of having a fracture (broken bone), particularly in the upper arms, wrists, or hands. Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking this medicine.

Invokana may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medicine.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor can submit a report online to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Keep this medicine in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of the reach of children. Store at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

It is important to keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children, since many containers (such as those containing weekly pills and those for eye drops, creams, patches and inhalers) are not resistant to children and small children can easily open them. To protect young children from poisoning, always close the safety caps and immediately place the medicine in a safe place, one that is upright and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

Unnecessary medications must be disposed of in special ways to ensure they cannot be consumed by pets, children, and others. However, you should not flush this medicine down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medications is through a drug take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage / recycling department to find out about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA Safe Drug Disposal website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim collapsed, had a seizure, is having trouble breathing, or is unable to wake up, immediately call 911 for emergency services.

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order a laboratory test before and during your treatment with Invokana to check how well your kidneys are working. Your blood sugar levels should be checked regularly to determine your response to Invokana. Your doctor will order other laboratory tests, including glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), to check your response to Invokana. Your doctor will also tell you how to check your response to this medicine by measuring your blood sugar levels at home. Follow these instructions carefully.

Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking Invokana. Because of the way this medicine works, your urine may test positive for glucose.

You should always wear a diabetic identification bracelet to ensure that you receive proper treatment in an emergency.

Do not let anyone else take your medicine. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important that you keep a written list of all prescription and over-the-counter (over-the-counter) medications you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should take this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you go into hospital. It is also important information to take with you in case of emergencies.

Brand Names

  • Invokana®

Disclaimer: DrLinex has made every effort to ensure that all information is factually accurate, comprehensive and up-to-date. However, this article should not be used as a licensed health care professional’s choice of knowledge and expertise. You should always consult your doctor or other health care professional before taking any medication. The information given here is subject to change and it has not been used to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions or adverse effects. The lack of warning or other information for any drug does not indicate that the combination of medicine or medication is safe, effective or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

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