Invokana (canagliflozin) is an oral diabetes medicine that helps control blood sugar levels. Canagliflozin works by helping the kidneys get rid of glucose from your bloodstream.
Invokana is used together with diet and exercise to treat type 2 diabetes.
Invokana is not for treating type 1 diabetes.
Important information
You should not use Invokana if you have severe kidney disease, if you are on dialysis, or if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with insulin). Invokana is not for treating type 1 diabetes.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Invokana if you are allergic to canagliflozin, or if you have:
To make sure Invokana is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
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kidney disease;
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liver disease;
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low blood pressure;
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an electrolyte imbalance (such as high levels of potassium in your blood);
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high cholesterol levels;
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if you are on a low salt diet; or
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if you use insulin or other oral diabetes medicines.
It is not known whether Invokana will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
It is not known whether canagliflozin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.
Side effects may be more likely to occur in older adults.
Do not give Invokana to anyone under 18 years old without medical advice.
How should I take Invokana?
Invokana is usually taken once per day. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Invokana works best if you take it before your first meal of the day.
Your blood sugar will need to be checked often, and you may need other blood tests at your doctor"s office.
You may have very low blood pressure while taking this medicine. Call your doctor if you are sick with vomiting or diarrhea, or if you are sweating more than usual. Drink plenty of liquids while you are taking Invokana.
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can happen to everyone who has diabetes. Symptoms include headache, hunger, sweating, pale skin, irritability, dizziness, feeling shaky, or trouble concentrating. Always keep a source of sugar with you in case you have low blood sugar. Sugar sources include fruit juice, hard candy, crackers, raisins, and non-diet soda. Be sure your family and close friends know how to help you in an emergency.
If you have severe hypoglycemia and cannot eat or drink, use a glucagon injection. Your doctor can prescribe a glucagon emergency injection kit and tell you how to use it.
Also watch for signs of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) such as increased thirst, increased urination, hunger, dry mouth, fruity breath odor, drowsiness, dry skin, blurred vision, and weight loss.
Check your blood sugar carefully during times of stress, travel, illness, surgery or medical emergency, vigorous exercise, or if you drink alcohol or skip meals. These things can affect your glucose levels and your dose needs may also change. Do not change your medication dose or schedule without your doctor"s advice.
This medicine can cause positive results with certain lab tests for glucose (sugar) in the urine. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using Invokana.
Invokana is only part of a treatment program that may also include diet, exercise, weight control, blood sugar testing, and special medical care. Follow your doctor"s instructions very closely.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Invokana dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Diabetes Type 2:
Initial dose: 100 mg orally once daily
Maximum dose: May increase to 300 mg orally once daily in patients with an eGFR of 60 mL/min/1.73m2 or greater, tolerating therapy with 100 mg, and requiring additional glycemic control
Comments:
-Do not initiate in patients with an eGFR less than 45 mL/min/1.73m2 as this drug will not be effective.
-If used in combination with insulin or an insulin secretagogue, a lower dose of insulin or the insulin secretagogue should be considered to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia.
Use: As an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking Invokana?
Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.
Invokana side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any signs of an allergic reaction to Invokana: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
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a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
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pain or burning when you urinate;
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signs of a genital infection (penis or vagina), such as pain, burning, itching, redness, swelling, odor, or discharge;
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high potassium - nausea, slow or unusual heart rate, weakness, loss of movement;
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ketoacidosis (too much acid in the blood)- nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, confusion, unusual drowsiness, or trouble breathing;
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kidney problems - little or no urinating; swelling in your feet or ankles; feeling tired or short of breath; or
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dehydration symptoms - feeling very thirsty or hot, being unable to urinate, heavy sweating, or hot and dry skin.
Common Invokana side effects may include:
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Invokana?
Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:
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digoxin, digitalis;
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rifampin;
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ritonavir;
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a diuretic or "water pill";
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heart or blood pressure medicine; or
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seizure medication - phenobarbital, phenytoin.
This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with canagliflozin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.
