Invokana is a brand-name prescription drug. It\u2019s FDA-approved for use in adults with type 2 diabetes to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Improve blood sugar levels. For this use, Invokana is prescribed in addition to diet and exercise to lower blood sugar levels. Reduce the risk of certain cardiovascular problems. For this use, Invokana is given to adults with known cardiovascular disease. It\u2019s used to lower the risk of heart attack and stroke that don\u2019t lead to death. The drug is used to reduce the risk of death from a heart or blood vessel problem.
Reduce the risk of certain complications in people who have diabetic nephropathy with albuminuria. For this use, Invokana is given to certain adults who have diabetic nephropathy (kidney damage that\u2019s caused by diabetes) with albuminuria* of greater than 300 milligrams per day. It\u2019s used to lower the risk of:
End-stage kidney disease
death caused by a heart or blood vessel problem
doubled blood level of creatinine
the need to be hospitalized for heart failure
For more information about these uses of Invokana and certain limitations of its use, see the \u201cInvokana uses\u201d section below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Drug details Invokana comes as a tablet that\u2019s taken by mouth. It\u2019s available in two strengths: 100 mg and 300 mg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Effectiveness<\/strong> Invokana generic Invokana side effects To learn more about possible side effects of Invokana or how to manage them, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tracks side effects of drugs it has approved. If you would like to notify the FDA about a side effect you\u2019ve had with Invokana, you can do so through MedWatch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n More common side effects urinary tract infections \/ urinating more often than normal \/ thirstiness \/ constipation \/ nausea \/ yeast infections\u2020 in men and women \/ vaginal itching. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Most of these side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If they\u2019re more severe or don\u2019t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You should also call your doctor if you think you have a urinary tract infection or yeast infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Serious side effects Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dehydration (low fluid level), which can cause low blood pressure. Symptoms can include: Side effect details Allergic reaction Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n skin rash\/itchiness\/flushing (warmth, swelling, or redness in your skin) Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet Amputation<\/strong> Two studies found an increased risk for lower limb amputation in people who took Invokana and had:<\/p>\n\n\n\n type 2 diabetes and heart disease, or Before you start taking Invokana, talk with your doctor about your risk of amputation. This is especially important if you\u2019ve had an amputation in the past. It\u2019s also important if you have a blood circulation or nerve disorder, or diabetic foot ulcers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Call your doctor right away and stop taking Invokana if you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n feel new foot pain or tenderness Yeast infection You\u2019re more likely to develop a yeast infection if you\u2019ve had one in the past or if you\u2019re an uncircumcised male.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you get a yeast infection while taking Invokana, talk with your doctor. They can suggest ways to treat it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Diabetic ketoacidosis Symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis can include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n excessive thirst\/urinating more often than normal\/nausea\/vomiting\/stomach pain\/tiredness\/weakness\/shortness of breath\/breath that smells fruity\/confusion Before you start taking Invokana, your doctor will assess your risk for developing diabetic ketoacidosis. If you have an increased risk of this condition, your doctor may monitor you closely during treatment. And in some cases, such as if you\u2019re having surgery, they may have you temporarily stop taking Invokana.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fournier\u2019s gangrene<\/strong> pain, tenderness, swelling, or reddening in your genital or rectal area More serious cases of Fournier\u2019s gangrene have led to hospitalization, multiple surgeries, or even death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you think you may have developed Fournier\u2019s gangrene, call your doctor right away. They may want you to stop taking Invokana. They will also recommend treatment for the infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kidney damage urinating less often than normal You\u2019re more likely to have kidney problems if you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n are dehydrated (have a low fluid level) Your doctor may also test how your kidneys are working during your treatment with Invokana. If they detect any kidney problems, they may change your dose or stop your treatment with the drug.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bone fractures Symptoms of bone fracture can include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n pain\/swelling\/tenderness\/bruising\/deformity Falls<\/strong>: In nine clinical trials, up to 2.1% of people who took Invokana had a fall. There was a higher risk of falls in the first few weeks of treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have a fall while taking Invokana or if you\u2019re concerned about falling, talk with your doctor. They can suggest ways to help prevent this side effect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pancreatitis <\/strong>(not a side effect)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pancreatitis (inflammation in your pancreas) was extremely rare in clinical trials. Rates of pancreatitis were similar between people who took Invokana and those who took a placebo (treatment without active drug). Because of these similar results, it\u2019s not likely that Invokana caused the pancreatitis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have concerns about developing pancreatitis with Invokana, talk with your doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Joint pain (not a side effect): Joint pain wasn\u2019t a side effect of Invokana in any clinical trials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, some other diabetes drugs may cause joint pain. In fact, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a safety announcementTrusted Source for a class of diabetes drug called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. (A drug class describes a group of medications that work in the same way.) The announcement said that DPP-4 inhibitors may cause severe joint pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But Invokana doesn\u2019t belong to that drug class. Instead, it belongs to a class of drugs called sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have concerns about joint pain with Invokana use, talk with your doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hair loss (not a side effect)\/Hair loss wasn\u2019t a side effect of Invokana in any clinical trials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re concerned about hair loss, talk with your doctor. They can help you determine what\u2019s causing it and ways to treat it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Invokana dosage the type and severity of the condition you\u2019re using Invokana to treat The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to suit your needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Drug forms and strengths 100 milligrams (mg), which comes as a yellow tablet In people with an:<\/p>\n\n\n\n eGFR of at least 60, they have no loss of kidney function to mild loss of kidney function. Their recommended dosage of Invokana is 100 mg once daily. Their doctor may increase their dosage to 300 mg once daily if needed to help manage their blood sugar level. Dosage for reducing cardiovascular risks Dosage for reducing the risk of complications from diabetic nephropathy What if I miss a dose? Using a reminder tool can help you remember to take Invokana every day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Be sure to take Invokana only as your doctor prescribes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Will I need to use this drug long-term? Invokana is a brand-name prescription drug. It\u2019s FDA-approved for use in adults with type 2 diabetes to: Improve blood sugar levels. For this use, Invokana is prescribed in addition to diet and exercise to lower blood sugar levels. Reduce the risk of certain cardiovascular problems. For this use, Invokana is given to adults with known cardiovascular disease. It\u2019s used to lower the risk of heart attack and stroke that don\u2019t lead to death. The drug is used to reduce the…<\/p>\n
<\/strong>Invokana contains the drug canagliflozin. It belongs to a class of drugs called sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors. (A drug class describes a group of medications that work similarly.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For information on Invokana\u2019s effectiveness for its approved uses, see the \u201cInvokana uses\u201d section below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Invokana contains one active drug ingredient: canagliflozin. It\u2019s available only as a brand-name medication. It\u2019s not currently available in generic form. (A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Invokana can cause mild or serious side effects. The following list contains some key side effects that may occur while taking Invokana. This list doesn\u2019t include all possible side effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The more common side effects of Invokana can include*:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2020 For more information about this side effect, see the \u201cSide effect details\u201d section just below.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/strong>Serious side effects from Invokana aren\u2019t common, but they can occur. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life-threatening or if you think you\u2019re having a medical emergency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
dizziness\/feeling faint\/lightheadedness\/weakness, especially when you stand up
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level). Symptoms can include:
drowsiness\/headache\/confusion\/weakness\/hunger\/irritability\/sweating\/feeling jittery\/fast heartbeat
Severe allergic reaction.*
Amputation of lower limbs.*
Diabetic ketoacidosis (increased levels of ketones in your blood or urine).*
Fournier\u2019s gangrene (severe infection near the genitals).*
Kidney damage.* Bone fractures.*<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/strong>You may wonder how often certain side effects occur with this drug. Here\u2019s some detail on certain side effects this drug may or may not cause.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/strong>As with most drugs, some people can have an allergic reaction after taking Invokana. In clinical studies, up to 4.2% of people taking Invokana reported having mild allergic reactions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Only a few people in clinical studies reported severe allergic reactions while taking Invokana.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat\/trouble breathing
Call your doctor right away if you have a severe allergic reaction to Invokana. But call 911 if your symptoms feel life-threatening or if you think you\u2019re having a medical emergency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Invokana may increase your risk of amputation of lower limbs. (With amputation, one of your limbs is removed.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
type 2 diabetes and were at risk for heart disease
In the studies, up to 3.5% of the people who took Invokana had an amputation. Compared with people who didn\u2019t take the drug, Invokana doubled the risk of amputation. The toe and the midfoot (arch area) were the most common areas of amputation. Some leg amputations were also reported.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
have foot sores or ulcers
get a foot infection
Call 911 if your symptoms feel life-threatening or if you think you\u2019re having a medical emergency. If you develop symptoms or conditions that increase your risk for lower limb amputation, your doctor may have you stop taking Invokana.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Taking Invokana increases your risk of a yeast infection. This is true for both men and women, according to data from clinical trials. In the trials, up to 11.6% of the women and 4.2% of the men had a yeast infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although it\u2019s rare, some people who take Invokana can develop a serious condition called diabetic ketoacidosis. This condition occurs when cells in your body don\u2019t get the glucose (sugar) they need for energy. Without this sugar, your body uses fat for energy. And this can lead to high levels of acidic chemicals called ketones in your blood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In severe cases, diabetic ketoacidosis can cause coma or death. If you think you may have diabetic ketoacidosis, call your doctor right away. But if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fournier\u2019s gangrene is a rare infection in the area between your genitals and rectum. Symptoms can include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
fever malaise (overall feeling of discomfort)
People in clinical trials of Invokana didn\u2019t get Fournier\u2019s gangrene. However after the drug was approved for use, some people reported having Fournier\u2019s gangrene while taking Invokana or other drugs in the same drug class. (A class of drugs describes a group of medications that work in the same way.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Taking Invokana can increase your risk of kidney damage. Symptoms of kidney damage can include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet
confusion
fatigue (lack of energy)
nausea
chest pain or pressure
irregular heartbeat
seizures
After the drug was approved for use, some people taking Invokana reported that their kidneys worked poorly. When these people stopped taking Invokana, their kidneys began to work normally again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
have kidney or heart problems
take other medications that affect your kidneys
are older than age 65
Before you start taking Invokana, your doctor will test how well your kidneys are working. If you have kidney problems, you may not be able to take Invokana.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a clinical study, some people who took Invokana experienced bone fractures (broken bones). The fractures weren\u2019t usually severe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re at high risk for a fracture or if you\u2019re concerned about breaking a bone, talk with your doctor. They can suggest ways to help prevent this side effect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/strong>The Invokana dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
your age
other medical conditions you may have
how well your kidneys are working
certain other medications you may be taking with Invokana
Typically, your doctor will start you on a low dosage. Then they\u2019ll adjust it over time to reach the amount that\u2019s right for you. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Invokana comes as a tablet. It\u2019s available in two strengths:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
300 mg, which comes as a white tablet
Dosage for lowering blood sugar levels
Recommended dosages of Invokana to lower blood sugar levels are based on a measurement called estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). This measurement is done using a blood test. And it shows how well your kidneys are working.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
eGFR of 30 to less than 60, they have mild-to-moderate loss of kidney function. Their recommended dosage of Invokana is 100 mg once daily.
eGFR of less than 30, they have severe loss of kidney function. It\u2019s not recommended that they begin using Invokana. But if they\u2019ve already been using the drug and are passing a certain level of albumin (a protein) in their urine, they may be able to continue taking Invokana.*
Note: Invokana shouldn\u2019t be used by people who are using dialysis therapy. (Dialysis is a procedure that\u2019s used to clear waste products from your blood when your kidneys aren\u2019t healthy enough to do so.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Recommended dosages of Invokana to reduce cardiovascular risks are the same as they are to lower blood sugar levels. See the section above for details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Recommended dosages of Invokana to lower the risks of complications from diabetic nephropathy are the same as they are to lower blood sugar levels. See the section above for details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you miss a dose of Invokana, take it as soon as you remember. If it\u2019s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the normal time. Don\u2019t try to catch up by taking two doses at once. This can cause dangerous side effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you and your doctor agree that Invokana is working well for you, you\u2019ll likely use it long-term.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"