Yashoda Hospitals > Medicine FAQS > Invokana

Invokana: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is Invokana?

Invokana is used to treat diabetes by helping the kidneys get rid of glucose in the bloodstream. Doctors prescribe Invokana in conjunction with diet and exercise to help adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus control their blood sugar levels. Invokana reduces the risk of death from conditions such as heart attack, stroke or heart failure in patients with type 2 diabetes. It also reduces hospitalisations and deaths in adults with end-stage kidney problems.

What are the uses of Invokana?

Invokana is used to manage blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes. Invokana is prescribed to adults with diabetic nephropathy (kidney damage caused by diabetes).

Invokana is also used in the following conditions: 

  • Improve blood sugar levels along with diet and exercise
  • Reduce the symptoms of diabetic nephropathy with albuminuria 
  • Reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke and cardiovascular deaths
  • Lowers the risk of end-stage kidney disease and heart failure hospitalisation

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    What are the side effects of Invokana?

    Invokana rarely causes serious side effects, but it can sometimes do so. If you experience serious side effects, contact your doctor immediately.

    Mild side effects:

    • Nausea
    • Thirstiness
    • Constipation
    • Vaginal itching
    • Urinary tract infections
    • Urinating more often than normal 
    • Yeast infections in men and women

    Serious side effects:

    • Allergic reaction
    • Kidney disease
    • Increased risk of broken bones
    • Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
    • Severe Urinary tract infections
    • Infection of the genital area (Fournier’s gangrene)

    What is Invokana

    Uses of Invokana

    Side effects of Invokana

    References

    Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.

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    Frequently Asked Questions about Invokana

    Invokana is usually taken once a day as an oral tablet in the morning. In the beginning, it is recommended that the tablets should be taken with meals to reduce unwanted stomach effects. If you take this medication in the evening, skip the last dose before taking it again in the morning.

    You should talk to your doctor if you experience any serious side effects of Invokana. Some of the dangers associated with Invokana (Canagliflozin) treatment are:
    • Kidney problems
    • Serious allergic reactions
    • Dehydration and low blood pressure
    • The risk of amputation of a lower limb
    • Genital yeast infections in men and women

    People with type 2 diabetes taking Invokana have reported sudden declines in kidney functions. A serious side effect of Invokana is sudden (acute) kidney injury. Your doctor may temporarily stop your treatment. Signs and symptoms of kidney damage are:
    • Urinating less frequently
    • Swelling of your legs, ankles or feet

    Yes. Patients with type 2 diabetes benefit from using metformin and Invokana with a proper diet and exercise more effectively than using either of the drugs alone. Invokana prevents glucose absorption by the kidneys and helps lower the blood sugar level. Metformin decreases stomach sugar absorption, reduces liver sugar release and helps the body use sugar more efficiently.

    Invokana may cause dizziness, fatigue and lightheadedness. Consult your doctor if you experience extreme tiredness, which makes you sleepy. In case of dehydration, you may experience lightheadedness.

    Invokana may help you lower your blood pressure by 3–5 mmHg on average. Treatment with Invokana (100 mg and 300 mg) may reduce 24-hour systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. Results may vary depending on the dosage and whether metformin, sitagliptin or insulin is used.

    Diuretics, also known as water pills, helps to eliminate salt (sodium) from the body. They work by causing kidneys to release more sodium into the urine. Invokana induces an osmotic diuresis, leading to a decrease in intravascular volume. Invokana can cause you to urinate more frequently than usual.

    Invokana doubles the risk of amputation in people with diabetes. Both diabetes and Invokana can result in amputation. In both cases, poor circulation in the legs and feet is the cause of amputation. The poor control of blood sugar levels is often the cause of diabetic amputations.

    Invokana reduces the risk of dying from heart attacks, strokes or heart failure in adults with type 2 diabetes and heart diseases. Invokana also reduces the risks of end-stage kidney disease, hospitalisation and death associated with heart problems in adults with diabetes and kidney disease.

    Dehydration may result from taking Invokana. Dehydration can lead to severe kidney damage. If you are not able to drink fluids as usual or if you are experiencing fluid loss (such as vomiting, diarrhoea or heavy sweating), please consult your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible.

    At Yashoda Hospitals, you can consult our in-house experts and book appointments to get a free second opinion for all your health concerns.