Key facts about Invokana
What is Invokana?
Invokana is the brand name for canagliflozin and is available as an oral tablet.
What dosages is Invokana available in?
Invokana is available as a 100 mg and 300 mg oral tablet.
What is Invokana used for?
Invokana is a SGLT2 inhibitor and is used for the following:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Lowering the risk of major heart events (e.g., heart attack, stroke) in adults with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease
- Lowering the risk of hospitalization for heart failure, death due to heart problems, and worsening of kidney problems in certain adults with Type 2 diabetes and diabetic kidney disease
How does Invokana work?
Invokana is a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor. It works in the kidneys to prevent the absorption of sugar and sodium (salt) back into your body. It lowers blood sugar by causing your body to get rid of excess sugar through your urine. And by preventing sodium reabsorption, the heart fills with blood easier and has an easier time pumping blood throughout the body. This might also improve blood flow through the kidneys and slow the worsening of kidney problems.
How do I take Invokana?
- Invokana is typically started at 100 mg by mouth once daily before your first meal of the day. Your provider might raise your dose to 300 mg daily depending on how well the medication is working for you
- Your dose might differ if you have kidney problems. It also might differ if you’re taking certain medications like rifampin (Rifadin), phenytoin (Dilantin), phenobarbital, or ritonavir (Norvir)
Is it safe for me to take Invokana?
Invokana is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not use this medication if you are on dialysis.
Invokana Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Invokana:
- Vaginal yeast infection in females
- Urinary tract infections
- More urination
Invokana Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Invokana. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Severe allergic reaction: rash; trouble breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- High ketone levels in the blood: nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, tiredness, thirsty, dry mouth, fruity breath, trouble breathing
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Invokana
- The following medications may interact with Invokana:
- UGT enzyme inducers decrease canagliflozin exposure which may reduce the effectiveness of Invokana
- The risk of hypoglycemia is increased when Invokana is used concomitantly with insulin secretagogues (e.g., sulfonylurea) or insulin
- Invokana increases digoxin exposure
- Concomitant use of an SGLT2 inhibitor with lithium may decrease serum lithium concentrations
Who makes Invokana?
Janssen Pharmaceuticals
Is Invokana safe in pregnancy?
Based on animal data showing adverse renal effects from canagliflozin, INVOKAMET or Invokana is not recommended during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.
