Drug Notes

Canagliflozin (By mouth)

Canagliflozin (kan-a-gli-FLOE-zin)

Treats type 2 diabetes.

Brand Name(s):

Invokana

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• Take this medicine before the first meal of the day.
• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how canagliflozin works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Digoxin, phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifampin, ritonavir
  • Blood pressure medicine
  • Diuretic (water pill)
  • Insulin or other diabetes medicine
  • NSAID pain or arthritis medicine (including aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen)
• Ask your doctor before you use any medicine, supplement, or salt substitute that contains potassium.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, high cholesterol, or a history of pancreas problems or genital yeast or urinary tract infections. Tell your doctor if you are on a low-salt diet or if you drink alcohol.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Low blood pressure
  • Low blood sugar levels
  • High potassium levels
  • Ketoacidosis (high ketones and acid in the blood)
  • Kidney problems
  • Increased risk of genital yeast or urinary tract infections
  • Increased risk of broken bones
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results. This medicine may affect the results of urine glucose tests.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Change in how much or how often you urinate, bloody urine, painful or difficult urination, lower back or side pain, fever, chills
• Confusion, weakness, uneven heartbeat, numbness in your hands, feet, or lips
• Increased hunger, headache, confusion, shaking, trembling, sweating
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting
• Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
• Trouble breathing, tiredness, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Redness, itching, pain, or swelling of the penis, bad-smelling discharge from the penis
• White or yellow vaginal discharge, vaginal itching or odor

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017