Download the Felix App
Earn reward, visit our shop and get exclusive offers on the app
Download now
Invokana is a medication belonging to the sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors family of drugs, which can be used as a treatment alone, or in combination with:
- Metformin
- Other diabetes medications, either with or without Metformin (i.e., a sulfonylurea, pioglitazone, Sitagliptin, etc.)
In regards to what Invokana is used for, its primary indicated uses are as a treatment for diabetes, alongside a healthy diet and exercise. In some cases, patients with type 2 diabetes may get Invokana prescriptions if they have either an increased risk for cardiovascular issues or diabetic kidney disease.
SIDE NOTE: The generic name for Invokana is canagliflozin, while Invokana is simply a brand name for this medication.
If you'd like to learn more about Invokana and how it functions, you can click here for more information.
If you’re wondering “how does Invokana work?”, a prescription for Invokana will help to reduce your blood sugar levels and assist with keeping them at safe/stable levels.
Invokana medications do this by causing your kidneys to get rid of excess sugars through your urine.
What is Invokana® used to treat?
Invokana medications are used as a treatment for patients who have type 2 diabetes, alongside a healthy diet and regular exercise regimen.
However, there are two specific use scenarios in which you may be offered a prescription for Invokana online with Felix:
- For patients who have an increased cardiovascular risk (issues relating to the heart or its blood vessels), dosages of Invokana may reduce your risks of experiencing a fatal heart attack or stroke.
- For patients with diabetic kidney disease, Invokana (canagliflozin) medications can reduce the risks of your kidneys failing, which would require you to begin using dialysis. In these cases, it can also help reduce the risks of serious cardiovascular events occurring.
How long does Invokana® last after you take it?
There are a number potential side effects of Invokana that may occur, but they aren’t a major concern unless they become severe, such as:
- Changes in urination (i.e., needing to urinate more/more often, urgent need to urinate, waking up more at night to urinate, etc.)
- Nausea
- Feeling thirsty
These side effects of Invokana are common, but you should let your practitioner know if they start to become severe or debilitating.
Also, there are some more serious side effects of Invokana that you could experience, where you should talk to your practitioner immediately if they appear, including:
- Vaginal yeast infections
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- Balanitis (yeast infection of the penis)
- Urinary tract infections
- Constipation
- Bone fractures
- Skin ulcers
- Peripheral Ischemia (blocked blood vessels)
- Dehydration
- Hypotension
- Itching, rashes, or hives
- Kidney problems
- Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
- Allergic reactions (severe anaphylactic)
- Acute kidney infections
- Urosepsis (a severe, spreading infection)
- Pancreatitis
- Fournier’s Gangrene
All of the side effects of Invokana listed above are considered serious, and so you should let your practitioner know immediately if they occur. They may be able to suggest alternatives to Invokana without interactions.
There are a number of patients who shouldn’t take dosages of Invokana, because interactions may occur, including negative or dangerous side effects. These patients include:
- People who are allergic to Invokana (canagliflozin) medications or any of their active ingredients
- People with type 1 diabetes
- People who have or have already had diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
- People on dialysis
- Children under the age of 18
- People over the age of 65 (more negative side effects or interactions with Invokana could occur
- People who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to breastfeed
In addition to these patients, there are others who should be extra cautious when taking Invokana prescriptions. Be sure to let your practitioner know before starting Invokana dosages if you:
- Have heart problems
- Have liver problems
- Have an intolerance to certain milk sugars (Invokana medications contain lactose)
They may be able to suggest an alternative to Invokana without the interactions that could cause more serious side effects to occur.
What Should I Avoid While Taking Invokana?
You should avoid taking Invokana at all if you’re at a higher risk to experience diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). These risk factors include:
- You’re eating a lot less, or there’s been a major change in your diet
- You’re severely dehydrated, or you suffer from excessive vomiting, sweating, or diarrhea
- You’ve been fasting for a while
- You drink a lot of alcohol (regularly more than 3 drinks each day)
- You have diabetic kidney disease
- You have a history of DKA
- You have a lot of pancreatic issues (including pancreatitis)
- You’re hospitalized after a major surgery, illness, or infection
- You’re suddenly reducing your insulin doses
- You currently have an acute illness
Also, Invokana may not be the right treatment option for you if you’re at risk for an amputation, which includes:
- You’ve had an amputation in the past
- You have heart disease, or you’re at high risk for it to develop
- You have blocked or narrowed blood vessels (usually in the legs)
- You have diabetic ulcers or sores
- You have a lower limb infection
- You have damage to the nerves in your leg(s)
- You’re dehydrated
In addition to these concerns, there are certain medications you should avoid while taking Invokana, such as:
- Digoxin for treating heart problems
- Furosemide or other water pills for heart problems or high blood pressure
- Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARB) for high blood pressure
- Insulin or a sulfonylurea (i.e., glimepiride, gliclazide, or glyburide)
- Seizure treatments (i.e., carbamazepine, phenytoin, or phenobarbital)
- HIV treatments (i.e., efavirenz or ritonavir)
- Rifampin for Tuberculosis
- St. John’s Wart for depression
These medications could cause negative interactions with Invokana, so you should let your practitioner know if you’re taking any of these before you consider buying Invokana online in Canada.
They may be able to suggest an alternative medication or dosage to Invokana without interactions (or less).
Is It Safe to Take Invokana During Pregnancy?
No, you should not accept a prescription for Invokana while pregnant, or planning to get pregnant. Invokana may cause interactions with unborn children, and therefore, should not be used during pregnancy.
Also, due to the fact that it has been shown that Invokana transfers to nursing children through breast milk, you shouldn’t use Invokana dosages while breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, as Invokana could cause interactions with nursing children.
Further reading
No items found.
