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Canagliflozin

Canagliflozin lowers blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes. The active ingredient is available as Invokana, a film-coated tablet taken once daily. It works by causing the kidneys to remove excess glucose through urine.

Invokana

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

100mg

Canagliflozin 100mg film-coated tablets, used in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. An SGLT2 inhibitor, so glucose leaves in the urine.

From$3.90/ tabletView

Key points

  • Acts on a kidney protein instead of depending on insulin production, giving it a distinctly different route to lowering glucose than most diabetes medicines.
  • Because excess sugar passes into the urine, it raises the risk of yeast infections and urinary tract infections, which are known reactions to this class.
  • Invokana is taken as a single film-coated tablet each day, and it should be avoided in severe kidney impairment or type 1 diabetes.

What is Canagliflozin?

Canagliflozin is a pharmaceutical medication classified as an SGLT2 inhibitor. It targets a specific protein in the kidneys to manage blood sugar levels. Because it operates through the kidneys rather than relying on insulin production, it offers a distinct approach to glucose control.

What Canagliflozin is used for

Canagliflozin is used for managing Type 2 Diabetes. By keeping blood sugar levels closer to normal targets, it addresses the core metabolic imbalance of the condition.

How does Canagliflozin work?

Canagliflozin blocks the sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) protein in your kidneys. Normally, this protein reabsorbs glucose back into your bloodstream. By blocking it, canagliflozin causes excess glucose to pass into the urine and exit the body, directly lowering your blood sugar.

Canagliflozin brands and forms

Invokana is the film-coated tablet formulation of canagliflozin, taken by mouth once a day. This form fits within broader Diabetes Management routines alongside diet and exercise. The coating allows the tablet to dissolve smoothly in the digestive tract.

Safety overview for Canagliflozin

What to check before using this medicine

Canagliflozin is not suitable if you have severe kidney problems or type 1 diabetes. Inform your doctor about any history of frequent yeast infections, urinary tract infections, or low blood pressure before starting.

Possible reactions and tolerability

Common reactions include yeast infections of the vagina or penis, and urinary tract infections, because excess sugar in the urine creates an environment where yeast can grow. Some people may experience increased urination or mild dehydration.

Interactions and health factors

Canagliflozin may lower blood pressure, which can compound the effect of other blood pressure medications. Diuretics (water pills) can increase the risk of dehydration when combined with this ingredient. Product labelling and verified clinical sources remain the correct references for specific contraindications, interactions and reactions.

Further reading

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