1. Should I take Invokana in the morning or at night?
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.
2. What are the dangers of taking Invokana?
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
3. Is Invokana hard on kidneys?
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
4. Can you take Invokana and metformin together?
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.
5. Does Invokana make you sleepy?
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.
6. Does Invokana raise blood pressure?
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.
7. Is Invokana a diuretic?
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.
8. How does Invokana cause amputations?
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.
9. How does Invokana affect the heart?
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.
10. Does Invokana give you diarrhoea?
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.
