Canagliflozin: Usage and Benefits in Type 2 Diabetes

Canagliflozin is a type of SGLT2 inhibitor used in the management of type 2 diabetes. It helps lower blood sugar levels by increasing glucose excretion through the urine.
Category
Drug
Where to get
Prescription medication
Applicable for
Prepared by Lee Cheng, reviewed by Jane Cox

Canagliflozin FAQ

What is canagliflozin used for?

Canagliflozin is also used to lower the risk of death from heart attack, stroke, or heart failure in adults with type 2 diabetes who also have heart disease. Canagliflozin is also used to reduce the risk of end-stage kidney disease and hospitalization or death from heart problems in adults who also have kidney problems caused by type 2 diabetes.

What is canagliflozin (Invokana)?

Canagliflozin (Invokana) is a drug prescribed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in combination with diet and exercise. Side effects, drug interactions, dosing and storage information, and pregnancy safety should be reviewed before taking Invokana.

What are the indications for canagliflozin?

Another indication for canagliflozin is the prevention of major cardiovascular events (myocardial infarction, stroke, or death due to a cardiovascular cause) in patients with type 2 diabetes, as well as hospitalization for heart failure in patients with type 2 diabetes 8, 10.

Does canagliflozin lower blood sugar?

It lowers blood sugar by causing the kidneys to get rid of more glucose in the urine. Canagliflozin is not used to treat type 1 diabetes (condition in which the body does not produce insulin and, therefore, cannot control the amount of sugar in the blood).

How does canagliflozin work?

Canagliflozin is a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor. It works by increasing the amount of glucose lost in the urine. Canagliflozin was approved for medical use in the United States, in the European Union, and in Australia in 2013. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.

Who is canagliflozin suitable for?

Canagliflozin is suitable for adults with type 2 diabetes Invokana was launched in the UK in February 2014 and is currently awaiting guidance from NICE as to whether the drug will be recommended for use on the NHS.

What are the side effects of canagliflozin?

Canagliflozin, sold under the brand name Invokana among others, is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. It is used together with exercise and diet. It is not recommended in type 1 diabetes. It is taken by mouth. Common side effects include vaginal yeast infections, nausea, constipation, and urinary tract infections.

Is canagliflozin suitable for adults with Type 2 diabetes?

Canagliflozin is suitable for adults with type 2 diabetes Invokana was launched in the UK in February 2014 and is currently awaiting guidance from NICE as to whether the drug will be recommended for use on the NHS. Who should not take Invokana? Invokana is taken once daily with water and either with or without food.

Canagliflozin References

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