Indications
- Canagliflozin is used with diet and exercise to control high blood sugar in type 2 diabetes.
- Helps prevent kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, limb loss, and sexual function issues.
- Used by those with type 2 diabetes and heart disease to lower the risk of heart attack or stroke.
- Used by those with type 2 diabetes and kidney disease to reduce the risk of dialysis, death from heart disease, and hospitalization for heart failure.
- Mechanism: Increases sugar removal by the kidneys.
Dosage and administration
- Read the Medication Guide provided by the pharmacist before starting canagliflozin and with each refill.
- Take canagliflozin orally as directed by the doctor, usually once daily before the first meal.
- Dosage depends on medical condition, response to treatment, and other medications.
- Inform doctor and pharmacist about all products used, including prescription, nonprescription, and herbal products.
- Take the medication regularly at the same time each day for maximum benefit.
- Inform the doctor if the condition does not improve or worsens, such as persistent or increasing high blood sugar.
Side effects
- Possible side effects of canagliflozin: frequent urination, dry mouth, dizziness, lightheadedness.
- If these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor or pharmacist.
- To reduce dizziness, rise slowly from a sitting or lying position.
- Medication is prescribed based on benefits outweighing risks; many users experience no serious side effects.
- Immediately report serious side effects: signs of bladder infection, kidney problems, high potassium levels.
- Seek medical help for serious symptoms: unusual tiredness, nausea/vomiting, abdominal pain, trouble breathing.
- Risk of yeast infection in genitals; report signs promptly; rare risk of Fournier’s gangrene, seek immediate help for pain/redness/swelling with fever.
- Canagliflozin usually does not cause low blood sugar; follow prescribed schedule, carry glucose for emergencies.
- High blood sugar symptoms: increased thirst/urination; notify doctor for adjustments.
- Rare risk of lower limb loss; inform the doctor of any leg/foot pain, tenderness, redness, swelling, or sores.
- Potential dehydration risk; drink fluids; report changes in fluid intake or signs of dehydration.
- May cause bone loss or fractures; adopt a healthy lifestyle, consider supplements; consult a doctor.
- Rare but serious allergic reactions may occur; seek immediate medical help for symptoms like rash, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
- Not an exhaustive list; contact a doctor or pharmacist for other potential side effects.
Precautions
- Inform your doctor or pharmacist of any allergies to canagliflozin or other substances; inactive ingredients may cause reactions.
- Disclose medical history, especially kidney disease, pancreatitis, dehydration, alcohol use, low blood pressure, heart failure, mineral imbalances, and history of yeast infections.
- Blurred vision, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur due to low or high blood sugar; avoid activities requiring alertness until sure it’s safe.
- Limit alcohol intake to reduce the risk of low blood sugar and high ketone levels.
- Stress, fever, infection, injury, or surgery may affect blood sugar control; consult your doctor for potential treatment plan adjustments.
- Inform healthcare providers about all products used before surgery (prescription, non-prescription, and herbal).
- Older adults may be more sensitive to side effects, including dizziness, dehydration, and bone loss.
- During pregnancy, use canagliflozin only if necessary; discuss risks and benefits with your doctor.
- Pregnancy may affect diabetes, plan blood sugar management with your doctor.
- Unknown if the drug passes into breast milk; consult your doctor before breastfeeding.