Invokana 101: A Guide to the Uses, Dosage, and Side Effects

Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in the world. In the U.S. alone, it affects more than 34 million individuals!

Left untreated, it can lead to various complications such as heart disease, kidney damage, nerve damage, and stroke.

The good news is that it can be effectively managed, especially if caught early. For example, there are medications that you can take that’ll help reduce blood sugar levels—Invokana being one of them.

What is it? How does it work? We’ll be going over the answers (and more) below so be sure to read the rest of the post!

What Is Invokana?

A sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT) inhibitor, it works by blocking the reabsorption of glucose in the kidneys and increasing glucose excretion through the urine. In fact, it’s even more effective than DPP-4 inhibitors, another type of drug used to treat diabetes, according to clinical trials.

Other benefits of Invokana include weight loss, especially if used in combination with a healthy diet and lowered blood pressure.

Note: Invokana is not recommended for those with type 1 diabetes as it may increase their risk of diabetic ketoacidosis, a complication that can cause low potassium levels, fluid inside the lungs, and swelling inside the brain.

Invokana Dosage Information

For adults, the recommended dosage is 100 mg orally once daily, taken before breakfast. Depending on the individual’s blood sugar levels, it may be increased to 300 mg once daily (assuming that they have healthy renal function).

For those with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 30 to less than 60, the recommended dosage is 100 mg once a day. And for those with an eGFR of less than 30, initiation is not recommended.

Potential Side Effects

Some of the most common side effects include urinary tract infections, yeast infections, frequent urination, increased thirst, vaginal itching, lower back or side pain, constipation, fatigue, indigestion, and nausea.

Fortunately, most of them will go away within a few days. Talk to your healthcare provider if they persist.

In some cases, the medication can also cause dehydration, hypoglycemia, and ketoacidosis. In addition to that, it can increase your risk of kidney damage. Symptoms include swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs, nausea, seizures, and urinating less often than normal.

Seek medical attention right away if you’re experiencing symptoms of a severe allergic reaction such as trouble breathing or swelling (it can be potentially life-threatening if left untreated).

Taking Invokana For Type 2 Diabetes

Invokana is a once-daily oral medication that’s effective for those with type 2 diabetes. For those who are interested, talk to your doctor—they’ll be able to determine if it’s the right treatment for you.

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