Invokana

What is Invokana?

Invokana is an antidiabetic medicine that contains canagliflozin. It is prescribed to adults with type 2 diabetes to help them control their sugar levels.

It may be given when lifestyle and dietary changes have been ineffective at lowering blood sugar levels, or when other diabetes medications, such as metformin, are deemed unsuitable.

Invokana may be used in conjunction with other diabetes treatments, such as insulin.

How Does Invokana Work?

Invokana works because it contains Canagliflozin, which is an inhibitor of the sodium-glucose co-transporter (SGLT2).

The SGLT2 transporter prevents the kidneys from reabsorbing glucose into the blood. Instead, it allows the kidneys to expel excess glucose from the blood into the urine, thereby decreasing blood sugar levels.

How Do I Take Invokana?

One tablet of Invokana should be taken once daily, ideally before the first meal of the morning. It can be taken with or without food, and should be swallowed whole with water.

It should not be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Side effects and cautions

Before taking Invokana, you must read the patient information leaflet enclosed with your medicine.

Alternatively, you can view the patient information leaflet for Invokana online.

All medicines, whether prescribed or bought over-the-counter, can cause side effects.

Side effects of Invokana may include:

• Constipation
• Dehydration
• Genital yeast infection (Thrush)
• Low blood sugar
• Nausea
• Raised, red, itchy skin rash (Hives)
• Thirst
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects. For further information on the safety of this medication, please refer to the patient information leaflet.

Allergic reaction

Do not take Invokana if you are allergic to canagliflozin or any of the other ingredients of this medicine.

Signs of an allergic reaction include:

• Chest tightening
• Dry, red and cracked skin
• Itchy, red, watery eyes
• Raised, itchy, red rash (hives)
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, eyes or face
• Tummy pain, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
• Wheezing

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Do not take Invokana if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant.

If you become pregnant while taking Invokana, speak to your doctor for further advice.

Do not take Invokana while breastfeeding.

Other safety information

Always seek your doctor's advice before you buy Invokana online.

Inform our online prescribers of all other medicines you are currently taking, including those prescribed by your doctor, bought over the counter, as well as health and herbal supplements.

Symptoms of lactic acidosis include:

• Breathing difficulties
• Fatigue
• Lethargy (feeling unwell)
• Muscle cramps
• Reduces body temperature
• Slowed heartbeat
• Stomach ache (abdominal pain)
• Vomiting

Do not take Invokana past the expiry date printed on the packaging.

Do not dispose of unused medicine in water waste. Take any unwanted or expired medicine to your pharmacy for safe disposal.

Always store medicine out of sight and out of reach of children and pets.

Never share a medicine that has been prescribed to you with anybody else, even if they are experiencing the same symptoms or have been diagnosed with the same condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I forget to take Invokana when I should?

If you forget to take your daily Invokana tablet, take it as soon as you remember. Proceed to take your next dose the following day. Do not take two tablets at the same time to make up for a forgotten tablet.

What should I do if I take too much Invokana?

If you accidentally take too much Invokana, dial the NHS 111 number for immediate advice, or see your doctor or local pharmacist as soon as possible.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Invokana?

Drinking alcohol whilst taking Invokana can cause changes in your blood sugar and can also make the signs of low blood sugar difficult to detect. It is recommended that you only drink alcohol in moderation with food.

Will Invokana impact my ability to drive or operate machinery?

Taking Invokana may affect your concentration or reaction time due to low blood sugar levels. Take precautions when driving or operating heavy machinery and talk to a doctor if you are concerned.

Can Invokana cause weight loss?

Invokana can cause you to lose weight as glucose, which contains calories, is removed from the body through urine. If you experience significant or unexplained weight loss while taking Invokana, consult your doctor.

How can I buy Ivokana online?

You can easily buy Invokana online from our UK-registered pharmacy. All you need to do is answer a few simple questions about your condition, which our prescriber will review.