Are you interested in an online prescription to buy Invokana online? You are in the right place. This article highlights all the information you need, including Invokana side effects, uses,  dosage, etc. 

What is Invokana? 

Invokana refers to a drug that controls blood glucose in adult type 2 diabetes patients. The Invokana drug class is SGLT2 (sodium-glucose co-transporter 2)  inhibitors. Specialists recommend a healthy diet and regular exercise while taking this medicine. 

The Invokana generic name is Canagliflozin.

What are Invokana’s uses?

Canagliflozin uses include:

• Reducing blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes patients 18 years and older. 
• Reducing the risk of cardiovascular incidents like stroke, heart attack, or death in adult type 2 diabetes patients with cardiovascular disease.
• Minimizing the risk of hospitalization, cardiovascular death, worsening of kidney function, and end-stage kidney disease in adult type 2 diabetes patients with diabetic kidney disease.

Who should not use Invokana? 

Invokana is not safe for:

• Type 1 diabetes patients; it may heighten their risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (a serious medical condition caused by increased ketones in urine or blood).
• Type 2 diabetes patients with severe kidney disease.
• Children younger than 18 years old.

How does Invokana work? 

Diabetes can result in high sugar levels in your blood, which can harm your body. Invokana supports your kidneys by preventing the absorption of excess sugar into your body, helping you lose more sugar daily through urination.

People with type 2 diabetes have heightened pressure in their kidneys. In the long run, this tension can harm your kidneys. Invokana can help reduce this pressure, thus slowing down kidney damage.

Kidneys are vital to your healthy lifestyle. Type 2 Diabetes poses a danger to your kidneys, and you may not notice any warning signs if your kidneys start to become damaged. Seek your physician's advice concerning your kidney health and whether Invokana may be helpful to you. 

Is Invokana FDA approved?

Yes. In August 2020, the FDA announced that it had authorized Invokana for treating type 2 diabetes[1]. After carrying out clinical surveys, the FDA removed an earlier amputation risk warning.

What is the form and dosage of Invokana? 

Invokana form 

Invokana comes in the form of tablets taken orally. Invokana requires a  prescription from a doctor and is not available over the counter. It is in the drug class of SGCT2 (sodium-glucose co-transporter 2) inhibitors. 

Invokana strengths

Invokana is available in two strengths:

• Invokana 100 mg.
• Invokana 300 mg.

Invokana dosage

The approved Invokana dosing is similar for all the medical conditions it’s used for. Typically, doctors will adjust the dose over time for each patient, starting with the smallest dose that gives the desired result.

Below are the most commonly recommended canagliflozin dosages. Patients should always follow the instructions from their doctor. If your physician decides canagliflozin is right for you, they will decide on the right dose for your needs.

The starting dose of canagliflozin is 100mg and the maximum dosage is 300mg. Any dosage is acceptable within this range and the ideal dose depends on each individual’s situation.

Dosages for specific use

The proposed doses of Invokana for all permitted uses depend on eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate). The eGFR is the measure of how well the kidneys are functioning. Before starting on Invokana, the physician will perform a blood test to find out the patient’s eGFR.

When should Invokana be taken?

Doctors recommend taking canagliflozin in the morning before breakfast.

Invokana and weight loss

Although Invokana is not a weight loss medication, it may assist you in losing around 2 to 3 percent of your body weight. The impact on weight loss may differ depending on the dosage and whether the medication is used alone or combined with other diabetes therapies. It’s important to consult a doctor before engaging in any exercise. 

Invokana and blood pressure 

Invokana is not a blood pressure medication, but it may help reduce your systolic blood pressure on average by 3 to 5 mmHg. The results may depend on whether you are using it as a monotherapy or a combination therapy.

Invokana and Metformin 

Both metformin and Invokana are effective medications. There is a combination pill of Invokana and metformin. The combination comes in two types:

• Invokamet.
• Invokamet XR (extended-release).

Invokamet and Invokamet XR may work in place of the combination therapy of metformin and Invokana. Invokamet and Invokamet XR helped reduce blood glucose more effectively than metformin XR alone.

The difference between Invokamet and Invokamet XR is:

• Invokamet XR dosing is once a day,  and it is absorbed by the body slowly over time.
• Invokamet is taken twice a day. It's quickly absorbed by the body over a short period of time. 

If you combine these medications with exercise and diet, taking Invokamet or Invokamet XR can reduce HgA1C levels. Your physician can decide whether Invokamet or Invokamet XR may help you.

Are Invokana and Metformin the same?

No, Invokana and metformin are not the same. They both treat type 2 diabetes by reducing blood sugar levels, although they work differently. Invokana works by increasing the amount of glucose released from the body through urine. 

Metformin works by increasing the body's sensitivity to insulin, prompting the cells to absorb and use more sugar from the blood. Metformin also reduces the amount of glucose the liver generates and decreases sugar absorption in the intestines.

Can you buy Invokana online? 

Invokana is only available with a prescription from a doctor. If your doctor feels you would benefit from taking Invokana, they can give you a prescription to buy Invokana online. You will need to sign up with an online telemedicine site and book an online consultation with the doctor. At the end of the consultation, your doctor may call in your prescription to an online drugstore.

What are some alternatives to Invokana? 

Type 2 diabetes patients have various medication options. The doctor may sometimes prescribe insulin injectors, pumps, or shots. As always, stick to the dose prescribed by the doctor.

All diabetes medications may cause side effects. You and your doctor will discuss your medical history and decide on a treatment plan that is right for you.

Alternatives to Invokana include:

• Biguanides.
• Thiazolidinediones.
• Sulfonylureas.
• Meglitinides.
• Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors.
• DPP-4 inhibitors.

Besides medication, it is recommended to make some lifestyle changes as part of your diabetes treatment plan.

It’s best to eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly. Exercising and eating a healthy diet can help you maintain a healthy body weight and control your blood sugar, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure.

What are the benefits and side effects of Invokana?

Benefits 

• In clinical studies, it proved to reduce HgA1C levels by up to 1%.
• You can take it once daily.
• It is less likely to cause very low blood sugar and weight gain than other diabetes drugs.
• It is accessible as a combination pill with metformin, called Invokamet.
• It can reduce the risk of death, worsening or new kidney problems, stroke, and heart attack.

Limitations 

• There is an increased risk of urinary tract infections (UTI) or yeast infections.
• There is a critical but rare risk of foot and leg amputations.
• May lead to increased urination.
• Avoid it if you are a heavy alcohol drinker.
• No cheaper generic version is available. 
• Not a good choice for people on dialysis or who have severe kidney disease. 
• It doesn't treat type 1 diabetes.

How Invokana is taken

If your doctor decides you would benefit from taking Invokana, here are some tips for how to take it:

• It's best taken once a day before breakfast. 
• Exercise good hygiene to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) and yeast infections.
• Drink plenty of water and other fluids to prevent dehydration.
• You should exercise regularly, maintain a healthy diet, and remember to take your additional diabetes drugs with Invokana as needed.
• Invokana is discouraged during pregnancy.
• Avoid taking Invokana if you are allergic to canagliflozin, you are on dialysis, or you have a severe kidney disorder.
• This drug can affect the results of some medical tests. It’s important to tell all doctors who care for you that you are taking canagliflozin. 
• Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture.

What are the risks of taking Invokana? 

All medications have benefits and risks. Even when the drug is helping, you may experience some undesirable side effects. Invokana can result in some critical health problems[3]. The risk may be higher for some groups. Talk to your physician about other alternatives if this concerns you.

Invokana warnings and risks include:

• Risk of foot and leg amputations
  Rarely, canagliflozin can increase your risk of having leg or foot amputations. Inform your provider if you encounter new infections, ulcers, sores, tenderness, or pain in your feet or legs. 

The risk factors include diabetic foot ulcers, nerve problems, narrowed blood vessels (peripheral vascular disease), or a history of amputations.

• Low blood pressure
  Invokana can lead to low blood pressure due to losing fluid from your body. You are more prone to this if you are on high blood pressure therapy, if you are elderly, or have ineffective kidney function. 

Drink plenty of water. Consult your doctor if you encounter fatigue, blurry vision, pale skin, lightheadedness, or dizziness. 

Risk factors: low blood pressure, taking ARBs (Angiotensin II receptor blockers) or ACE inhibitors, diuretics, kidney problems, over 65 years of age

• Kidney damage
  In rare circumstances, canagliflozin can result in kidney problems. You are at higher risk if you are on blood pressure treatment, have heart failure, or your kidneys are already damaged.

Risk factors: history of heart failure, kidney damage, taking anti-inflammatories or blood pressure drugs

The following are common side effects: 

• Yeast infections.
• UTI (urinary tract infections).
• Increased urination.
• Male genital fungal/yeast infections.
• Thirst.
• Constipation.
• Nausea.
• Vaginal itching.

As your body adapts to the medication, these side effects may disappear or improve over time. It’s best to inform a physician if any side effects persist or worsen.

Invokana mechanism of action

Invokana is a SGLT2 (sodium-glucose co-transporter 2), which means it works by reabsorbing sugar into the kidneys from the blood. By obstructing the SGLT2 process, canagliflozin works to remove glucose from the body through the urine and lowering blood sugar levels.

If you are seeking information on how to get a prescription to buy Invokana online, please schedule an appointment with a HealthTap doctor for your online diabetes consult.