Type 2 diabetes makes up about 90-95% of all diabetes diagnosed in adults. Research also suggests that that 1 out of 3 adults has prediabetes, but 9 out of 10 don't know they have it. This means that you or someone you know will probably struggle with type 2 diabetes and may be prescribed Invokana to help manage the condition. Here is what you should know about Invokana:
Usually type 2 diabetes is first treated with diet and exercise. If this doesn’t produce the desired results, your doctor may prescribe a medication to help you manage your insulin or glucose levels. Insulin allows your cells to absorb glucose which is then transformed into energy. Diabetes is when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin so blood sugar levels increase and can cause fatigue, dizziness or fainting.
Invokana (canagliflozin) and Invokamet differ from other previous diabetes medications by eliminating excess glucose in a unique way. Invokana and Invokamet are sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) that help to lower blood glucose levels by inhibiting glucose from being absorbed in the kidneys. This allows for excess glucose to be excreted in the urine.
Generally speaking, diabetic patients are at risk for amputations because diabetes can cause complications concerning circulation and neuropathy (nerve damage). However, a recent study found that patients taking Invokana or Invokamet were twice as likely to have an amputation of the toes, foot, or lower leg as compared to those in the study who were given a placebo. Due to these findings, the FDA required Janssen Pharmaceuticals, the makers of Invokana and Invokamet, to place a Black Box warning on their labels. This type of warning is the most prominent one issued by the FDA.
Additionally, this same trial discovered that Invokana and Invokamet posed an increased risk for ketoacidosis and severe urinary tract infections as compared to a placebo. Both could lead to serious conditions that could cause hospitalization or worse. Ketoacidosis is when your blood acid levels can become to acidic and when left untreated, could be fatal. Urinary tract infections have also been reported in patients taking Invokana and Invokamet. 19 reported cases involved life-threatening blood infections (urosepsis) and kidney infections (pyelonephritis) that started from urinary tract infections.
If you or someone you love has type 2 diabetes, research your options and discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of the medication he or she prescribes. If you do decide to take a prescription drug, educate yourself on the potential dangers so you can be aware of the warning signs of complications to avoid serious or deadly injuries.
