Has your doctor prescribed you this medicine called Canagliflozin for Type 2 Diabetes? Or are you interested in learning more about this medicine? This is a medicine that works a little differently than regular diabetes medicines and is beneficial for many people. So today, let's talk about it all very simply, in a way that you can understand.
What kind of medicine is Canagliflozin?
Simply put, Canagliflozin is a medicine that reduces the amount of sugar in your blood. But it doesn't work like other medicines. It works by making your kidneys excrete excess sugar (glucose) in your body through your urine. This is how it controls your blood sugar levels.
Not only that, this medicine offers several other benefits to some people with type 2 diabetes.
- Reducing the risk of heart attack.
- Reducing the risk of stroke.
- Reducing kidney damage caused by diabetes.
- Reducing the chances of hospitalization due to heart conditions.
This medication is available in Sri Lanka under the brand name Invokana, but it can be injected under other names.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication
Canagliflozin is not suitable for everyone. Therefore, it is very important to give your doctor a complete description of your health before starting this medication. If you have any of the conditions below, be sure to tell them about it.
| Do you have these conditions? | Why should I inform the doctor ? |
|---|---|
| Kidney or liver disease | Because this medicine works through the kidneys, it is important to be aware of kidney function. |
| If you have frequent urinary tract infections or yeast infections in the genital area | This medicine may slightly increase the risk of these types of infections. |
| If you have previously had Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) | It is important to be aware of this medication, as it can increase the risk of DKA. |
| If a surgery date has been set | This medicine may need to be temporarily stopped before and after surgery. |
| If you have leg injuries, numbness (nerve damage), or blood circulation problems | It is important to be aware of this, as foot problems can occur in rare cases. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | Since this medicine is not suitable in these cases, it is imperative to inform the doctor. |
| If you have an allergy to canagliflozin or any other medicine or food. | Advising any allergies in advance can help prevent serious reactions. |
Additionally, tell your doctor if you drink alcohol frequently, eat a low-salt diet, have low blood pressure, or have high cholesterol levels.
How should I use this medicine?
The way to use this is very simple.
- Take the dose prescribed by the doctor with a glass of water .
- It is often advised to take this medicine before the first meal of the day .
- The most important thing is to try to take the medicine at the same time every day .
- Never take more than the prescribed amount of medication or stop taking it suddenly without your doctor's advice.
What if I miss a dose?
Imagine you forgot to take your medicine. Take the dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a forgotten dose.
What do you do if you drink too much?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
It's important to pay a little more attention to your body while taking this medication.
Important: This medicine can sometimes cause a dangerously high level of acid in the blood, called Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA). If you experience symptoms such as stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, extreme tiredness, or difficulty breathing , stop taking the medicine immediately and call your doctor.
HbA1C test
Your doctor will perform a blood test called HbA1C every 2-3 months to check how well your blood sugar is being controlled. This can help you see how well your diabetes is being controlled.
Keep an eye on your blood sugar levels.
Be aware of the symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). Keep a sugar cube or glucose tablet nearby in case your blood sugar drops. Also, learn how to regularly test your blood sugar levels at home.
Don't skip meals. Ask your doctor about drinking alcohol. Some cough and cold medicines may contain sugar or alcohol. They can affect your blood sugar levels.
What are the possible side effects of the medication?
Like any medicine, Canagliflozin can cause side effects in some people. If you experience any of the symptoms below, tell your doctor as soon as possible.
| Side Effect | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
| Allergic Reaction | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) | Excessive thirst, dry mouth, extreme fatigue, fruity breath odor, difficulty breathing, stomach ache, nausea, vomiting. |
| Dehydration | Excessive thirst, dry mouth, dizziness, headache, dark yellow or brown urine. |
| A urinary tract infection (UTI) | Burning during urination, frequent urination, blood or dark urine, lower back pain. |
| Infections in the genital area | Vaginal yeast infections in women (itching, foul odor, thick white discharge). Men may experience redness, swelling, and itching of the penis. |
| Leg or foot problems | A new pain, a change in skin color, a non-healing wound, or an infection. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you notice anything unusual in addition to these, talk to your doctor about it.
Take-Home Message
- Canagliflozin is a drug for type 2 diabetes that controls blood sugar by excreting sugar through the kidneys.
- Before starting this medication, it is imperative that you tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions and other medications you are taking.
- If you experience symptoms of DKA such as stomach pain, difficulty breathing, and excessive thirst while taking the medicine, seek medical advice immediately.
- Be aware of symptoms such as urinary tract infections and genital yeast infections.
- Never stop taking your medication or change the dosage without your doctor's advice. This medication can be a great help in controlling your diabetes.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න