“Medicine is not all about pills”. These words might express everything in chemical processes and materials, however, it is not good to be consumed in the long term. In this case, Invokana is one of the most needed drugs. Yet, do you consider what are the dangers of Invokana? Let’s find out the relatable answer below.
What is Invokana?
Before knowing what are the dangers of Invokana, you should know what it is in broad and common explanation. Invokana is a brand name for the medication canagliflozin, which belongs to a class of drugs called sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors.
In addition, Invokana is primarily consumed in the management of type 2 diabetes. The main function of Invokana is to lower blood sugar levels by inhibiting the reabsorption of glucose by the kidneys. Somehow, it leads to increased glucose excretion in the urine.
This mechanism helps to reduce blood glucose levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, Invokana has a function to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Its consumption commonly is in combination with other antidiabetic medications and lifestyle modifications.
Yet, following the information from such data says that It’s important for individuals taking Invokana to follow their healthcare provider’s instructions closely. However, this product has not reported any unusual or severe side effects.
As with any medication, the decision to use Invokana should be through consultation with a healthcare professional. The medication of it must depend on an individual’s specific health needs and circumstances.
What Are The Dangers of Invokana?
While it can be an effective diabetic medication for many people, like any medication, Invokana is also associated with potential side effects. Below are the dangers of Invokana or simply the side effects caused by this medication.
1. Genital Yeast Infections
If you wonder what are the dangers of Invokana, the answer is some individuals consuming Invokana as medication may go through genital yeast infections. Nonetheless, this can affect both men and women. Based on the data taken from GoodRx Health, genital yeast infections will give rise to such symptoms.
For instance, redness or soreness in the vaginal area, burning sensation or general pain in the genitals, pain with urination or during having sex, discharge that’s thicker and whiter than usual, and itching.
2. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
What are the dangers of Invokana? One of them is Urinary Tract Infections. Invoking can increase the risk of urinary tract infections. Yet, UTIs can fortunately receive medical treatment. However, if a UTI does not get medical treatment as soon as possible, it may develop into pyelonephritis.
In this case, it is a more dangerous infection. Besides, below are the symptoms of UTIs that you should recognize.
- Blood or cloudy-tinged urine
- Feeling pain in the lower abdomen
- The intensity of urination increases
- Burning or pain when peeing
Once the sufferers start experiencing those symptoms above, make sure to get treated as soon as possible. They can ask the medical expert for advice on over-the-counter (OTC) drugs to help them while waiting for the antibiotics to take effect. For instance, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and acetaminophen (Tylenol.
3. Dehydration
Dehydration can be the next answer to “What are the dangers of Invokana?” Invakana may contribute to dehydration, especially if patients do not have sufficient fluid intake. If you catch dehydration. you may experience orthostatic hypotension, or feeling weak, lightheaded, or dizzy particularly if you stand up.
Additionally, this may make you more likely to tumble. You may be more susceptible to dehydration if you take Invokana at a dose of 300 mg, are 75 years of age or older, or use a loop diuretic like furosemide. Talk to your doctor about the recommended daily fluid intake to help reduce the risk of dehydration.
In addition, you may be at risk of dehydration, if:
- you struggle with low blood pressure,
- take medication to control your blood pressure,
- follow a low-sodium diet, have kidney issues,
- or are 65 years of age or older.
4. Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)
When the medicine is used in combination with other diabetes medications that can lower blood sugar, Invokana may increase the risk of hypoglycemia. So, this kind of side effect is one of what are the dangers of Invokana.
Generally, blood sugar levels below 70 mg/dL correspond to hypoglycemia. It could result in symptoms like sweating, trembling, and an accelerated heartbeat.
Typically, invoking does not result in hypoglycemia on its own. However, hypoglycemia can happen when it’s taken with several other diabetes drugs, such as insulin, sulfonylureas, and meglitinides. It might be necessary to reduce the dosage of these drugs when using Invokana.
In addition, you can quickly elevate your blood sugar by ingesting 15 g of fast-acting sugar, which is equivalent to half a cup of soda or fruit juice. If you haven’t already, it’s a good idea to make it a practice to check your blood sugar frequently.
5. Kidney Problems
What are the dangers of Invokana? In some cases, there have been concerns about kidney-related issues associated with Invokana use. Based on the information from Healthline, below are the symptoms that appear when sufferers get kidney problems during Invokana consumption.
- Seizures
- Heart rate being abnormal
- Feeling pressure in the chest or chest pain
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Lack of energy, or you can see fatigue
- Swelling in your legs, feet, or ankles
- The intensity of urinating is less often than usual
In this case, the sufferers’ doctor will check their blood for kidney function before starting treatment with Invokana. The sufferers can probably take this medicine if their kidney function is good.
However, to monitor their kidney function, they will likely need regular blood tests during treatment. It may also reduce the sufferers’ risk of developing kidney problems during treatment with Invokana if they are well hydrated when taking Invokana.
Do You Understand What Are The Dangers of Invokana?
Health is the highest price of life. Therefore, we must educate ourselves to keep it well no matter what. Invokana is a kind of alternative to diabetic medication. Yet, we have to be aware of what are the dangers of Invokana as well.
However, like we have discussed above it also causes serious side effects that we should consider before taking the treatment. So, let’s educate ourselves about it and avoid long-term regrets in the future!
