Daily Medication Pearl: Canagliflozin (Invokana)

Medication Pearl of the Day: Canagliflozin (Invokana)

Indication: Canagliflozin (Invokana) is a sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Insight:

• Dosing: The recommended starting dose is 100 mg once daily, taken before the first meal of the day.
• Dosage forms: Tablets 100 mg, 300 mg.
• Adverse events: Most common adverse reactions associated with canagliflozin (5% or greater incidence): female genital mycotic infections, urinary tract infection, and increased urination.
• Mechanism of action: SGLT2 expressed in the proximal renal tubules is responsible for most of the reabsorption of filtered glucose from the tubular lumen. By inhibiting SGLT2, canagliflozin reduces reabsorption of filtered glucose and lowers the renal threshold for glucose, thereby increasing urinary glucose excretion.
• Manufacturer: Janssen Pharmaceuticals

Sources:

• INVOKANA-pi.pdf (janssenlabels.com)
• invokana image - Google Search