Key Points

• The best time to take your Invokana is before your first meal of the day. Invokana (canagliflozin) is an oral tablet typically taken once per day.
• Invokana is used in addition to diet and exercise in patients with type 2 diabetes to help control blood sugar. It can also help to protect the kidneys and lower the risk for heart-related hospitalization or death.
• Take your medicine exactly as your doctor tells you to take it. Your doctor may need to change your dose or you may need to use Invokana with other medications.
• When Invokana is used with other drugs that may lower blood sugar, such as insulin or sulfonylureas, a risk of low blood sugar is possible. Know how to recognize signs and symptoms of low blood sugar.

What is the normal dose of Invokana?

Invokana comes as a 100 mg and 300 mg tablet that you take by mouth.

Invokana is typically started as a 100 mg dose given once daily before breakfast (your first meal of the day). If you need more control over your blood sugar and have normal kidney function, your dose can be increased to 300 mg per day.

Your dose may need to be adjusted if you take certain medications due to the potential for drug interactions. If you are taking medications like rifampin, phenytoin, phenobarbital, ritonavir, or other drugs that may increase certain enzymes (known as UGT inducers), your doctor may need to increase your dose of Invokana.

Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

What should I do if I miss my dose of Invokana?

If you miss a dose of Invokana, take it as soon as you remember.

However, if it is almost time for your next dose of Invokana, skip the dose you missed. Then take your next regularly scheduled dose on time. Do not take two doses of Invokana at the same time.

Talk to your doctor if you have questions about a missed dose.

Is it OK to take Invokana if I am sick?

Managing your blood sugar can be more of a challenge when you are sick, under stress, have a fever, or are recovering from trauma, such as from an accident or injury. The amount of diabetes medication you may need can change.

If you are sick, tell your doctor right away and ask how you should take your Invokana.

• Keep taking your medications as your doctor has prescribed
• Test your blood sugar more frequently (at least every 4 hours) and keep track of your results. Ask your doctor how frequently you should check your blood sugar.
• Drink extra fluids and eat your meals normally.
• Weigh yourself and let your doctor know if you are losing weight unexpectedly. Losing weight without trying is a sign of high blood sugar.
• Check your temperature in the morning and at night. If you have a fever, you may have an infection. Call your doctor right away.

Can I drink alcohol if I take Invokana?

Ask your doctor if it is safe for you to have an occasional drink if you take Invokana. The use of Invokana with alcohol (ethanol) may cause problems in patients with type 2 diabetes that is not well-controlled.

Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Drinking alcohol with Invokana may lead to low blood sugar or high blood sugar, depending upon how much you drink and how often. Alcohol can lead to changes in your blood sugar, especially if you drink on an empty stomach or after exercise. Alcohol can prevent your liver from making the sugar you might need, and could lead to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Always have a snack or meal with a drink. Test your blood sugar before going to bed; if it’s low, have a snack.

You should avoid using alcohol if your diabetes is not well controlled or if you have high triglycerides, neuropathy (nerve damage), or pancreatitis.

If your doctor approves alcohol use with Invokana, it may be best to limit alcohol intake to:

• one drink per day for women
• two drinks per day for men.

One drink is the equivalent of 5 oz wine, 12 oz beer, or 1.5 oz distilled spirits, in conjunction with your normal meal plan.

Where should I store Invokana?

You should store Invokana at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C). It does not need to be refrigerated. Always keep all medications out of the reach of children and pets.

Bottom Line

• Although you can take Invokana with or without food, it’s best to take it before your first meal of the day, which is usually breakfast.
• Take your medicine exactly as your doctor tells you to take it. Your dose may change over time or you may need to use Invokana with other type 2 diabetes medications.
• Always have your doctor and pharmacist review for possible drug interactions with your medications. Your dose may need to be adjusted or medications chnaged. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal or dietary supplements you take.