Canagliflozin (Invokana): Uses, Side Effects & Practical Safety Tips

Canagliflozin is an SGLT2 inhibitor used to lower blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes. People choose it when diet, exercise, and other pills don’t give enough control, or when doctors want extra benefits like modest weight loss or lower blood pressure. This page gives clear, practical info so you know what to expect and what to watch for.

How canagliflozin works and who it’s for

Canagliflozin helps your kidneys remove extra glucose through urine instead of keeping it in the blood. That’s why you may see sugar on urine tests. Doctors usually start with a low daily dose and may raise it if your kidney function is good and you tolerate it. It’s not for type 1 diabetes and is not right for people with severely reduced kidney function—your provider will check blood tests first.

Good candidates are adults with type 2 diabetes who need better A1C control and who don’t have active urinary or genital infections, severe kidney disease, or certain other conditions. If you’re taking insulin or sulfonylureas, your doctor may lower those doses to avoid low blood sugar.

Common side effects and safety tips

Expect increased urination and higher risk of genital yeast infections. That’s the most common complaint—both men and women can get it. You may also notice thirst, dizziness from low blood pressure, or urinary tract infections.

There are rare but serious risks: diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) can happen even when blood sugar isn’t very high. Call your doctor or go to the ER if you get severe nausea, vomiting, belly pain, fast breathing, or extreme tiredness. Trials also showed a higher rate of lower-limb amputations with canagliflozin in some people, so daily foot checks and reporting any sores or pain in the legs or feet are smart.

To stay safe: drink enough water, check your blood sugar as instructed, have kidney tests before and during treatment, and tell your clinician about any infections, dizziness, or wounds. If you’re planning surgery or are seriously ill, ask about pausing canagliflozin—stopping before surgery is often recommended to lower DKA risk.

How to take it: take your pill once a day, usually before the first meal. Keep to regular follow-ups so your doctor can adjust dose or stop the drug if needed. Don’t stop abruptly without checking in—your overall diabetes plan may need changes.

If you’re curious whether canagliflozin fits your situation, bring a recent kidney test and a list of all medicines to your appointment. That makes the conversation faster and safer. This info is practical, not a prescription—always follow your healthcare team’s advice.