Canagliflozin was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on March 29, 2013. It became the first SGLT2 inhibitor sanctioned as an adjunct to diet and exercise for enhancing glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Canagliflozin belongs to the group of blood-glucose-lowering drugs. It is used to treat type 2 diabetes in adults. It can prevent heart disease in people with type 2 diabetes and also slows down kidney problems by a mechanism beyond blood glucose lowering. This medicine can be used alone or along with other medicines you may be using to treat your type 2 diabetes,

Canagliflozin  is available as 100mg tablets, for oral use in adults. Take canagliflozin as exactly advised by your physician. It is best to take the tablet before the first meal.

Canagliflozin can cause some side effects like any other drug. This medication may cause serious allergic reactions, leading to swelling of the face and difficulty breathing. Diabetic ketoacidosis, marked by rapid weight loss and confusion, is another concern. Common side effects include low blood sugar, urinary tract infections, yeast infections, changes in urination, constipation, thirst, and nausea. Seek medical attention for any unusual symptoms.

This tablet should be avoided under certain circumstances and in specific medical conditions. Canagliflozin is not recommended for children and adolescents under 18 years. Inform your healthcare provider if you have a known allergy to canagliflozin or its components in the tablet. Tell your doctor if you are intolerant to lactose as it contains lactose as one component. Before using this tablet, consult your healthcare provider for advice on preventing dehydration, especially if you notice signs of dehydration. Inform your doctor if you have experienced ketoacidosis (increased levels of ketone bodies in your urine or blood) before or are experiencing it during the treatment with this medicine. If you have severe kidney or liver problems, a history of serious heart disease or stroke, low blood pressure, a history of lower limb amputation, or genital yeast infection symptoms, discuss your condition with your healthcare professional. Engaging in transparent communication with your doctor regarding your medical history and medications is crucial to ensure the safe and proper use of canagliflozin.

Inform your doctor if you're taking other antidiabetic drugs, like insulin or sulfonylureas, to prevent low blood sugar. Also, mention if you use medications for blood pressure, diuretics, St. John's wort( herbal medication for depression), antiepileptic drugs (carbamazepine, phenytoin, or phenobarbital), HIV medications (efavirenz or ritonavir), rifampicin ( antibiotic for tuberculosis), cholestyramine (for lowering cholesterol levels), or heart medications like digoxin or digitoxin, as levels in your blood may need monitoring alongside canagliflozin. Clear communication with your healthcare provider about these medications is crucial for your well-being.

During the treatment with canagliflozin, your doctor will regularly monitor your  kidney function via blood tests. Due to its mechanism, your urine will show sugar (glucose) presence while taking this medicine. If you develop symptoms such as genital or perianal pain, redness, swelling, or fever, seek immediate medical attention as it could indicate a rare but serious infection. Make sure to monitor your feet regularly and follow foot care advice, and inform your doctor of any concerning foot issues. If you have a kidney or urinary tract infection with a fever, your doctor may advise you to temporarily stop taking canagliflozin until you recover. Follow your doctor's prescribed medications, including canagliflozin, alongside other glucose-lowering medicines. Adhere to your doctor’s  guidance on diet and exercise, especially if you're on a diabetic weight control diet while taking this medication.

1. Janssen-Cilag Ltd, Electronic medicines compendium (EMC), [Revised on Aug 2023] [Accessed on 28th Sept 2023] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/8855/pil
2. Janssen Pharmaceuticals, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), [Revised on Oct 2022] [Accessed on 28th Sep 2023] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2022/204042s039lbl.pdf
3. KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Insulin, Oral Anti Diabetic Drugs And Glucagon, 8th edition, 2019, 301
4. Goodman & Gilman’s, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Endocrine Pancreas and Pharmacotherapy of Diabetes Mellitus and Hypoglycemia, 2018, 879

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you can receive this treatment.