Invokana (canagliflozin) was the first in a new class of drugs used to treat type 2 diabetes, called sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, to receive approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (FDA). It was approved in March, 2013, and within a year of hitting the market the drug had been linked to at least 457 serious adverse event reports. Invokana became very popular, very quickly, but now its safety as well as efficacy have come into question and it is believed that Janssen was well aware of at least some of the risks of taking Invokana before the drug was even approved.
How it Works
Invokana is used to help lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. It inhibits SGLT2, a carrier that helps glucose reabsorb into the bloodstream as blood is filtered through the kidneys. Instead of going back into your blood, the sugar is excreted in your urine.
Invokana Side Effects and Injuries
Invokana side effects and injuries can include:
- Hypoglycemia
- Diabetic ketoacidosis
- Kidney stones
- Kidney impairment
- Kidney failure
- Dehydration and fluid imbalances
- Urinary tract infections
- Yeast infections in women and men
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Abnormal weight loss
- Increased LDL cholesterol
- Abnormally low blood pressure
- Severe allergic reaction
When the FDA approved Invokana, the agency had concerns about other potential risks. So much so that it required post-market studies of the drug’s risk for causing:
- Pancreatitis
- Cancer
- Liver abnormalities
- Photosensitivity
- Adverse pregnancy outcomes
- Severe allergic reaction
- Bone fractures
- Heart Attack and Stroke
The risk for serious cardiovascular events seems to be highest during the first 30 days of Invokana use. In a clinical trial, 13 patients taking Invokana suffered major cardiovascular events, including heart attack and stroke, during the first 30 days of using the drug. In comparison, only one patient taking the placebo suffered a major cardiovascular event.
Most Common Side Effects
The most common side effects of Invokana are:
- Yeast infection
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Increased urination
In clinical trials of the drug, 14% of women and 3.9% of men, with near-normal kidney function, taking Invokana developed urogenital fungal infections at rates four to six times higher than those taking other diabetes drugs. It is believed that increased sugar in the urine is the culprit, as it feeds the infectious microorganisms.
Increased urination may sound like a mere annoyance, but it can cause serious and dangerous health problems including low blood pressure upon standing which can result in dizziness and falls.
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