Canagliflozin: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

Function

What is Canagliflozin used for?

Canagliflozin is a drug used in the treatment of diabetes patients. The use of Canagliflozin balanced with a proper diet and physical exercise program can help control high blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. This drug is in a class of medications called inhibitors. sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT 2). The way Canagliflozin works is by instructing the kidneys to reduce the reabsorption of glucose. By reducing the level of glucose reabsorption, glucose will be excreted through the urine so that the sugar circulating in the blood will decrease. This medicine is not given to those with type 1 diabetes and diabetic ketoacidosis.

Over time, people with diabetes may be exposed to the risk of complications from several diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, kidney problems, nerve damage, and eye problems. Treatment of diabetes with Canagliflozin therapy, when balanced with lifestyle changes to be healthier, can also lower your chances of a heart attack, stroke, or other diabetes complications such as kidney failure, vision problems, and oral and dental problems.

Canagliflozin drinking rules

Canagliflozin is an oral drug. Consumption can be done before or after meals. However, the best performance is obtained when consumed before meals. Canagliflozin consumption is usually done once a day, before breakfast or the first meal of the day. Always follow the provisions that have been prescribed by your doctor because the dose given has taken into account your health condition and your body's response to the treatment being carried out.

Store the drug Canagliflozin

The best place to store Canagliflozin is at room temperature (25 degrees Celsius). Avoid storing this medication from direct sunlight and places that have high humidity, such as bathrooms. Keep out of reach of children by storing them in a closed container that is difficult to open to prevent them from being poisoned.

Dose

The recommended dose for initial use of Canagliflozin is 100 milligrams once daily. It performs best at the time before the first meal of the day. In patients requiring additional glycemic control, this can be increased to 300 milligrams once daily.

Side effects

What side effects may occur due to consumption of Canagliflozin?

Frequent urination (even at night), dizziness, dry mouth, vertigo may occur due to this medicine. To reduce the risk of dizziness and vertigo, get up slowly from your sleeping or sitting position. Talk to your doctor if you have serious side effects such as symptoms of a urinary tract infection (fever, unable to keep urinating, pain / burning sensation when urinating), kidney problems (change in the amount of urine or swelling of the legs), and symptoms of high potassium levels in the blood characterized by weakening of the muscles and an abnormal heartbeat.

Other side effects that may also arise due to consumption of Canagliflozin are:

- Unnatural fatigue

- Nausea or vomiting

- Pain in the stomach

- Hard to breathe

Use of this drug can also cause yeast infection of the vagina or penis. People who have had a history of yeast infection in the genital area are more likely to be exposed again when using Canagliflozin. Tell your doctor if you experience signs of a yeast infection such as bad odor, burning (vaginal), swelling (on the penis), redness and itching. Your doctor may also prescribe an antifungal product.

Canagliflozin also causes you to lose a lot of body fluids (dehydration) which can potentially cause kidney problems. Make sure that your body is getting enough fluids to prevent kidney problems from developing.

Bone problems, such as bone loss and fracture are also one of the side effects brought about by this drug. Talk to your doctor about the possible need for additional calcium and vitamin D intake. However, lifestyle changes to be healthier also help improve bone health.

Allergic reactions are rare with this drug, but if you do, contact your doctor immediately. Also consult with your doctor about the possible side effects that you will receive considering that not all side effects are included in the list mentioned above.

Warnings and Precautions

Drug Interactions

Other medicines can affect the removal of Canagliflozin in your body impacting how it works, such as:

- Rifamycin (eg rifampin and rifabutin)

Certain drugs for the treatment of seizures (eg phenobarbital and phenytoin)

- Ritonavir

The use of Canagliflozin together with a diuretic can increase the occurrence of dehydration and low blood pressure. The risk of hypoglycemia also increases when combined with the use of insulin and sulfonylurea class drugs.

Overdose

What should I do if I overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the emergency services provider (119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

Some of the signs of an overdose that you can feel are related to hypoglycemia symptoms such as body shaking, fast heartbeat, sweating, and loss of consciousness.

What should I do if I forget to take medicine?

Immediately take this medicine as soon as you remember it. However, if the distance is too close to the next schedule, ignore the missed schedule and drink it again on the schedule that you have set next. Do not double your dose on a single medication schedule.