Canagliflozin

Canagliflozin should not be used in pregnancy as it has the potential to harm the unborn baby.

Canagliflozin secretes in breast milk, and mothers who breast-feed should not intake this medicine in order to prevent any harm to their babies.

Canagliflozin does not directly affect your ability to drive. But if you have or you are at risk for side effects such as low blood sugar, dehydration or low blood pressure (dizziness), etc., caution is advised.

Alcohol lowers blood sugar levels and also increases the risk of dehydration and other complication in patients taking Canagliflozin. Hence, these patients are advised to avoid excessive intake of alcohol (occasional drinking is permitted).

Adults with Type II diabetes should not use Canagliflozin, which is not dependent on Insulin injections. It is recommended to use along with lifestyle changes such as modifications in diet and increasing exerciseIt is also approved to use in Type 2 diabetic patients who are at risk for heart diseases (heart attack, stroke, presence of blood clots, etc.) or those who are at risk for kidney disease due to uncontrolled blood sugars (diabetic nephropathy)Canagliflozin is most beneficial to patients who have Type 2 diabetes and associated heart disease or kidney disease or both or who are at risk of developing these complicationsThe efficacy of Canagliflozin in the control and maintenance of blood sugars (fasting and after-meals), body weight, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure has been demonstrated in various clinical trials. It is preferable in patients with Type 2 diabetes with other associated conditions

Canagliflozin causes fluid loss from the body, by way of more glucose excretion by increasing urination. Hence, it is essential to maintain proper hydration while using this medicine. Severe exercise or excess alcohol can cause dehydration and should be avoidedThe intake of fluids also depends on your associated conditions. If you have high blood pressure, decreased heart efficiency, or kidney disease, taking excess fluids can cause more harm. Hence discuss with your doctor about your fluid intakeCanagliflozin must be in use with caution in patients with kidney disease. For patients with mild kidney disease, regular dosing may continue. But, in patients with moderate kidney failure, dosage must be adjusted as per the patient’s tolerability and should be discontinued if the patient’s kidney function is not improving or is worseningPatients with severe kidney (end-stage kidney disease), liver disease and patients with Type 1 diabetes must avoid the use of CanagliflozinTests for kidney function are mandatory before starting this medicinePatients below 18 years of age should not use Canagliflozin