How effective Is Invokana?

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Invokana (canagliflozin) is typically used with other diabetes meds, like metformin, to lower blood sugar.

  • When used alone in studies, Invokana lowered HbA1C (a measure of blood sugar control over the past two to three months) by 0.77% to 1%, so it's a weak blood sugar lowering agent by itself. Roughly 45% to 62% of patients were able to get their HbA1C below 7%.
  • Invokana is also used as an "adjunct" (added to) to metformin, which boosts blood sugar control even further.
  • There's a combined pill that makes it easier. Invokamet contains both metformin and canagliflozin in one tablet, which may be more convenient.

    • Invokana is a sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor. The SGLT2 inhibitors block the kidney from reabsorbing sugar (glucose). In turn, you eliminate more glucose in your urine which lowers your blood sugar levels. Invokana is also associated with reductions in blood pressure and weight loss and comes as a tablet taken once daily by mouth.

    In October 2018 the FDA cleared Invokana to lower the risk of major adverse cardiovascular (CV) events, including heart attack, stroke or death in patients with type 2 diabetes who have established CV disease.

  • For patients with type 2 diabetes and established heart disease, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends medication management with SGLT2 inhibitors that specifically have a proven cardiovascular benefit, such as canagliflozin (Invokana) or empagliflozin (Jardiance). Patients should have adequate kidney function for the chosen agent.
  • Both agents have shown a reduction in heart failure and chronic kidney disease progression in cardiovascular outcomes trials.
  • This new indication also applies to the fixed-dose combination products.

    • In September 2019, Janssen’s Invokana was also approved to reduce the risk of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), worsening of kidney function, cardiovascular (CV) death, and hospitalization for heart failure in adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and diabetic kidney disease.

    This is not all the information you need to know about Invokana (canagliflozin) for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full product information and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.

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