Invokana Tablets: Uses, Dosage, Safety, and Access

Invokana is a prescription oral medicine used in adults with type 2 diabetes. It is taken as a once-daily tablet and is typically used alongside nutrition and activity changes. This page explains how it works, how it is used, and key safety points to review with a clinician.

What Invokana Is and How It Works

Invokana contains canagliflozin, a medicine in the SGLT2 inhibitor class. If you are researching invokana price alongside clinical basics, it helps to understand what this drug does in the body and what monitoring is usually needed. As part of a prescription-referral process, prescription details may be confirmed with the prescriber when required.

This treatment works by blocking a kidney transporter called sodium-glucose co-transporter 2, or SGLT2 (a protein that reabsorbs glucose). By reducing glucose reabsorption, more glucose can leave the body in urine, which can lower blood sugar. Because this mechanism affects urine output, some people notice more frequent urination or thirst, especially early on. Some patients explore Ships from Canada to US as a logistics option when cross-border fulfilment is permitted.

Beyond blood sugar control, the SGLT2 class is also used in certain risk-reduction settings for eligible adults, depending on the approved indication and individual kidney function. For broader background on how oral therapies are grouped and combined, see Common Diabetes Medications.

Who It’s For

Invokana is indicated for adults with Type 2 Diabetes to improve glycemic control, along with diet and exercise. Depending on local labeling and a person’s clinical profile, it may also be used for certain adults with type 2 diabetes who have established cardiovascular disease and for some adults with diabetic kidney disease to reduce the risk of specific outcomes. These decisions are individualized and depend on factors such as kidney function, other medicines, and overall risk.

This medicine is not used for type 1 diabetes, and it is not a treatment for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). People with severe kidney impairment, end-stage kidney disease, or those on dialysis are typically not candidates, because the drug’s effect and safety profile depend on renal filtration. If kidney or heart conditions are part of the care plan, the hubs for Chronic Kidney Disease and Heart Failure can help you review related medication categories at a high level.

Dosage and Usage

Invokana is taken by mouth once daily, usually before the first meal of the day, following the prescribing label and clinician instructions. Dosing is commonly started at a lower strength and may be adjusted based on blood sugar response, tolerability, and kidney function testing. Renal function is generally assessed before starting and monitored periodically, because dosing limits and precautions change when estimated glomerular filtration rate is reduced.

If a dose is missed, label instructions typically advise taking the next dose at the usual time rather than doubling up. People using insulin or insulin secretagogues (medicines that increase insulin release, such as sulfonylureas) may need closer glucose monitoring when an SGLT2 inhibitor is added, because hypoglycemia risk can increase from the other agent. For more detailed, label-aligned context to discuss with a clinician, see Invokana Dosage.

Quick tip: For routine use, keep a consistent time-of-day schedule.

Combination therapy is common in type 2 diabetes. A clinician may consider other oral agents or injectables depending on A1C goals, comorbidities, and side effect history. The guide Acceptable Combinations Of Diabetes reviews common pairing approaches in general terms.

Strengths and Forms

Invokana is supplied as oral tablets, most commonly as Invokana 100 mg tablets and Invokana 300 mg tablets. The active ingredient is canagliflozin (the generic name), so you may also see references to canagliflozin tablets in medication lists and clinical notes. Availability of specific package sizes may vary by jurisdiction and by pharmacy supply.

When people compare invokana price across strengths, it is useful to know that the dose strength, daily dose, and coverage rules can change the total number of tablets used per month. Your prescriber’s directions and current kidney function recommendations determine which strength is appropriate. For browsing within the drug class, the Sglt2 Inhibitors hub lists related options in the same category.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store tablets at controlled room temperature and protect them from excess moisture. Keep the bottle tightly closed and away from direct heat sources. If the container includes a desiccant (drying agent), leave it in place unless the label says otherwise. As with many medicines, storing tablets in a bathroom cabinet can expose them to humidity, which may affect tablet integrity over time.

For travel, keep tablets in the original labeled container when possible, especially for airport security or if you need to verify the medication name and strength. If you use a pill organizer, consider carrying a small photo of the prescription label or a printed medication list. For general navigation across non-insulin options, the Type 2 Diabetes Articles hub provides related educational resources.

Side Effects and Safety

Common side effects with SGLT2 inhibitors can include increased urination, thirst, and genital yeast infections, particularly in those with a prior history. Urinary tract infections can occur, and symptoms such as burning with urination, fever, or flank pain should be assessed promptly. Some people may also notice constipation or nausea. The guide Minimize Invokana Side Effects reviews practical, non-dosing steps often discussed in clinic, such as hydration habits and hygiene considerations.

Serious risks are uncommon but important to recognize. Ketoacidosis can occur even when blood sugar is not extremely high, especially during prolonged fasting, acute illness, heavy alcohol use, or around surgery. Volume depletion (low body fluid) can contribute to low blood pressure, dizziness, or fainting, particularly in older adults or those taking diuretics. Acute kidney injury has been reported, especially when dehydration or other kidney stressors are present. Rarely, a severe genital/perineal infection (necrotizing fasciitis, also called Fournier gangrene) has been reported and requires emergency care.

Why it matters: New severe nausea, abdominal pain, or confusion should be assessed urgently.

If you are reading about invokana price, keep safety considerations in view as well, because monitoring needs and side effects can affect follow-up planning. Discuss any past amputations, peripheral vascular disease, neuropathy, or foot ulcers with a clinician, since SGLT2 inhibitors have been associated with lower-limb complications in some populations. Medication decisions should follow the current prescribing information and individualized risk assessment.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Invokana can interact with other medicines in ways that affect side effects or blood sugar control. Insulin and sulfonylureas may raise hypoglycemia risk when combined, so clinicians often recommend closer glucose checks when therapy changes. Diuretics can increase the chance of dehydration and low blood pressure. Kidney-affecting medicines, including some NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, pain-relievers like ibuprofen), may add risk during illness or poor fluid intake.

Some drugs can change canagliflozin levels by affecting metabolism pathways (for example, certain enzyme inducers). Digoxin levels may increase when used together, so monitoring may be needed for patients taking digoxin. If you are comparing invokana price while switching therapies, bring a current medication list, including supplements and over-the-counter products, so interaction screening is complete. Tell the care team about planned surgeries or periods of fasting, because temporary holding may be recommended under clinician guidance.

Compare With Alternatives

For many people with type 2 diabetes, metformin remains a common first-line oral option; see Metformin for product-level context. Another SGLT2 inhibitor alternative is empagliflozin; see Jardiance 10 25 Mg. While agents in the same class share a similar kidney mechanism, labeling, kidney-function thresholds, and studied outcomes can differ, so comparisons should reference current prescribing information.

DPP-4 inhibitors (such as sitagliptin or linagliptin) are another oral class that generally does not increase urination and has different side effect considerations. GLP-1 receptor agonists (injectable or oral, depending on the product) may be considered when weight or cardiovascular risk is a priority. For a head-to-head overview to support clinician discussions, the resource Jardiance Vs Invokana outlines practical comparison points. When weighing choices, include factors beyond invokana price, such as kidney function limits, genital infection risk, and concomitant medicines.

Pricing and Access

Coverage and out-of-pocket amounts for Invokana vary by plan design, jurisdiction, and pharmacy contracts. Formularies may use tiers, prior authorization, or step therapy, and rules can differ for commercial insurance versus Medicare Part D. For people paying without insurance, the strength, quantity dispensed, and whether a generic equivalent is available locally can influence the total amount due at the pharmacy counter.

When people search invokana price, the most useful next step is often to confirm the exact dose and days’ supply on the prescription, because these details drive comparisons. Educational context on brand versus generic naming is available in Invokana Generic Guide. If you are reviewing general site-wide programs, Promotions may describe options or updates, which can vary by eligibility and jurisdiction.

CanadianInsulin operates as a prescription referral service; dispensing is done by licensed third-party pharmacies where permitted. In some cases, cross-border fulfilment may be considered based on documentation, eligibility, and local regulations, and additional verification steps may be required before a pharmacy can dispense.

Authoritative Sources

For FDA-reviewed prescribing information, see: FDA Drug Database.

For consumer-friendly drug details, see: MedlinePlus Canagliflozin.

For label text searches and product listings, see: DailyMed Search.

When medications require temperature control, partner pharmacies may use prompt, express, cold-chain shipping to support product handling.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.