Invokana Side Effects

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
Stop taking Invokana and see a doctor as soon as possible if the patient has any of the following serious side effects: Dehydration (uncommon, may affect up to 1 in 100 people): loss of too much fluid from the body (dehydration). This happens more often in elderly people (aged 75 and over), people with kidney problems, and people taking water tablets (diuretics).
Possible signs of dehydration are: feeling light-headed or dizzy; passing out (fainting) or feeling dizzy or faint when the patient stands up; very dry or sticky mouth, feeling very thirsty; feeling very weak or tired; passing little or no urine; fast heartbeat.
Contact a doctor or the nearest hospital straight away if the patient has any of the following side effects: Diabetic ketoacidosis (rare, may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people): These are the signs of diabetic ketoacidosis (see also Precautions): increased levels of "ketone bodies" in the urine or blood; rapid weight loss; feeling sick or being sick; stomach pain; excessive thirst; fast and deep breathing; confusion; unusual sleepiness or tiredness; a sweet smell to the breath, a sweet or metallic taste in the mouth or a different odour to the urine or sweat.
This may occur regardless of blood glucose level. The doctor may decide to temporarily or permanently stop the treatment with Invokana.
Tell the doctor as soon as possible if the patient has any of the following side effects: Hypoglycaemia (very common, may affect more than 1 in 10 people): low blood sugar levels (hypoglycaemia): when taking this medicine with insulin or a sulphonylurea (such as glimepiride or glipizide).
Possible signs of low blood sugar are: blurred vision; tingling lips; trembling, sweating, pale looking; a change in mood or feeling anxious or confused.
The doctor will tell the patient how to treat low blood sugar levels and what to do if the patient has any of the signs previously mentioned.
Other side effects: Very common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people): vaginal yeast infection.
Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people): rash or redness of the penis or foreskin (yeast infection); urinary tract infections; changes in urination (including urinating more frequently or in larger amounts, urgent need to urinate, need to urinate at night); constipation; feeling thirsty; nausea; blood tests may show change in blood fat (cholesterol) levels and increases in amount of red blood cells in the blood (haematocrit).
Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people): rash or red skin: this may be itchy and include raised bumps, oozing fluid or blisters; hives; blood tests may show changes related to kidney function (creatinine or urea) or potassium); blood tests may show increases in the blood phosphate level; bone fracture; kidney failure (mainly as a consequence of loss of too much fluid from the body); lower limb amputations (mainly of the toe) especially if the patient is at high risk of heart disease.
Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1000 people): severe allergic reaction (may include swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat that may lead to difficulty breathing or swallowing).
Reporting of side effects: If the patient gets any side effects, talk to the doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this monograph. By reporting side effects, the patient can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.