Canagliflozin is used in adults with type 2 diabetes to lower blood sugar levels. It works best when used along with diet and exercise. It is also used in adults having diabetes and cardiovascular disease together. Its use in such patients helps reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke or death due to these cardiovascular events.

No, Canagliflozin is not the same as metformin. Canagliflozin is a sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor whereas metformin is a biguanide. Canagliflozin lowers blood sugar by causing the kidneys to get rid of more glucose in the urine. On the other hand, metformin works by reducing the amount of sugar which your liver releases into your blood.

Take Canagliflozin exactly as advised by your doctor. You should swallow the tablet whole with water. You can take your tablet with or without food. It is best to take it before the first meal of the day, preferably at the same time each day. This will help you remember to take it.

There are some risks involved with the use of Canagliflozin. In some people it may cause dehydration (the loss of too much body water). Canagliflozin may also cause vaginal yeast infection in women and yeast infection in the skin surrounding the penis in men. Furthermore, this medicine may increase the risk of lower limb amputations in patients who had a history of amputation or have major risk factors like peripheral vascular disease.

The serious side effects of Canagliflozin include ketoacidosis (increased ketones in your blood or urine), some allergic reaction, sudden kidney impairment, serious urinary tract infections and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Canagliflozin may also cause a serious bacterial infection that may damage the tissue under the skin in the area between and around the anus and genitals (perineum), although it is rare. This medicine may weaken your bones, increasing the risk of fractures, particularly in the upper arms, wrists, or hands.

Canagliflozin usually causes loss of fat mass which further leads to weight loss. However, this may vary from person to person depending upon the doses and whether it is being used alone or with other diabetes medications.

Keep a record of your blood sugar levels, daily or at regular intervals. You can show this record to your doctor on your next visit. Your doctor will analyze these reports and tell you whether the medicine is working or not.

Patients having a history of amputation are more prone to lower limb amputation. The risk is also high in patients with foot ulcers or sores or who have or had heart disease. Also, patients who have or have suffered from peripheral vascular disease (narrowing of blood vessels in feet, legs, or arms causing numbness, pain, or coldness) and neuropathy (nerve damage that causes tingling, numbness, and pain, usually in your hands and feet) also have a high risk of lower limb amputation.