METFORMIN-CANAGLIFLOZIN

This drug may cause upset stomach when you start taking it, but this should go away. If upset stomach comes back after it has gone away, it might be due to lactic acidosis. Contact your doctor right away if this happens.

The most common side effects that occur with canagliflozin/metformin include:

• Vaginal yeast infection. Symptoms may include:
  • vaginal odor
  • white or yellowish vaginal discharge
  • vaginal itching
  • yeast infection of the penis. Symptoms may include:
  • swelling
  • redness
  • itching
  • foul-smelling discharge from the penis
  • pain in the skin around the penis
• Urinary tract infection. Symptoms may include:
  • feeling a very strong urge to urinate
  • urinating more often but in small amounts
  • itching, burning, or pain when you urinate
  • urine that smells strong
  • urine that looks cloudy or has an unusual color
• Changes in urination, including urgent need to urinate more often, in larger amounts, or at night.
  • diarrhea
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • gas
  • weakness
  • indigestion
  • upset stomach
  • headache

Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that doesn’t go away. These aren’t all the possible side effects of canagliflozin/metformin. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Take note of the following before taking this drug:

• You should not use Invokamet if you are allergic to canagliflozin (Invokana) or metformin (Glucophage, Avandamet, and others), or if you have moderate to severe kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis); or diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with insulin).
• You will need to temporarily stop taking this medication if you need to have any type of x-ray or CT scan using a dye that is injected into your veins.
• Some people taking metformin develop a serious condition called lactic acidosis. This may be more likely if you have liver or kidney disease, congestive heart failure, a severe infection, if you are dehydrated, or if you drink large amounts of alcohol. Talk with your doctor about your risk.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you become pregnant while using this drug.
• It is not known whether canagliflozin and metformin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using Invokamet
• This drug is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
• Tell your doctor your medical history to make sure it is safe for you. Especially if you have liver or kidney disease; a history of bladder infections or other urination problems; heart disease, or a history of stroke or heart attack; a history of pancreas disorder or surgery; an electrolyte imbalance (such as high levels of potassium in your blood); or if you are on a low salt diet.

Interactions

Canagliflozin/metformin can interact with other medications, herbs, or vitamins you might be taking. That’s why your doctor should manage all of your medications carefully. If you’re curious about how this drug might interact with something else you’re taking, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

If you think that you’ve taken too much glyburide/metformin, go to the emergency room right away or call your local poison control center.

Available brands:

• Azulix 1 MF/Azulix 2 MF
• Byetta
• Diafat
• Invokana