canagliflozin and metformin
What is the most important information I should know about canagliflozin and metformin?
You should not use this medicine if you have severe kidney disease or diabetic ketoacidosis.
Canagliflozin can cause serious infections in the penis or vagina. Get medical help right away if you have burning, itching, odor, discharge, pain, tenderness, redness or swelling of the genital or rectal area, fever, or if you don't feel well.
You may develop lactic acidosis, a dangerous build-up of lactic acid in your blood. Call your doctor or get emergency medical help if you have unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain, dizziness, feeling cold, or feeling very weak or tired.
What is canagliflozin and metformin?
Canagliflozin and metformin is a combination medicine used with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Canagliflozin and metformin is also used to lower the risk of death from heart attack, stroke, or heart failure in adults with type 2 diabetes who also have heart disease.
Canagliflozin and metformin is also used to reduce the risk of end-stage kidney disease and hospitalization or death from heart problems in adults who also have kidney problems caused by type 2 diabetes.
This medicine is not for treating type 1 diabetes.
Canagliflozin and metformin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking canagliflozin and metformin?
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to canagliflozin or metformin, or if you have:
- severe kidney disease; or
- ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment).
If you need to have any type of x-ray or CT scan using a dye that is injected into your veins, you may need to temporarily stop taking canagliflozin and metformin.
Canagliflozin may increase your risk of lower leg amputation, especially if you have had a prior amputation, a foot ulcer, heart disease, circulation problems, or nerve damage.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- heart problems;
- a diabetic foot ulcer or amputation;
- circulation problems or nerve problems in your legs or feet;
- liver or kidney disease;
- low levels of vitamin B12 or calcium in your blood;
- bladder infections or other urination problems;
- a pancreas disorder or surgery;
- a change in your diet; or
- if you are on a low salt diet.
You may develop lactic acidosis, a dangerous build-up of lactic acid in your blood. This may be more likely if you have other medical conditions, a severe infection, chronic alcoholism, or if you are 65 or older. Ask your doctor about your risk.
Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Canagliflozin may harm the unborn baby if you take this medicine during your second or third trimester.
Metformin may stimulate ovulation in a premenopausal woman and may increase the risk of unintended pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about your risk.
You should not breastfeed while using this medicine.
Canagliflozin and metformin is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
How should I take canagliflozin and metformin?
If you had been taking an evening dose of metformin extended-release tablets, skip your last dose the evening before you start taking canagliflozin and metformin.
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Take with food.
Swallow the extended-release tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.
You may have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and feel very hungry, dizzy, irritable, confused, anxious, or shaky. To quickly treat hypoglycemia, eat or drink a fast-acting source of sugar (fruit juice, hard candy, crackers, raisins, or non-diet soda).
Your doctor may prescribe a glucagon injection kit in case you have severe hypoglycemia. Be sure your family or close friends know how to give you this injection in an emergency.
Also watch for signs of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) such as increased thirst or urination.
Blood sugar levels can be affected by stress, illness, surgery, exercise, alcohol use, or skipping meals. Ask your doctor before changing your dose or medication schedule.
Your doctor may have you take extra vitamin B12. Take only the amount of vitamin B12 that your doctor has prescribed.
Call your doctor if you have ongoing vomiting or diarrhea, or if you are sweating more than usual. You can easily become dehydrated while taking this medicine, which can lead to severely low blood pressure or a serious electrolyte imbalance.
If you need surgery or medical tests, tell any doctor who treats you that you are using canagliflozin and metformin. You may need to stop using this medicine at least 3 days before a surgery. Ask your doctor about how to control your blood sugar during this time.
Canagliflozin and metformin is only part of a treatment program that may also include diet, exercise, weight control, blood sugar testing, and special medical care. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.
Store tablets in their original container at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Do not keep canagliflozin and metformin tablets in a daily pill box for longer than 30 days.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the medicine (with food) as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. You may have severely low blood sugar (extreme weakness, nausea, tremors, sweating, confusion, trouble speaking, fast heartbeats, or seizure).
What should I avoid while taking canagliflozin and metformin?
Avoid drinking alcohol. It lowers blood sugar and may increase your risk of lactic acidosis.
What are the possible side effects of canagliflozin and metformin?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Seek medical attention right away if you have signs of a genital infection (penis or vagina): burning, itching, odor, discharge, pain, tenderness, redness or swelling of the genital or rectal area, fever, not feeling well. These symptoms may get worse quickly.
Mild symptoms of lactic acidosis may worsen over time, and this condition can be fatal. Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor right away if you have unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain, vomiting, irregular heart rate, dizziness, feeling cold, or feeling very weak or tired.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- new pain, tenderness, sores, ulcers, or infections in your legs or feet;
- little or no urination;
- a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
- high potassium level --nausea, weakness, tingly feeling, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, muscle weakness;
- ketoacidosis (too much acid in the blood) --nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, confusion, unusual drowsiness, or trouble breathing; or
- signs of a bladder infection --pain or burning when you urinate, urine that looks cloudy, pain in pelvis or back.
Older adults may be more likely to get dehydrated or have kidney problems while taking this medicine.
You may be more likely to have a broken bone while using this medicine. Talk with your doctor about how to avoid the risk of fractures.
Common side effects may include:
- urinating more than usual;
- headache, weakness;
- gas, stomach pain, indigestion;
- nausea, vomiting; or
- diarrhea.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect canagliflozin and metformin?
Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:
- digoxin (digitalis, Lanoxin);
- a diuretic or "water pill";
- insulin or other oral diabetes medications;
- rifampin;
- ritonavir; or
- seizure medicine --phenobarbital, phenytoin.
This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect canagliflozin and metformin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about canagliflozin and metformin.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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