Canagliflozin

Canagliflozin is an oral diabetes medication, specifically a selective sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes. Its primary function is to improve glycemic control by encouraging the excretion of glucose in urine without causing significant fluctuations in blood glucose levels.
Patients with type 2 diabetes often exhibit reduced insulin sensitivity in the muscles, liver, and fat, along with reduced insulin production. As a result, patients have elevated blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) when they consume glucose during food intake. Canagliflozin works by blocking the SGLT2 transporter in the kidney proximal tubule, which primarily reabsorbs filtered glucose, thereby promoting glucosuria and lowering the renal threshold for glucose excretion.
Using canagliflozin can contribute to reduced calorie intake as a result of the increased sugar loss in urine. Additionally, its effects on the kidneys decrease fluid retention and blood pressure. Patients prescribed with this medication should follow a balanced meal plan and exercise regimen to obtain the optimal benefits of glycemic control and to minimize cardiovascular events and long-term complications typically associated with diabetes.
Canagliflozin should be stored in a cool, dry place, kept out of reach of children. Potential side effects may include frequent urination, increased thirst, difficulty sleeping, and changes in stomach discomfort. Severe reactions to canagliflozin can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis, a rare condition that causes a higher presence of acids in the blood that the body cannot tolerate, possibly leading to diabetic coma. Patients are advised to follow dosing instructions strictly and consult healthcare providers immediately for any adverse symptoms.