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.
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.