Canagliflozin: a practical guide for people with type 2 diabetes

Canagliflozin is an SGLT2 inhibitor that helps the kidneys remove extra glucose through the urine. People take it mainly for type 2 diabetes to lower blood sugar, and it can also help with weight and reduce the risk of heart failure or worsening kidney disease for some patients. Before you start, plan to talk with your doctor about your kidney function, blood pressure medicines, and foot health—these affect whether canagliflozin is a good fit.

How it's taken & dosing

The usual starting dose is 100 mg once daily. Many people take it before their first meal of the day, but follow your prescriber's instructions. If needed and tolerated, the dose can be increased to 300 mg once daily—only if your doctor approves. Your provider will check kidney function (eGFR) and may not start or may stop the drug at low eGFR levels; these thresholds vary by indication and country, so don’t adjust the dose on your own.

Common side effects and safety tips

Expect more urination at first, and watch for lightheadedness if you take blood pressure drugs or diuretics. Genital yeast infections and urinary tract infections are more common—keep good hygiene and talk to your clinician if you notice itching, discharge, or a burning pee. Stay hydrated, especially in hot weather or when exercising hard.

There are some serious but less common risks. Canagliflozin has been linked to rare cases of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) even when blood sugar isn’t very high—if you get nausea, belly pain, fast breathing, or confusion, seek care right away. Some trials reported a higher rate of lower-limb amputations; check your feet regularly and report sores, ulcers, or infections immediately. Also avoid canagliflozin if you have type 1 diabetes, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

Other practical points: stop canagliflozin before major surgery or if you have a serious illness that reduces food or fluid intake—this lowers DKA risk. Your doctor may reduce doses of insulin or sulfonylureas to prevent low blood sugar. Expect routine blood tests for kidney function, electrolytes, and sometimes blood pressure checks early on.

Thinking of buying canagliflozin online? Use licensed pharmacies that require a prescription and show clear contact details and registration. Avoid websites offering big discounts without a prescription; counterfeit or unsafe meds are real risks. If cost is a concern, ask your prescriber about patient support programs or generic options.

Bottom line: canagliflozin can be a helpful tool for blood sugar control and heart/kidney protection for many people with type 2 diabetes, but it needs careful monitoring. Talk to your healthcare team about risks, how to manage side effects, and safe ways to get your medication.