From the FDA Drug Label
Co-administration of a high-fat meal with canagliflozin had no effect on the pharmacokinetics of canagliflozin; therefore, INVOKANA may be taken with or without food However, based on the potential to reduce postprandial plasma glucose excursions due to delayed intestinal glucose absorption, it is recommended that INVOKANA be taken before the first meal of the day [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)] .
Canagliflozin Administration: Canagliflozin can be taken with or without food. However, it is recommended to take it before the first meal of the day to potentially reduce postprandial plasma glucose excursions due to delayed intestinal glucose absorption 1.
From the Research
Canagliflozin can be taken with or without food, as the presence of food does not significantly impact its absorption or effectiveness. This SGLT2 inhibitor medication is typically dosed once daily, and its flexibility to be taken with or without meals makes it convenient for patients to incorporate into their daily routine, potentially improving medication adherence 2. The standard dosing is usually 100 mg once daily, which may be increased to 300 mg once daily if needed and tolerated. When taking canagliflozin, it's essential to stay well-hydrated throughout the day as this medication works by causing the kidneys to remove excess glucose through urination, which can increase the risk of dehydration.
Some key points to consider when taking canagliflozin include:
- Taking the medication at the same time each day helps maintain consistent blood levels and effectiveness
- If you experience digestive discomfort, taking it with food might help reduce these effects, though this is not commonly necessary
- Canagliflozin has been shown to increase calorie intake in type 2 diabetes patients without changing the energy ratio of the three macronutrients, but this does not negatively impact its effectiveness in improving glycemic control and reducing body weight 3
- The medication's pharmacokinetics remain unaffected by mild or moderate hepatic impairment, but systemic exposure is increased in patients with renal impairment relative to those with normal renal function 4
Overall, the ability to take canagliflozin with or without food, combined with its once-daily dosing and effectiveness in improving glycemic control, make it a convenient and potentially beneficial treatment option for patients with type 2 diabetes.