Invokana is a new medication on the market whose primary target is type 2 diabetes. Invokana works in a clever way, helping to eliminate extra sugar from the body.
Current medications for type 2 diabetes are focused on insulin efficiency in the body or pancreas stimulation. This medication is not insulin focused. Invokana works by bypassing the usual plumbing that occurs in the body when it is processing extra sugar.
Invokana is an SGLT2 inhibitor. What does this mean for you in non-medical terminology? Simply put, this drug stops the kidneys from injecting sugar back into the bloodstream after they process it out. Instead of sugar re-entering the blood stream, it’s excreted through the urine.
This unique drug by Johnson and Johnson is forecast to rake in large profits this year. According to the New York Times, Invokana will sell for $8.77 per pill.
Drugs are not without side effects, so be sure to educate yourself on the potential downfalls of this medication. As a nurse, the first thing that pinged in my mind (after reading the drugs mechanism of action) was potential side effects – namely yeast infections and urinary tract infections.
Keep in mind, the body is already excreting sugar in the urine with high blood sugars. This natural process inherent in a smart body will be greatly enhanced with Invokana creating positive effects on blood sugar values.
There are applications for type 2 diabetes medications in treating type 1 diabetes – I look forward to learning more about Invokana.