Vokanamet

What is Vokanamet?

Vokanamet is a combination drug used to treat Type 2 diabetes. It is a tablet which contains two active ingredients - metformin and canagliflozin, which helps to lower blood sugar levels.

What is diabetes?

When blood sugar levels increase and stay high for a long period of time, it causes a condition known as diabetes. People who are obese and do not regularly exercise are more likely to develop type-2 diabetes. 

The body’s main source of energy is glucose (sugar), produced by the liver from the food we consume. The body’s cells take in glucose with the help of insulin, which is a hormone produced by the pancreas. When there are problems with the production of insulin, glucose will not effectively be absorbed by the cells, and over time, will build up in the blood, leading to diabetes.

Treating Diabetes

In diabetes, the sugar levels in the blood become dangerously high, and if left untreated, can cause other health problems with your eyes, hearing, nerves, damage to the kidneys and heart disease.

Your doctor will be able to determine the best course of action to keep your blood sugar levels under control. They may suggest dietary and lifestyle changes which can reduce your risk of complications.

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How does Vokanamet work?

Vokanamet contains metformin and canagliflozin which work to lower blood sugar levels. Metformin acts on the liver and reduces the amount of sugar released into the blood. It also helps the body’s cells to respond better to insulin and absorb more sugar from the blood.

Canagliflozin works by stopping the kidneys from reabsorbing glucose into the blood, and increasing the amount of glucose passed out through urine instead. Overall, in combination with metformin, this helps to lower the amount of glucose in the blood.

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How do I take Vokanamet?

You should swallow one Vokanamet tablet twice daily with water and preferably with food, to help reduce stomach upset. It is better to take it at the same time every day to help you remember. If you are also taking cholesterol lowering medicines, try to take Vokanamet either 1 hour before or 4 hours after taking the medicine for lowering cholesterol.

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Side effects and cautions

Every medicine, whether prescribed or bought over-the-counter, has the potential of causing side effects. Being aware of the side effects and knowing when to inform your doctor is crucial to your treatment. For further information regarding the safety of the medicine you are taking, please read the patient information leaflet which comes with your medicine.

Side effects of Vokanamet may include:

• Constipation
• Dehydration
• Genital yeast infection (Thrush)
• Low blood sugar
• Nausea
• Urinary tract infection (UTI)

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects. For a full list of side effects, as well as further information regarding the safety of this medicine, please consult the patient information insert, which comes enclosed with your medicine.

You can also view the patient information leaflet online.

If you experience the symptoms of lactic acidosis, stop taking Vokanamet and contact a doctor or the nearest hospital immediately.

Symptoms of lactic acidosis include:

• Breathing difficulties
• Fatigue
• Lethargy (feeling unwell)
• Muscle cramps
• Reduces body temperature
• Slowed heartbeat
• Stomach ache (abdominal pain)
• Vomiting

Allergic reaction

Do not take Vokanamet if you are allergic to canagliflozin, metformin, or any of the other ingredients of this medicine.

If you experience an allergic reaction to Vokanamet, cease taking the medicine and seek emergency medical attention.

Signs of an allergic reaction include:

• Chest tightening
• Dry, red and cracked skin
• Itchy, red watery eyes
• Raised, itchy, red rash (hives)
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, eyes or face
• Tummy pain, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
• Wheezing

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Do not take Vokanamet if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking Vokanamet, speak to your doctor for further advice.

Do not take Vokanamet while breastfeeding.

Other safety information

Always seek your doctor's advice before you buy Vokanamet online.

Do not take Vokanamet past the expiry date printed on the packaging. The date refers to the last day of that month - for example, "EXP: 03/20" means the 31st of March 2020.

Do not throw unused medicine away via water waste. Take any unwanted or expired medicine to your pharmacy for them to dispose of safely.

Always keep medicine out the sight and reach from children and pets.

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Frequently asked questions

What should I do if I forget to take Vokanamet when I should?

If you forget to take your vokanamet tablet, take it as usual when you remember. If is it close to the time for your next dose, forget the missed dose and take the next vokanamet tablet as usual. You should not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed.

What should I do if I take too much Vokanamet?

If you take more vokanamet than you should, you may develop lactic acidosis, which is a medical emergency. Lactic acidosis can cause difficulty breathing, vomiting, low body temperature, stomach cramps, severe tiredness and eventual coma. If you have any of these symptoms, stop taking vokanamet and seek medical help from the nearest hospital.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Vokanamet?

You should avoid excessive alcohol consumption while taking Vokanamet. Excessive alcohol consumption while on Vokanamet can increase your chances of developing lactic acidosis.

Will Vokanamet impact my ability to drive or operate machinery?

Vokanamet usually does not affect driving or using machinery. However, people who take Vokanamet and other antidiabetic medicines may have extremely low blood sugar levels which may cause dizziness, anxiety, confusion, trembling and blurred vision. If you notice these symptoms, avoid using machinery or driving.

How can I buy Vokanamet online?

You can buy Vokanamet online from our safe and secure online private prescription service. To start your order with Prescription Doctor today, simply complete our short medical questionnaire.

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Table of contents

What is Vokanamet?

How does Vokanamet work?

How do I take Vokanamet?

Side effects and cautions

Frequently asked questions