Invokana (canagliflozin) is a brand-name prescription medication. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved it for use in adults with type 2 diabetes to:

Invokana comes as an oral tablet. It’s in a class of drugs called sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors.

Invokana is a brand-name drug. It’s not available in a generic version.

For information about the recommended dosage of Invokana, strengths, and how to take the drug, keep reading. For a comprehensive look at Invokana, see this article.

This article describes typical dosages for Invokana provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When taking Invokana, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.

Below is information about Invokana’s recommended dosages for its approved uses.

Invokana forms

Invokana comes as an oral tablet.

Invokana strengths

Invokana comes in two strengths:

  • 100 milligrams (mg)
  • 300 mg

Typical dosages

The dosage of Invokana is the same for all conditions it’s approved to treat. Typically, your doctor will start you on a low dosage. Then, they’ll adjust it over time to reach the amount that’s right for you. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.

The following information describes dosages that are commonly taken or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

The starting dose of Invokana is 100 mg, and the maximum dose is 300 mg. A dose in this range is typically recommended, but your doctor will prescribe what’s best for you.

Dosages for all uses

The recommended dosage of Invokana for all approved uses is based on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Your eGFR is a measurement of how well your kidneys are working. Your doctor will determine your eGFR with a blood test.

The table below shows the recommended dosage of Invokana based on eGFR level. The eGFR level is shown as milliliters per minute per 1.73 square meters (ml/min/1.73 m2). (The number 1.73 m2 is an estimate of an adult’s body surface area, which is typically based on height and weight.) It’s used to determine what dosage of drug a person needs.

eGFR (ml/min/1.73 m2)Invokana dosage
60 or greater100 mg once per day, which your doctor might increase to 300 mg once per day
30 to less than 60100 mg once per day
less than 30not recommended to start Invokana treatment*

Note: Invokana is not prescribed for people receiving dialysis.

* If your eGFR is less than 30, in most cases, your doctor likely won’t prescribe you Invokana. However, if your eGFR falls below 30 while you’re taking 100 mg of Invokana, your doctor may have you continue this dose. This is only if the protein albumin level in your urine is greater than 300 mg per day. This dosage lowers your risk of certain serious kidney and heart problems.

Long-term treatment

Invokana is meant to be taken as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Invokana is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.

If your doctor has prescribed you Invokana, you may have questions. Below are some common questions about Invokana.

Will my doctor use specific renal dosing for Invokana if I have certain kidney problems?

Yes. Before you start taking Invokana, your doctor may order a blood test to check your kidney function. This test helps your doctor determine what dosage of Invokana is best for you. If you have kidney problems, they’ll likely prescribe a smaller dose than usual. See the “Invokana dosage” section above for more information.

How long does it take Invokana to start working?

Invokana starts working after the first dose. However, it usually takes a week or so for your blood sugar levels to decrease. How long this may take depends on:

Be sure to take the dose of Invokana that your doctor prescribes. If you have questions about how long Invokana takes to work, talk with your doctor.

Invokana’s dosage and administration are based on what your doctor prescribes and their dosing instructions.

You’ll take Invokana by mouth before your first meal, once per day.

If you have trouble swallowing tablets, talk with your doctor or see this article.

If you miss a dose of Invokana, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose. Talk with your doctor if you have questions about what to do after a missed dose.

To help make sure you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or using a timer. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.

The Invokana dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:

  • the severity of the condition you’re taking Invokana to treat
  • your age
  • your kidney function
  • if you’re taking certain other medications
  • your blood sugar levels
  • other medical conditions you may have

Dosage adjustments

Your doctor may adjust your Invokana dosage if you have decreased kidney function. See “Invokana dosage” above for more information.

If you’re taking a drug that’s a UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) enzyme inducer, your doctor will likely increase your Invokana dosage. Examples of these drugs include:

Your doctor will help determine whether you’re taking this type of drug. Be sure to talk with your doctor about all the medications you take before starting Invokana treatment.

If you take more Invokana than your doctor prescribes, you may develop serious side effects. It’s important that you do not take more Invokana than your doctor recommends. For some medications, taking more than the recommended amount may lead to side effects or overdose.

If you take more than the recommended amount of Invokana

Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve taken too much Invokana. Another option is to call the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 800-222-1222 or use their online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.

The dosages in this article are typical dosages provided by the drug manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Invokana for you, they will prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes for you.

As with any drug, never change your dosage of Invokana without your doctor’s recommendation. If you have questions about the dosage that’s right for you, talk with your doctor.

Besides learning about dosage, you may want other information about Invokana. These additional articles might be helpful to you:

  • More about Invokana. For information about other aspects of Invokana, refer to this article.
  • Side effects. To learn about side effects of Invokana, see this article. You can also refer to Invokana’s prescribing information.
  • Details on type 2 diabetes. For details on your condition, see our diabetes hub, as well as our list of diabetes articles.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.