According to the FDA, one of the most common side effects of Invokana is urinary tract infections. In a QuarterWatch report by The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP), Invokana was the subject of 457 adverse events, of which 50 were urinary tract infections.
A urinary tract infection is an infection involving any part of your urinary system, including your kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Urinary tract infections typically occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra and begin to multiply. With Invokana, the increased prescence of glucose in the urinary tract facilitates bacteria growth and leads to a higher risk on infection.
Urinary tract infections can cause several symptoms including:
- Cloudy urine
- Strong-smelling urine
- Urine that appears bright red or pink
- Women-pelvic pain
- Men-rectal pain
- Strong, persistent urge to urinate
- Burning sensation when urinating
- Frequent, small amounts of urine
If you suspect that you have a UTI, you should make an appointment with your doctor. The doctor will most likely run a urine test. The urine is commonly sent off to a laboratory to let the bacteria grow to determine what is causing the UTI. Treatment typically includes antibiotics.
You can prevent urinary tract infections by avoiding beverages with caffeine that may irritate your urinary tract, drinking a lot of water, wiping from front to back after urinating and bowel movements, emptying your bladder soon after intercourse, and not using feminine products including deodorants sprays, powders and douches. Some health experts also recommend that individuals should drink cranberry juice to help prevent UTI’s.