Vokanamet

Vokanamet is an oral anti-diabetic, used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Those with type 2 diabetes have pancreas’ that do not make enough insulin, or their bodies simply aren’t able to use it properly. Because insulin is linked to the level of sugar in your blood, diabetic people end up with a much higher amount, which Vokanamet works to lower and control.

Diabetes is a lifelong illness, although type 2 often doesn’t develop until later in life and is linked to being overweight or inactive. Symptoms can include excessive thirst, frequent urination and extreme tiredness or fatigue.

It’s important to manage the disease, as it can cause serious health problems with your eyes, heart and nervous system, and Vokanamet will help you do this.

Vokanamet is a prescription-only medication. Always follow the advice of your doctor and read the patient information leaflet provided in the medication packet.

Take the tablets by swallowing whole with a drink of water, at the same time as food to lower the risk of an upset stomach (side effect). You can take it at any time of day, however keeping your chosen time consistent will help you remember to take it.

Vokanamet dosage

Vokanamet contains the active ingredients canagliflozin and metformin, in strengths of either 50 mg/850 mg, 50 mg/1000 mg, 150 mg/850 mg or 150 mg/1000 mg respectively, per tablet.

The normal dose is one tablet twice a day, however your doctor will decide which dose is best based on your personal circumstances.

If you forget to take your Vokanamet tablet then you should take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s nearly time for your next tablet. In this case, you should skip the forgotten dose and move straight onto the next one, as you should never take a double dose.

If you take more Vokanamet than you should, then go to your doctor or nearest emergency department immediately, as it can cause lactic acidosis, a serious condition that can lead to a coma. Symptoms include feeling or being sick, stomach ache with muscle cramps and severe tiredness or difficulty breathing.

Before taking Vokanamet, you should always first consult your doctor. You should not take Vokanamet if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are allergic to canagliflozin, metformin or any of the other ingredients of this medicine
• if you have liver problems
• if you have severely reduced kidney function
• if you have uncontrolled diabetes, with, for example, severe hyperglycaemia
• if you have a severe infection
• if you have lost a lot of water from your body
• if you have a diabetic pre-coma
• if you have recently had a heart attack or have severe blood circulation problems
• if you drink alcohol to excess (either every day or from time to time)
• if you have or have recently had heart failure

Your prescription of Vokanamet may also be affected by a number of other factors, so you should make your doctor aware if any of the following apply:

• if you have type 1 diabetes
• if you have ever had serious heart disease or if you have had a stroke
• if you are on medicines to lower your blood pressure or have ever had it
• if you have had a lower limb amputation
• if you have signs of a genital yeast infection such as irritation, itching, unusual discharge or odour

Like many medications with active ingredients, Vokanamet can affect or be affected by other medicines. Particular medications that you may experience this with include the following:

• insulin or a sulphonylurea
• medicines which increase urine production (diuretics)
• St. John's wort (a herbal medicine)
• carbamazepine, phenytoin, or phenobarbital (medicines used to control seizures)
• efavirenz or ritonavir (medicines used to treat HIV infection)
• rifampicin (an antibiotic used to treat tuberculosis)
• cholestyramine (medicine used to reduce cholesterol levels in the blood)
• digoxin or digitoxin (medicines used for certain heart problems)
• dabigatran (blood thinner medicine that lowers the risk of blood clot formation)
• medicines that contain alcohol
• cimetidine (medicine used to treat stomach problems)
• corticosteroids (used to treat inflammation)
• beta-2 agonists used to treat asthma
• medicines used to treat pain and inflammation
• certain medicines for the treatment of high blood pressure

If you are taking any of the above medications, then you should make your doctor aware so that they can advise whether or not Vokanamet will be the best course of action for you.

Like with all diabetic patients (regardless of treatment), you should also check your feet regularly and follow the foot care advice given by your doctor. You will also need regular kidney function tests while taking Vokanamet.

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to have a baby then you should speak to your doctor as Vokanamet is not advised in these circumstances.

Even when taking this medicine, you will still need to follow a diet and exercise plan in order to keep your diabetes well-managed. Always follow the advice of your doctor, pharmacist or nurse and contact them if you are unsure. You should also avoid excessive alcohol intake because it can increase the risk of developing lactic acidosis.

The most common side effects of using Vokanamet include:

• vaginal yeast infection
• rash or redness of the penis or foreskin (yeast infection)
• urinary tract infections
• changes in urination
• constipation
• feeling thirsty
• feeling sick (nausea)
• changes in blood fat levels and the amount of red blood cells in your blood

If you do experience one or more of these side effects and they persist or worsen, then inform your doctor right away. You should also contact your doctor if you notice any serious side effects, such as difficulty breathing, blurred vision, or severe and persistent abdominal pain.

You can safely buy Vokanamet online at UK Meds. You will first need to have an online consultation with a pharmacist independent prescriber before your order will be supplied. The online consultation will ensure that Vokanamet is the right medication for your medical condition.