DAPAGLIFLOZIN
Background and Date of Approval
Dapagliflozin is an anti-diabetic medication belonging to the sodium-glucose co-transporter inhibitor class. The FDA approved this medicine for medical use on 8 January 2014.
Uses
Dapagliflozin is available as a tablet. It treats type 2 diabetes mellitus in patients above 18 years and older.
How is it administered?
Take the Dapagliflozin as advised by your physician. Do not chew or break the medicine. Your physician will decide the correct dosage and duration based on age, body weight, and disease condition. Only stop taking the tablet if your doctor advises you to stop.
Side Effects
The common side effects of Dapagliflozin are nausea, vomiting, back pain, urinary tract infection, diarrhea, stomach ache, loss of appetite, dizziness, and rash. Other serious side effects are decreased vitamin b12, low blood sugar level, unusual sleepiness or tiredness, and rapid weight loss.
Warnings
This drug mainly helps to control high blood glucose (sugar) levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes. It is always taken in combination with diet and exercise. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine with other antidiabetic medications when your blood sugar is high and uncontrolled. Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to Dapagliflozin or any of its other ingredients. Inform your physician if you get urinary tract infections because this medicine may cause UTI. This medicine is not recommended for children and adolescents under 18.
Precautions
Your doctor will check for kidney function at least once every year or more frequently while you are taking this medicine. If you experience nausea, vomiting, fever, or cannot eat or drink while taking Dapagliflozin, it is important to inform your doctor. These conditions can lead to dehydration, and your doctor may advise temporarily discontinuing the medication until you have recovered. When taking this drug, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) can occur even if blood sugar levels are normal. If you suspect you have symptoms of DKA, it is necessary to contact your doctor or go to the nearest hospital without delay.
Word of Advice
Dapagliflozin may increase urination, which can lead to dehydration if fluid intake is insufficient. Maintain adequate hydration by drinking water regularly throughout the day. The medication is associated with genital yeast infections in both male and female patients. Practise good genital hygiene, including regular washing and cleaning of the area, to reduce infection risk. Avoid excessive intake of sugary foods, processed snacks, and high-fat meals.
References
AstraZeneca UK Limited, Electronic medicines compendium (EMC), [Revised on Nov 2022], [Accessed on 15th June 2023] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.7607.pdf Dapagliflozin- food and drug administration (FDA). [Revised on May 2020], [Accessed on 15th June 2023] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2020/202293s020lbl.pdf AstraZeneca AB, European Medicines Agency (EMA), [Accessed on 15th June 2023], https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/forxiga-epar-product-information_en.pdf KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Hormones and related drugs, 7th edition, 2013, 278. Bertram.G.Katzung, Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, Pancreatic Hormones & Antidiabetic Drugs, 14th edition, 2017, 763.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Dapagliflozin cause weight loss?
Yes, Dapagliflozin can cause weight loss in some individuals. One of the effects of this drug is the excretion of excess glucose in the urine. It leads to a loss of calories and can contribute to weight reduction.
How does Dapagliflozin work?
Dapagliflozin reduces glucose reabsorption and lowers the renal threshold for glucose. It works by removing excess glucose from your body via your urine and lowering the sugar in your blood.
Is Dapagliflozin used for type 1 diabetes?
Dapagliflozin is not approved for use in type 1 diabetes. It is specifically indicated for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Can you take Dapagliflozin twice a day?
Your doctor will decide the medicine's dose, strength, and frequency based on your blood sugar levels and other factors. Take Dapagliflozin as prescribed by your doctor.
How does Dapagliflozin help control blood sugar levels?
Dapagliflozin works by inhibiting glucose reabsorption in the kidneys, increasing glucose excretion in the urine, and lowering blood sugar levels. It helps to improve glycemic control in people with type 2 diabetes.
Can Dapagliflozin be used in people with kidney problems?
Dapagliflozin should be used with caution in individuals with kidney problems. The dose adjustments can be made based on kidney function. It is important to inform your physician about any existing kidney issues or changes in kidney function before taking this drug.