Dapagliflozin
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Drug Status
Government Approvals
US(FDA), UK(BNF)
WHO Essential Medicine
NO
Known Teratogen
NO
Pharmaceutical Class
Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitor
Controlled Drug Substance
No
Dapagliflozin
Summary
Dapagliflozin is used to treat type 2 diabetes, which is a condition where blood sugar levels are too high, chronic kidney disease, which is damage to organs that filter waste from your blood, and heart failure, which is when your heart can't pump blood effectively.
Dapagliflozin works by blocking a kidney protein called SGLT2, which helps your body remove more sugar through urine. This process lowers blood sugar levels and reduces sodium reabsorption, which helps improve heart health by lowering pressure in your blood vessels.
Dapagliflozin is taken as a once-daily pill, usually starting with a 10 mg dose each morning, with or without food. Your doctor may increase the dose to 25 mg if needed. It can be crushed or mixed with water or food if necessary.
Common side effects of Dapagliflozin include urinary tract infections, which are infections in the system that removes urine from your body, and genital yeast infections, which cause itching and unusual discharge. It can also lead to increased urination and dehydration, which means your body doesn't have enough fluids.
Dapagliflozin can increase the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis, which is a dangerous buildup of acids in your blood. It shouldn't be used by people with severe kidney problems or during pregnancy. Avoid alcohol, as it can worsen dehydration and increase ketoacidosis risk. Always consult your doctor about any concerns.
Indications and Purpose
How does Dapagliflozin work?
Dapagliflozin belongs to a medication group called SGLT2 inhibitors, which work in your kidneys to lower blood sugar. Normally, your kidneys filter sugar from your blood but then reabsorb it back into your body. Dapagliflozin blocks this reabsorption process. Think of it like changing the settings on a water filter. The medication adjusts your kidney's "filter settings" so excess sugar gets flushed out in your urine instead of being recycled into your bloodstream. This medicine also reduces sodium reabsorption, which helps improve heart health by lowering pressure in your blood vessels. These effects make Dapagliflozin helpful for people with type 2 diabetes, heart failure, which is when your heart can't pump blood effectively, and chronic kidney disease, which is damage to organs that filter waste from your blood.
Is Dapagliflozin effective?
Dapagliflozin treats type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, which is damage to organs that filter waste from your blood, and heart failure, which is when your heart can't pump blood effectively. This medication works by blocking a kidney protein called SGLT2. This blocking action causes your body to remove more sugar through urine, which lowers blood sugar levels. Clinical studies show Dapagliflozin significantly improves blood sugar control in diabetes patients, lowering HbA1c levels, body weight, and blood pressure. For heart failure patients, the medication reduced the risk of hospitalization and death from heart problems by 25% compared to placebo. In people with chronic kidney disease, Dapagliflozin lowered the risk of worsening kidney function or death from heart problems by 28%. These results show Dapagliflozin effectively manages blood sugar, improves heart health, and helps preserve kidney function.
What is Dapagliflozin?
Dapagliflozin is a medication for type 2 diabetes that helps control blood sugar when you also follow a healthy diet and exercise plan. This medication works by blocking a kidney protein called SGLT2, which causes your body to remove more sugar through urine. Beyond managing diabetes, Dapagliflozin can reduce the risk of dying from heart disease in adults who have both type 2 diabetes and heart problems. It may also lower your chances of being hospitalized for heart failure, which is when your heart can't pump blood effectively. Additionally, Dapagliflozin can slow the progression of kidney disease, which is damage to the organs that filter waste from your blood.
Directions for Use
For how long do I take Dapagliflozin?
Dapagliflozin is usually a long-term medication for managing ongoing health conditions like type 2 diabetes, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease, which is damage to organs that filter waste from your blood. For diabetes management, you'll typically take Dapagliflozin every day as a lifelong treatment unless your doctor suggests otherwise. The same applies when it's prescribed for heart failure, which is when your heart can't pump blood effectively, or for kidney disease. Stopping this medication without medical advice could cause your conditions to worsen. How long you'll need this medication depends on your body's response, any side effects you experience, and changes in your overall health. Always talk with your doctor before changing or stopping your Dapagliflozin treatment.
How do I dispose of Dapagliflozin?
If you can, bring unused medicines to a drug take-back program or collection site at a pharmacy or hospital. They will dispose of this medicine properly so it doesn't harm people or the environment. If you can't find a take-back program, you can throw most medicines in the trash at home. But first, take them out of their original containers, mix them with something undesirable like used coffee grounds, seal the mixture in a plastic bag, and throw it away.
How do I take Dapagliflozin?
Dapagliflozin is a once-daily pill you should take each morning, with or without food. Dapagliflozin can be crushed or mixed with water or food. If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless it's almost time for your next dose. Then just skip the missed dose and continue your normal schedule. Never take two doses at once. While taking Dapagliflozin, you don't need to avoid specific foods, but drinking enough water is important to prevent dehydration, which means your body doesn't have enough fluids. Try to avoid alcohol while on this medication. Alcohol can increase your risk of ketoacidosis, which is a serious condition where harmful acid levels build up in your blood, and can worsen dehydration. Always follow your doctor's specific advice about diet and fluid intake while taking this medication.
How long does it take for Dapagliflozin to start working?
Dapagliflozin begins working in your body shortly after you take it, reaching its highest levels in your blood about 1.5 hours later. The medication immediately starts helping your body remove more sugar through urine. However, you may not notice all the benefits right away. For type 2 diabetes, you might see some improvement in blood sugar levels within days, but more significant changes typically take several weeks. If you're taking Dapagliflozin for heart failure, which is when your heart can't pump blood effectively, or for chronic kidney disease, which is damage to organs that filter waste from your blood, the full benefits may take months to appear. How quickly the medication works can depend on your kidney function, age, and overall health. Take it exactly as prescribed for the best results.
How should I store Dapagliflozin?
Keep Dapagliflozin tablets at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F, though brief exposure to temperatures between 59°F and 86°F is acceptable. Store the medication in a tightly closed container to protect it from moisture and light that could damage it. Don't keep your medicine in humid places like bathrooms, where moisture in the air could affect how well the medication works. If your pills came in packaging that isn't child-resistant, transfer them to a container that children can't easily open. Always store Dapagliflozin out of children's reach to prevent accidental swallowing. Remember to check the expiration date regularly and properly dispose of any unused or expired medication.
What is the usual dose of Dapagliflozin?
Adults typically start Dapagliflozin with a 10 mg pill once each morning, which you can take with or without food. Your doctor may increase your dose to 25 mg daily if you need better blood sugar control and handle the starting dose well. Children 10 years and older with type 2 diabetes also begin with 10 mg daily, which can be increased to 25 mg if needed. Elderly patients and those with kidney problems, which affect organs that filter waste from your blood, need careful monitoring when taking this medication. Always follow your doctor's specific dosing instructions for your personal health needs.
Warnings and Precautions
Can Dapagliflozin be taken safely while breastfeeding?
Dapagliflozin is not recommended while breastfeeding. We don't have much information about whether this medication passes into human breast milk. However, animal studies show it does appear in rat milk and can build up over time. This raises concerns because a baby's kidneys, which are organs that filter waste from the blood, continue developing during the first two years of life. The medication might affect this development. While we don't have specific reports of harm to breastfed babies from Dapagliflozin, we can't rule out potential risks to their developing kidneys. We also don't know how this medication might affect your milk production. If you're taking Dapagliflozin and want to breastfeed, talk with your doctor about safer medication options that would allow you to nurse your baby safely.
Can Dapagliflozin be taken safely while pregnant?
Dapagliflozin isn't recommended during pregnancy, especially in the middle and final months. Animal studies show this medication can affect kidney development in unborn babies. These effects included changes to kidney structure that were reversible. We don't have much information about Dapagliflozin use in pregnant women. However, uncontrolled diabetes during pregnancy can cause serious problems for both mother and baby. These problems include diabetic ketoacidosis, which is a dangerous buildup of acids in your blood, and preeclampsia, which is high blood pressure during pregnancy. Babies may face birth defects or be born too early. If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor about the safest way to manage your blood sugar during this important time. Your doctor can help create a pregnancy-specific treatment plan that protects both you and your baby.
Can I take Dapagliflozin with other prescription drugs?
Dapagliflozin may increase the risk of hypoglycemia when used with insulin or insulin secretagogues, such as sulfonylureas. A lower dose of insulin or insulin secretagogue may be required. It may also interact with diuretics, increasing the risk of dehydration and hypotension. Patients should inform their doctor of all medications they are taking to avoid potential interactions.
Does Dapagliflozin have adverse effects?
Dapagliflozin can cause unwanted reactions, though most people tolerate it well. Urinary tract infections, which are infections in the system that removes urine from your body, affect up to 9% of people taking this medication. Genital yeast infections are common, especially in women. These infections cause itching and unusual discharge. The medication increases urination and can lead to dehydration, which means your body doesn't have enough fluids. This might make you feel dizzy. A rare but serious effect is ketoacidosis, which is a dangerous buildup of acid in your blood. This requires immediate medical attention. Very rarely, people develop severe allergic reactions, kidney problems, or Fournier's gangrene, which is a serious infection of the genital area. Always tell your doctor about any new or worsening symptoms while taking Dapagliflozin.
Does Dapagliflozin have any safety warnings?
Dapagliflozin has important safety warnings you should know about. This medication can increase your risk of diabetic ketoacidosis, which is a dangerous buildup of acids in your blood. This can happen even when your blood sugar is normal, especially if you miss insulin doses or get sick. If you experience nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or breathing problems, get emergency help. Dapagliflozin can cause dehydration, which means your body doesn't have enough fluids. This may lead to low blood pressure or kidney problems. Drink plenty of water while taking this medicine. Serious urinary tract infections, which are infections in the system that removes urine from your body, can occur. Watch for painful urination, fever, or back pain. Although rare, this medication can cause necrotizing fasciitis, which is a serious bacterial infection in the genital area requiring immediate medical attention. Genital yeast infections are common with Dapagliflozin. Regular foot care is important as this medicine may increase amputation risk in some patients. Stop taking the medicine and seek help if you develop signs of an allergic reaction.
Is Dapagliflozin addictive?
Dapagliflozin is not addictive or habit-forming. This medication doesn't cause dependency or withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking it. Dapagliflozin works by affecting your kidneys to help remove sugar through urine. This mechanism doesn't affect brain chemistry in ways that could lead to addiction. You won't experience cravings for this medication or feel compelled to take more than prescribed. Unlike some medications that can cause psychological or physical dependence, Dapagliflozin doesn't create these effects. If you have concerns about medication dependence, you can feel confident that Dapagliflozin doesn't carry this risk while managing your health condition.
Is Dapagliflozin safe for the elderly?
Elderly patients may be at a greater risk for volume depletion and are more likely to be treated with diuretics. They are also more likely to have impaired renal function. Therefore, it is important to monitor renal function and volume status in elderly patients taking Dapagliflozin. No specific dosage adjustment is recommended based on age alone, but caution is advised.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Dapagliflozin?
It's best to avoid alcohol while taking Dapagliflozin. Drinking alcohol while on this medication can increase your risk of diabetic ketoacidosis, which is a dangerous buildup of acids in your blood. This serious condition requires emergency medical treatment. Alcohol can also cause dehydration, which means your body doesn't have enough fluids. This may worsen side effects of Dapagliflozin like dizziness or low blood pressure. If you do choose to drink occasionally, limit how much alcohol you consume and watch for warning signs like nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or trouble breathing. These symptoms could indicate ketoacidosis and require immediate medical attention. Talk with your doctor about alcohol use while taking Dapagliflozin to get personalized advice based on your specific health situation.
Is it safe to exercise while taking Dapagliflozin?
You can exercise while taking Dapagliflozin, but keep a few things in mind. This medication increases urination and can cause dehydration, which means your body doesn't have enough fluids. This might make you feel dizzy or lightheaded during exercise, especially in hot weather. Dapagliflozin can also lower your blood sugar, which is called hypoglycemia, particularly if you take insulin or certain other diabetes medications. Low blood sugar might make you feel weak during workouts. To exercise safely, drink plenty of water before, during, and after physical activity. Watch for signs of dizziness, unusual fatigue, or low blood sugar. If you notice these symptoms, slow down or stop exercising and rest. Most people can maintain their regular exercise routine while taking Dapagliflozin, but check with your doctor if you have concerns about your specific situation.
Is it safe to stop Dapagliflozin?
Stopping Dapagliflozin suddenly can cause serious problems for your health conditions. If you're taking it for type 2 diabetes, your blood sugar levels might rise quickly when you stop. For heart failure, which is when your heart can't pump blood effectively, or kidney disease, which is damage to organs that filter waste from your blood, stopping could make these conditions worse. A dangerous complication called diabetic ketoacidosis might occur if you suddenly stop taking Dapagliflozin. This condition, which causes harmful acids to build up in your blood, can cause nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and breathing problems. This risk continues for several days after stopping the medication. Always talk with your doctor before stopping Dapagliflozin. They might suggest gradually reducing your dose or switching to a different medication to keep your condition under control. Your doctor will help you make any medication changes safely to protect your health.
What are the most common side effects of Dapagliflozin?
Side effects are unwanted reactions that can happen when taking a medication. With Dapagliflozin, these effects vary from person to person. The most common side effect is urinary tract infections, which affect about 8-9% of people taking this medication. Women may experience genital yeast infections, which occur in about 2-5% of female patients. Men can also get genital yeast infections, but this happens less frequently. Some people notice they urinate more often when taking Dapagliflozin, which happens in about 1-3% of patients. Upper respiratory infections, which affect your nose, throat, and airways, occur in about 4% of people taking this medication. If you notice new symptoms after starting Dapagliflozin, they might be temporary or unrelated to the medication. Talk with your doctor before stopping any medication.
Who should avoid taking Dapagliflozin?
Don't take Dapagliflozin if you're allergic to it or its ingredients. Serious allergic reactions, which cause rash, hives, or swelling that makes breathing difficult, require immediate medical help. This medication isn't for people with type 1 diabetes because it increases the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis, which is a dangerous buildup of acid in your blood. Dapagliflozin shouldn't be used by people with severe kidney problems, which affect organs that filter waste from your blood, as it won't work well and might worsen kidney function. Avoid this medication during pregnancy, especially in the later months, as it may harm your baby. Breastfeeding mothers shouldn't take it either, as it may pass into breast milk. Older adults have higher risks of dehydration, which means your body doesn't have enough fluids. Be careful when taking Dapagliflozin with water pills, as this combination increases dehydration risk. Always consult your doctor about these concerns.
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