Dapagliflozin - Indications, Dosage, Side Effects and Precautions

Information about Dapagliflozin

Generic Name : Dapagliflozin
Up-to-date prescription details regarding Dapagliflozin are provided here.

Understand it's uses, recommended dosages, its indications, how to take, when to take, when not to take, side effects, special precautions, warnings and its and its storage instructions.

You will also find a list of the medication's International and Indian brand or trade names, as well as its pricing information. For verification of the information presented on this page or for additional clarifications, it's advisable to consult your doctor.

Therapeutic Classification : Endocrine and Metabolic Agents

Trade Names/Brand Names of Dapagliflozin

India :

FARXIGA

Why is Dapagliflozin Prescribed? (Indications)

Dapagliflozin is a sodium - glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2) which is prescribed to lower the blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. Dapagliflozin is usually given along with diet and exercise.

The drug mainly acts by causing the kidneys to get rid of glucose in the urine.

When should Dapagliflozin not be taken? (Contraindications)

Dapagliflozin is contraindicated in patients who are allergic to the drug, have type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis (a life-threatening complication of diabetes with a high concentration of ketones in the body), patients with the history of severe kidney disease or kidney failure and bladder cancer (since a few cases of bladder cancer have been noted in patients taking dapagliflozin). It is ineffective in patients with moderate kidney disease and also caused side effects. It should not be prescribed during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

What is the dosage of Dapagliflozin?

The recommended dose of dapagliflozin is 5mg to be taken once daily in the morning with food or on an empty stomach. The dose can be increased to 10 mg daily if required.

How should Dapagliflozin be taken?

Dapagliflozin comes in the form of a tablet to be taken orally.

What are the side effects of Dapagliflozin?

General: Weakness, feeling tired.
Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting, pain in the stomach.
Urinary System: Frequent urination which may result in dehydration and low blood pressure; urinary and genital fungal infection or other urinary tract infections resulting in symptoms of burning sensation while urinating, vaginal discharge in women, cloudy urine or penis discharge in men; and reduced kidney function which can cause bone fractures.
Allergic reactions: Rash, hives, itching of the skin, breathing difficulties, swelling of the face, lips, mouth or the tongue.
Blood: Low blood sugar levels, increase in cholesterol levels.

What are the other precautions for Dapagliflozin?

• Consuming alcohol may cause changes in the blood sugar level; consult with your physician on the safe use of alcohol while taking dapagliflozin.

• Caution should be exercised in patients with low blood pressure during treatment with dapagliflozin. Low blood volume should be corrected before treatment with dapagliflozin.

• It should be used with caution in patients at a risk for bone fracture.

What are the Drug Interactions of Dapagliflozin?

• Consult your doctor before taking blood pressure and heart medications like enalapril, rampril, losartan, candesartan, irbesartan as dapagliflozin can lead to hypovolemia (condition where blood circulation is low).

• Other antidiabetic medications such as glimepiride, glipizide and insulin can further lower down the blood glucose levels of the patient taking dapagliflozin, sometimes even resulting in hypoglycemia. Other drugs that can alter blood sugars level like quinolone antibiotics and salicylates should also be used with caution.

• Diuretic medications with dapagliflozin might increase the risk of low blood pressure.

What are the storage conditions for Dapagliflozin?

Store dapagliflozin in a tightly closed container at room temperature. Protect from excess heat and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.