Dapagliflozin: Uses, How It Works, Medicines
Also in: हिन्दी தமிழ் मराठी తెలుగు ಕನ್ನಡ বাংলা ગુજરાતી മലയാളം ਪੰਜਾਬੀ
Dapagliflozin is a medicine used to treat type 2 diabetes in adults and, in some adults, long-term heart failure or chronic kidney disease. It makes the kidneys pass extra sugar in the urine, which lowers blood sugar. In India it is a prescription medicine.
Also known as: Dapagliflozin 10 mg, Dapagliflozin propanediol, Dapagliflozin tablet, Gliflozin, Diabetes tablet
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
How does Dapagliflozin work?
Dapagliflozin blocks a protein in the kidneys (SGLT2) that takes sugar back into the blood, so extra sugar leaves in the urine. It also lowers the fluid and pressure load on the heart and kidneys.
How to take Dapagliflozin
Follow the label or your doctor's advice. Dapagliflozin is usually taken once a day with or without food, and the dose is set by your doctor. Do not stop it without talking to your doctor, and ask what to do on days when you are unwell.
Side effects of Dapagliflozin
Most people take this medicine without serious problems. Some effects are mild, but a few need medical help.
Uncommon or mild
- Genital thrush
- Passing urine more often, or a urinary infection
- Back pain
- Dizziness
Rare but serious: get medical help
- Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, fast breathing, confusion or unusual tiredness (diabetic ketoacidosis, even when blood sugar is not very high). Get emergency medical help
- Pain, redness or swelling around the genitals with fever (Fournier's gangrene, rare). Get emergency medical help
- Fever with back pain or painful urination (severe urinary or kidney infection)
- Swelling of the face, lips or throat, or difficulty breathing (allergic reaction)
Who should be careful
Some people need to check with a doctor before taking it, or need extra care while taking it. Tell every doctor, dentist and hospital that you take it.
When the label says not to use it
- Allergy to dapagliflozin or any ingredient of the tablet
- Type 1 diabetes
- Vomiting, diarrhoea, fever or not eating: dehydration and ketoacidosis risk. Contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice about your diabetes medicines. Do not stop on your own unless told
- Surgery or fasting for a procedure: tell the doctor, because it may need to be paused beforehand
- Low blood pressure, older age, kidney disease or water tablets: dehydration and fainting are more likely
- Frequent genital or urinary infections: tell your doctor
- Type 1 diabetes: not suitable
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: avoid
Medicines and things that interact with Dapagliflozin
This medicine can change how other medicines work, and some medicines change its effect. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about everything you take, including herbal remedies.
- Water tablets such as furosemide and other blood pressure medicines: blood pressure and body fluid may fall too far
- Insulin and sulfonylurea tablets: low blood sugar becomes more likely, so doses may need to change
- Lithium: its level may change
Effects on lab tests
- Kidney function test: checked before and during treatment
- Blood sugar and HbA1c tests: used to check how well the diabetes is controlled
If someone takes too much
Taking much more than prescribed is a medical matter. If someone has taken too much, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital and take the medicine pack with you.
Regulatory status in India
Approved for sale in India as a prescription medicine. Single-ingredient dapagliflozin is not on the CDSCO list of medicines banned under section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Combination products also contain other medicines, so check the ingredient list on the pack.
Type of medicine
Dapagliflozin belongs to this type of medicine.
Medicines that contain Dapagliflozin
These medicines sold in India contain Dapagliflozin. They are listed A to Z, not ranked.
- Forxiga 10 · 10 mg tablet
What is Dapagliflozin used for?
Medicines that contain Dapagliflozin are used for these conditions.
Common questions
Is dapagliflozin only a medicine for diabetes?
No. It is used for type 2 diabetes, and in some adults also for long-term heart failure and chronic kidney disease. Your doctor decides which use applies to you. It is a prescription medicine and is not used for type 1 diabetes.
What is diabetic ketoacidosis with dapagliflozin?
It is a rare build-up of acid in the blood that can happen even when blood sugar is not very high. Signs are nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, fast breathing, confusion and unusual tiredness. Get emergency medical help straight away.
Sources
- Forxiga (dapagliflozin): EPAR medicine overview. European Medicines Agency
- Dapagliflozin: a medicine for type 2 diabetes, heart failure and chronic kidney disease. NHS (UK)
- Farxiga (dapagliflozin): prescribing information, openFDA record. openFDA, US Food and Drug Administration
- Type 2 diabetes: treatment. NHS (UK)
- List of drugs prohibited for manufacture and sale through gazette notifications under section 26A of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act 1940. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)
- National Formulary of India. Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission