Dapagliflozin: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

What medicine is Dapagliflozin?

What is Dapagliflozin for?

The drug Dapagliflozin is a drug that helps control blood sugar in the body of patients with type 2 diabetes. This drug is not intended for those with diabetes 1 or those with diabetes ketoacidosis. The use of this drug when balanced with a healthy lifestyle and balanced physical exercise will provide maximum results for controlling blood sugar in the body.

Dapagliflozin is in a class of medications called inhibitors sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT 2). This drug works by increasing the ability of the kidneys to reduce glucose reabsorption. By reducing the level of glucose reabsorption, glucose will be excreted through the urine so that the sugar circulating in the blood will decrease.

What are the rules for using Dapagliflozin?

Always pay attention to the guidelines given by your doctor in taking medication. Discuss your concerns with them.

This medicine can be taken at the same time as a meal schedule or not according to the recommendations given by your doctor. This medicine is usually taken once a day in the morning. Your doctor may first give you a low dose at the start of treatment and increase it if needed.

Do not reduce or add more than your doctor prescribes. Dosage is given taking into account your health condition and your body's response to treatment.

Take this drug regularly to get optimal medicinal results. To help you remember, take this medication every day at the same time. If you do not experience improvement, even worse, after getting this treatment, consult your doctor immediately.

What are the rules for storing Dapagliflozin?

Store this drug in a closed container and at room temperature between 20-25 degrees Celsius. Keep it away from light and rooms with high humidity. Do not store this medication in the bathroom. Other brands of this drug may require different treatment. Observe the drug storage instructions listed on the packaging or consult your pharmacist.

Keep this medicine out of reach of children by storing it in a closed container that is difficult for them to open to avoid the risk of poisoning.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Dapagliflozin dosage

The information provided below is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting medication.

Adult Dose for Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Initial dose: 5 mg / day

The dose can be increased to 10 mg for patients requiring additional glycemic control.

Maximum recommended daily dose: 10 mg

Dapagliflozin side effects

What side effects may occur due to using Dapagliflozin?

The use of Dapagliflozin may cause some side effects. Call your doctor if the following symptoms don't go away:

- Frequent urination, including at night

- Excessive thirst

Dapagliflozin can sometimes cause pain when urinating or bloody urine which is a sign of a urinary tract infection. But these symptoms can also be a sign of a rare condition, namely urinary tract cancer. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice these symptoms.

Use of this drug can also cause fungal infections of the genital area. Those who have had a previous yeast infection in the same area, have a greater risk than those who have never been infected. Men who have not been circumcised are also more at risk for infection. Signs include burning, itching, unpleasant odor (vaginal discharge) or redness, itching, swelling (of the penis).

Dapagliflozin can also cause you to lose a lot of body fluids which can lead to kidney problems. Make sure your body is getting enough fluids to prevent dehydration. Tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:

- Nausea and vomiting

- Diarrhea

- Excessive sweating

- Dry mouth

- Fast heartbeat

- Dizziness and even fainting

Allergic reactions are known to occur rarely as a result of using this drug. However, stop treatment and contact your doctor immediately if symptoms appear such as itching, rash, swelling of the face, tongue, and eyes, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the throat.

Not everyone experiences the side effects listed above. There may also be other side effects that have not been mentioned. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Dapagliflozin Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using Dapagliflozin?

• Tell your doctor if you have a history of allergies to the drug Dapagliflozin, or to any other drugs. Also tell if you have certain allergies, such as allergies to certain foods.
• Tell your doctor or pharmacist about any medicines you are taking or are about to take. Be sure to mention the following types: angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, such as benazepril, captopril, enalapril, fosinopril, lisinopril, moexipril, perindopril, ramipril, and trandolapril; angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) such as azilsartan, candesartan, eprosartan, irbesartan, losartan, aspirin and other NSAID drugs such as ibuprofen; diabetes medicines, such as glimepiride, glipizide (Glucotrol), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase), repaglinide, and tolbutamide; diuretics and insulin
• Tell your doctor if you are on dialysis or have problems with kidney disease
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. The use of this drug in pregnant women is only given when absolutely necessary
• If you are planning to have surgery, including dental surgery, tell your dentist about using Dapagliflozin

Is Dapagliflozin safe for pregnant women?

There have been no tested studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category C according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

A = No risk, B = No risk in some studies, C = Possible risk, D = There is positive evidence of risk, X = Contraindicated, N = unknown

Dapagliflozin Drug Interactions

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine without your doctor's approval.

Using this drug with any of the medicines is usually not recommended, but it may be necessary in some cases. If the two drugs are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or adjust how often you can use one or both drugs.

The risk of dehydration and hypertension will increase if this medicine is used together with diuretics. The effect of hypoglycemia can also be increased when used together with insulin and sulfonylurea groups.

Dapagliflozin overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.