Indications
- Dapagliflozin is used in conjunction with a proper diet and exercise program to manage high blood sugar in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
- Its control of high blood sugar contributes to preventing complications such as kidney damage, blindness, nerve issues, limb loss, and sexual function problems associated with diabetes.
- Properly managing diabetes with dapagliflozin may also reduce the risk of heart attacks or strokes.
- The medication is additionally prescribed for individuals with type 2 diabetes and heart disease to decrease the likelihood of hospitalization due to heart failure.
- Dapagliflozin functions by enhancing the elimination of sugar by the kidneys.
- It is employed to treat kidney disease and heart failure, reducing the risk of death from heart disease and minimizing the need for medical intervention for heart failure.
- Dapagliflozin achieves this by increasing the removal of sodium by the kidneys.
Dosage and administration
- Prior to initiating dapagliflozin, review the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist.
- Take dapagliflozin orally, with or without food, as instructed by your doctor, typically once daily.
- The prescribed dosage is determined based on your medical condition and how you respond to the treatment.
- Consistently use the medication to maximize its benefits, and to aid in remembering, take it at the same time every day.
- Inform your doctor if there is no improvement in your condition or if it worsens over time.
Side effects
- Possible side effects of dapagliflozin include frequent urination, dizziness, or lightheadedness.
- To minimize the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, rise slowly when getting up from a sitting or lying position.
- The medication is prescribed based on the judgment that its benefits outweigh potential side effects.
- Notify the doctor promptly if experiencing serious side effects such as signs of a urinary tract infection or kidney problems.
- Seek immediate medical help for severe symptoms like unusual tiredness, nausea, abdominal pain, or trouble breathing.
- Dapagliflozin may cause painful urination or pink/bloody urine, potentially indicating a urinary tract infection or, rarely, bladder cancer.
- It may lead to yeast infections in the vagina or penis and a serious bacterial infection (Fournier’s gangrene) in the genital/anal area, especially in people with type 2 diabetes.
- Dehydration is a potential side effect; consume plenty of fluids and report any signs of dehydration promptly.
- Dapagliflozin generally does not cause low blood sugar, but precautions are needed when taken with other diabetes medications.
- Symptoms of high blood sugar include increased thirst and urination; inform the doctor promptly if these occur.
- A severe allergic reaction to dapagliflozin is rare, but seek medical help for symptoms like rash, itching/swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
Precautions
- Inform the doctor or pharmacist about any allergies before taking dapagliflozin, as it may contain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions.
- Provide medical history details, especially related to kidney disease, pancreatitis, dehydration, alcohol use/abuse, low blood pressure, or a history of yeast infections.
- Individuals with diabetes may experience blurred vision, dizziness, or drowsiness due to low or high blood sugar; caution is advised in activities requiring alertness.
- Limit alcohol consumption while on this medication to reduce the risk of low blood sugar and a high ketone level.
- Stressful conditions, illness, or surgery may affect blood sugar control, requiring consultation with the doctor for potential changes in treatment plans or medications.
- Before undergoing surgery, inform the doctor or dentist about all medications, including prescription, nonprescription, and herbal products.
- Older adults may be more sensitive to side effects, including dizziness, fainting, dehydration, and kidney disease.
- During pregnancy, use dapagliflozin only when necessary; discuss risks and benefits with the doctor.
- Pregnancy may impact or worsen diabetes; develop a plan with the doctor for managing blood sugar during pregnancy, which may involve changes in treatment.
- It is unclear if the drug passes into breast milk; consult the doctor before breastfeeding.
- Consult the pharmacist or physician for additional information or clarification.
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