Dapagliflozin is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes by increasing glucose excretion through urine, which helps control blood sugar levels. It can be taken alone or combined with other anti-diabetic medications, along with regular physical activity and a balanced diet.
In addition to managing type 2 diabetes, dapagliflozin is also used to treat adults with chronic heart failure or chronic kidney disease. It is often prescribed with other therapies to reduce the risk of disease progression.
Dapagliflozin is available by prescription, either as a generic or under the brand name Farxiga. It comes in tablet form, with doses of 5 mg or 10 mg, and can also be combined with other medications, such as metformin, under the brand name Xigduo XR.
Indications for use
Dapagliflozin is prescribed for several conditions, including:
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Type 2 diabetes
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Preventing or treating heart failure
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Preventing or treating kidney disease
It is typically recommended for people with type 2 diabetes who have difficulty tolerating metformin, a commonly prescribed diabetes medication, or when used in combination with other drugs.
Does dapagliflozin help with weight loss?
In addition to helping control blood sugar, dapagliflozin can aid in weight loss for people with type 2 diabetes who are overweight. This is because dapagliflozin prevents the kidneys from reabsorbing glucose, allowing about 70 grams of glucose to be excreted daily in urine, contributing to weight loss and better blood pressure control.
However, while dapagliflozin may support weight loss in people with type 2 diabetes, lifestyle changes such as a healthier diet and regular exercise are also important.
How to take
Dapagliflozin comes in 5 mg or 10 mg coated tablets and can be taken orally at any time, with or without food. It should only be taken under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but within 12 hours of the missed dose. If more than 12 hours have passed, take the next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses on the same day.
Dosing for dapagliflozin depends on the condition being treated:
1. Type 2 diabetes
Dapagliflozin can be prescribed for adults and children over 10 years old with type 2 diabetes. The typical dose is 10 mg once daily.
3. Heart failure and chronic kidney disease
Dapagliflozin can be prescribed for adults with heart failure or chronic kidney disease. The typical dose is 10 mg once daily.
Dapagliflozin with metformin
The combination of dapagliflozin and metformin is available under the brand name Xigduo XR. This combination is generally used for people with type 2 diabetes who haven't achieved adequate blood sugar control with the maximum tolerated dose of metformin alone or combined with other medications, like insulin.
This combination should be taken at night with a glass of water and food. The usual dosage is 1 or 2 tablets of 5 mg dapagliflozin/1000 mg metformin once daily, as prescribed by your doctor based on the patient's response and tolerance.
The maximum recommended dose is 10 mg dapagliflozin and 2000 mg metformin.
This medication is not recommended for people with type 1 diabetes or for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis.
Side effects
Some side effects associated with dapagliflozin include:
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Genital or urinary tract infections
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Hypoglycemia (when used with sulfonylureas or insulin)
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Dizziness
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Skin rash
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Back pain
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Burning or discomfort while urinating
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Increased urination
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Increased hematocrit levels
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Changes in blood fat levels
Precautions and contraindications
Dapagliflozin should not be used in people who are allergic to dapagliflozin or any of its ingredients.
This medication may increase the diuretic effect of certain drugs, such as thiazides and loop diuretics, raising the risk of dehydration and low blood pressure. When used with insulin or insulin secretagogues, like sulfonylureas, the dosage should be adjusted to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia. This should be done under medical guidance.
Dapagliflozin should be used with caution in people with low blood pressure or those taking antihypertensive medications, as they may be at risk for low blood pressure.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Dapagliflozin is not recommended during pregnancy, particularly in the second and third trimesters, as it may harm the fetus. It is also not recommended for breastfeeding mothers, as dapagliflozin may be excreted in breast milk and affect the newborn.