What is Dapagliflozin?

Dapagliflozin is a prescription medication primarily used in conjunction with diet and exercise to manage type 2 diabetes. It is also prescribed for treating heart failure. Initially approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2014, dapagliflozin belongs to the class of drugs known as sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. These drugs work by helping the kidneys remove excess glucose from the body through urination. Additionally, dapagliflozin reduces the strain on the heart, aiding in more efficient blood circulation.

What is Dapagliflozin Used For?

Dapagliflozin is used for:

- Improving blood sugar (glucose) control in adults with type 2 diabetes, alongside diet and exercise.

- Reducing the risk of hospitalization for heart failure in adults with type 2 diabetes who have known cardiovascular disease or multiple cardiovascular risk factors.

- Reducing the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure in adult patients with heart failure where the heart struggles to pump blood adequately.

- Reducing the risk of kidney disease progression, end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), cardiovascular death, and hospitalization for heart failure in adults with chronic kidney disease.

Note: Dapagliflozin is not recommended for individuals with type 1 diabetes due to the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis. It should also not be used in those with moderate to severe kidney problems as it may not be effective. Additionally, it is not expected to work in individuals with specific genetic forms of polycystic kidney disease or those who have recently undergone immunosuppressive therapy for kidney disease. The safety and effectiveness of dapagliflozin in children under 18 years of age are not established.

Important Information

Serious Side Effects:

- Dehydration: Dapagliflozin can lead to dehydration, which may cause dizziness, fainting, lightheadedness, or weakness, particularly when standing up (orthostatic hypotension). Dehydration can also result in sudden kidney injury, particularly in those with type 2 diabetes. You may be at higher risk if you are taking blood pressure-lowering medications, are over 65 years of age, follow a low-salt diet, or have kidney problems.

- Vaginal Yeast Infections: Women taking dapagliflozin may experience vaginal yeast infections. Symptoms include vaginal odor, white or yellowish discharge, and itching.

- Yeast Infection of the Penis: Men may develop a yeast infection around the penis, particularly if uncircumcised. Symptoms include redness, itching, swelling, rash, foul-smelling discharge, and pain.

Who Should Not Take Dapagliflozin?

- Allergies: Avoid taking dapagliflozin if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Signs of an allergic reaction include rash, hives, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, which may lead to difficulty breathing or swallowing. Seek medical attention immediately if these symptoms occur.

- Dialysis Patients: Dapagliflozin is contraindicated in individuals on dialysis.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Warnings

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, inform your doctor. Dapagliflozin may harm your unborn baby and is not recommended during pregnancy. The safety of dapagliflozin in breastfeeding women is not known, so breastfeeding is not advised while taking this medication.

Storage

Store dapagliflozin at room temperature, between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C).

Ingredients

Active Ingredient: Dapagliflozin.

Inactive Ingredients: Microcrystalline cellulose, anhydrous lactose, crospovidone, silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, polyvinyl alcohol, titanium dioxide, polyethylene glycol, talc, and yellow iron oxide.

Brand Information

Dapagliflozin is distributed by AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP, Wilmington, DE 19850, under the brand name Farxiga.

Note: The brand name displayed above is specific to this product. Brand names can vary depending on the manufacturer.