What is type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which your body does not make enough insulin, and the insulin that your body produces does not work as well as it should. Your body can also make too much sugar. When this happens, sugar (glucose) builds up in the blood.
Indications
"In adults aged 18 years and older with Type-II diabetic Mellitus to improve glycemic control: As monotherapy when diet and exercise alone do not provide adequate glycemic control in patients for whom the use of metformin is considered inappropriate due to intolerance.
Note: Not for the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus or diabetic ketoacidosis.
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action:
Dapagliflozin belongs to a class of medicines called Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. It is used with proper diet and exercise to treat type 2 diabetes. It works in the kidneys to prevent glucose absorption (blood sugar). It helps lower the blood sugar level.
It removes excess sugar from the body through urine. Dapagliflozin reduces the amount of sugar in the blood. It also provides benefits to the heart and kidneys.
Contraindications:
- Dapagliflozin is contraindicated in patients with previous hypersensitivity to Dapagliflozin or any other component of this drug
- Severe renal impairment, end-stage renal disease, or dialysis.
- Type 1 disease
Drug Interaction:
- Medicines you take for diabetes to lower your blood sugar levels. This includes sulfonylurea medication such as glyburide, gliclazide or glimepiride, or insulin. If you take Dapagliflozin with any of these medicines, it can increase the risk of low blood sugar. Your healthcare professional will tell you how much of each medicine to take.
- Medicines used to lower your blood pressure, including diuretics, known as water pills. If you take Dapagliflozin with these medicines, it can increase the risk of dehydration.
Side Effects:
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you're worried about them.
- Thrush
- Back Pain
- Peeing more than normal
- UTI
- Headache
- Fast heartbeat
- Nausea
Warning and Precautions:
- During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding please consult your doctor before taking any medicine. However, this medicine is not recommended in both conditions.
- Before doing tasks that require special attention, wait until you know how you respond to Dapagliflozin. Dizziness, light-headedness, or fainting can occur, particularly when Dapagliflozin is taken with insulin or other antidiabetic medicines.
Dosage:
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. A Dapagliflozin Tablet may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
You should keep taking this medicine for as long as your doctor recommends.
Missed Dose:
If you miss a dose of Dapagliflozin Tablet, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Storage:
Store in a cool, dry & dark place. It is protected from direct sunlight.