dapagliflozin

Why is this medication prescribed?

Dapagliflozin is used along with diet and exercise, and sometimes with other medications, to lower blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes (condition in which blood sugar is too high because the body does not produce or use insulin normally). It is also used to reduce the risk of needing to be hospitalized for heart failure in adults who have type 2 diabetes along with heart and blood vessel disease or who have multiple risk factors for developing heart and blood vessel disease. Dapagliflozin is also used in adults with heart failure to reduce the risk of needing to be hospitalized and death due to heart and blood vessel disease. It is also used to reduce the risk of worsening kidney disease, the need to be hospitalized for heart failure, and the risk of death due to heart disease in adults with kidney disease. Dapagliflozin is in a class of medications called sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. It lowers blood sugar by causing the kidneys to get rid of more glucose in the urine. Dapagliflozin is not used to treat type 1 diabetes (condition in which the body does not produce insulin and, therefore, cannot control the amount of sugar in the blood) or diabetic ketoacidosis (a serious condition that may develop if high blood sugar is not treated).

Over time, people who have diabetes and high blood sugar can develop serious or life-threatening complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney problems, nerve damage, and eye problems. Taking dapagliflozin, making lifestyle changes (e.g., diet, exercise, quitting smoking), and regularly checking your blood sugar may help to manage your diabetes and improve your health. This therapy may also decrease your chances of having a heart attack, stroke, or other diabetes-related complications such as kidney failure, nerve damage (numb, cold legs or feet; decreased sexual ability in men and women), eye problems, including changes or loss of vision, or gum disease. Your doctor and other healthcare providers will talk to you about the best way to manage your diabetes.

How should this medicine be used?

Dapagliflozin comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is taken usually with or without food once a day. Take dapagliflozin at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take dapagliflozin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Your doctor may start you on a low dose of dapagliflozin and increase your dose if needed.

Dapagliflozin helps to control your condition, but does not cure it. Continue to take dapagliflozin even if you feel well. Do not stop taking dapagliflozin without talking to your doctor.

Your doctor or pharmacist will give you the manufacturer's patient information sheet (Medication Guide) when you begin treatment with dapagliflozin and each time you refill your prescription. Read the information carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. You can also visit the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website to obtain the Medication Guide.

Other uses for this medicine

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking dapagliflozin,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to dapagliflozin, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in dapagliflozin tablets. Ask your pharmacist or check the Medication Guide for a list of the ingredients.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• tell your doctor if you regularly drink alcohol or sometimes drink large amounts of alcohol in a short time (binge drinking), if you are on a low sodium diet, or if you have an infection. Also tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart failure, pancreatic disease including pancreatitis (swelling of the pancreas) or have had surgery on your pancreas, urinary tract infections or problems urinating, low blood pressure, yeast infections in the genital area, or kidney or liver disease. If you are male, tell your doctor if you have never been circumcised. Also, tell your doctor if you are eating or drinking less due to illness, surgery or a change in your diet; if you are following a ketogenic diet (a high fat, low carbohydrate diet); or have recently had diarrhea, vomiting, been in the sun too long, or have been sweating a lot, which may cause dehydration (loss of a large amount of body fluids).
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Do not breastfeed while you are taking dapagliflozin. If you become pregnant while taking dapagliflozin, call your doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking dapagliflozin. Your doctor will probably tell you to stop taking dapagliflozin at least 3 days before a surgery.
• alcohol may cause a change in blood sugar. Ask your doctor about the safe use of alcoholic beverages while you are taking dapagliflozin.
• you should know that dapagliflozin may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting when you get up too quickly from a lying position. If you have this problem, call your doctor. This problem is more common when you first start taking dapagliflozin. To avoid this problem, get out of bed slowly, resting your feet on the floor for a few minutes before standing up.
• ask your doctor what to do if you get sick, develop an infection or fever, experience unusual stress, or are injured. These conditions can affect your blood sugar and the amount of dapagliflozin you may need.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Be sure to follow all exercise and dietary recommendations made by your doctor or dietitian. It is important to eat a healthful diet and exercise regularly.

Follow your doctor's instructions about drinking enough fluids throughout the day while you are on this medication.