Dapagliflozin is an anti-diabetic drug. It belongs to the group of medications called sodium-glucose co-transporter. FDA approved this medicine on January 8, 2014, for its medical use.

Dapagliflozin is available as a tablet. It treats type 2 diabetes mellitus in patients above 18 years and older.

Take the Dapagliflozin as advised by your physician. Do not chew or break the medicine. Your physician will decide the correct dosage and duration based on age, body weight, and disease condition. Only stop taking the tablet if your doctor advises you to stop.

The common side effects of Dapagliflozin are nausea, vomiting, back pain, urinary tract infection, diarrhea, stomach ache, loss of appetite, dizziness, and rash. Other serious side effects are decreased vitamin b12, low blood sugar level, unusual sleepiness or tiredness, and rapid weight loss.

This drug mainly helps to control high blood glucose (sugar) levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes. It is always taken in combination with diet and exercise. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine with other antidiabetic medications when your blood sugar is high and uncontrolled. Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to Dapagliflozin or any of its other ingredients. Inform your physician if you get urinary tract infections because this medicine may cause UTI. This medicine is not recommended for children and adolescents under 18.

Your doctor will check for kidney function at least once every year or more frequently while you are taking this medicine. If you experience nausea, vomiting, fever, or cannot eat or drink while taking Dapagliflozin, it is important to inform your doctor. These conditions can lead to dehydration, and your doctor may advise temporarily discontinuing the medication until you have recovered. When taking this drug, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) can occur even if blood sugar levels are normal. If you suspect you have symptoms of DKA, it is necessary to contact your doctor or go to the nearest hospital without delay.

Dapagliflozin can increase urination, possibly leading to dehydration if not compensated for by adequate fluid intake. Drink plenty of water often to stay well hydrated. This drug causes genital yeast infections in both males and females. Practice good hygiene, including regular washing and cleaning of the genital area, to reduce the risk of infections. Limit the intake of sugary foods, processed snacks, and high-fat meals.

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2. Dapagliflozin- food and drug administration (FDA). [Revised on May 2020], [Accessed on 15th June 2023] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2020/202293s020lbl.pdf
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4. KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Hormones and related drugs, 7th edition, 2013, 278.
5. Bertram.G.Katzung, Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, Pancreatic Hormones & Antidiabetic Drugs, 14th edition, 2017, 763.

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you can receive this treatment.