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Dapagliflozin medications are a form of treatment for type 2 diabetes, which are used alongside diet and exercise to help control blood sugar levels and keep them stable.
Prescription Dapagliflozin may be suggested as a treatment alone (particularly if you can’t take Metformin), or as part of combination treatments alongside:
- Metformin
- Other diabetes medications with or without Metformin (i.e., a sulfonylurea, Sitagliptin, etc.)
In some cases, you may see Dapagliflozin under the brand name Forxiga. It’s important to remember that Forxiga is just a brand name, and Dapagliflozin contains exactly the same ingredients.
If you’d like to learn more about Dapagliflozin medications, click here to explore more information.
Dapagliflozin medications work by encouraging your body to get rid of excess glucose, in order to help control blood sugar levels and keep them stable.
When you take doses of Dapagliflozin, glucose is expelled from your body through your urine. In turn, your body is able to better regulate your blood sugar levels without the excess glucose.
What is Forxiga used to treat?
Dapagliflozin prescriptions are assigned to patients that have type 2 diabetes, and who are unable to control their blood sugar levels through diet and exercise alone.
When you’re prescribed Dapagliflozin, it may either be prescribed alone, or as part of a combination treatment plan (i.e., with Metformin, a sulfonylurea, etc.).
SIDE NOTE: It’s important to remember that Dapagliflozin medications are not meant to be used for treating patients with type 1 diabetes. If you have type 1 diabetes, it’s recommended that you don’t take doses of Dapagliflozin.
How long does Forxiga last after you take it?
It’s important to note that not everyone who takes Dapagliflozin will have side effects. However, some of the most commonly occurring side effects of Dapagliflozin include:
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Headaches
- Rashes
- Back pain
- Nausea
- Sore throat
- Pain in the arms, legs, hands, and/or feet
- Influenza
In addition to these side effects of Dapaglifozin, there are some other more serious side effects to be mindful of occurring. You should let your practitioner know immediately if you start to experience:
- Allergic skin reactions
- Severe dehydration
- Genital infections
- Low blood sugar
- Kidney problems
- Acute kidney infections
- Low blood pressure
- Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
- Infections that spread (sepsis)
These aren’t all of the potential side effects of Dapagliflozin that you may experience, but other side effects are much more rarely occurring.
If you do start to experience any serious side effects of Dapagliflozin, you should contact your practitioner right away. They may be able to suggest an alternative dosage of Dapagliflozin or different medication that may work better for you.
There are some people who shouldn’t take Dapagliflozin, because interactions with their existing conditions or medications may cause additional negative side effects. These people include:
- People under the age of 18
- People who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to breastfeed
- People allergic to Dapagliflozin or any of its active ingredients
- People with type 1 diabetes
- People with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
- People with moderate-to-severe kidney problems
- People on dialysis
- People with severe liver disease
- People with bladder cancer
- People taking pioglitazone (another medication for lowering blood sugars)
- People with a hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients in Dapagliflozin
- People with moderate-to-severe renal impairment
In addition to these concerns, there are some people who should be extra cautious when taking doses of Dapagliflozin, as it may interact negatively. You should talk to your practitioner before taking Dapagliflozin prescriptions if you:
- Are over the age of 65
- Are at high risk for developing or have a history of DKA
- Are on a low-carb diet
- Drink a lot of alcohol
- Are dehydrated
- Suffer from excessive sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Have or have had problems with your pancreas, including surgery or pancreatitis
- Are hospitalized for major surgery, serious illness, or infection
- Have or have had kidney problems
- Have or have had liver disease
- Have heart disease
- Have low blood pressure
- Are taking medicine for high blood pressure, or you’re taking a water pill for other reasons
- Are taking other medicines to reduce your blood sugar levels (i.e., glyburide, Gliclazide or glimepiride, or insulin)
- Have a history of bladder cancer
- Have an intolerance to some milk sugars (doses of Dapagliflozin contain lactose)
- Often get urinary tract infections
How Does Dapagliflozin Help Treat Diabetes?
Taking Dapagliflozin for your diabetes (type 2 specifically) helps control your blood sugar and keep them at safe, manageable levels, when it’s used alongside a healthy diet and exercise regimen.
Dapagliflozin does this by helping your body excrete unneeded/excess glucose harmlessly through your urine.
What Should I Avoid While Taking Dapagliflozin?
Dapagliflozin medications are known to lower your blood sugar, so you should avoid any activities that are going to actively decrease your blood sugar levels, or cause them to spike, thereby canceling out the sugars being expelled through your Dapagliflozin prescription.
Since Dapagliflozin is known to expel excess sugars through urine, it’s a good idea to avoid drinking excessive amounts of diuretics like coffee, alcohol, etc., which can increase your chances of becoming dehydrated while using Dapagliflozin.
In addition, Dapagliflozin medications are known to increase your cholesterol levels, so it’s a good idea to ensure you’re eating a well-balanced diet that avoids high-cholesterol, trans fats, and fried foods that are likely to also increase blood cholesterol levels.
Lastly, because Dapagliflozin may cause dizziness or lightheadedness in some patients, it’s important to avoid using heavy machinery while taking doses of Dapagliflozin.
Is It Safe to Take Dapagliflozin During Pregnancy?
No, you shouldn’t take Dapagliflozin for diabetes while pregnant, planning to get pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to breastfeed.
Prescriptions for Dapagliflozin may cause interactions with unborn fetuses/nursing children, so it’s recommended to avoid taking this medication if any of these scenarios apply to you.
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