All You Need to Know About Dapagliflozin Propanediol Monohydrate

Dapagliflozin is a prescription medication used primarily for treating type 2 diabetes, along with diet and exercise. It is also beneficial for preventing heart failure. Belonging to a sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2), this drug utilizes kidneys to help manage the patient’s glucose levels. It is generally advised to take the medication once daily, with or without food, as prescribed by the doctor. It is important to note that the drug is only recommended to patients above 18. Do not use it for type 1 diabetes, and make sure that you are following your doctor’s advice before you decide to buy Dapagliflozin online to prevent any future complications.

Overview of Dapagliflozin Propanediol Monohydrate

Dapagliflozin Propanediol Monohydrate is an oral medication sold under the brand name Forxiga. It helps manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes and is an FDA-approved anti-diabetic drug that can also prevent heart failure in patients with reduced ejection fraction. The medication is available in strengths of 10 and 5 mg and should be taken once daily, with or without food, at the same time each day to maintain an even level in the bloodstream. Suitable for adults with type 2 diabetes, Dapagliflozin improves glycemic control with a proper diet and exercise regimen.

However, there are certain side effects of this medication, which may include urinary tract infections, genital yeast infections, and increased urination. Before starting Dapagliflozin, inform your healthcare provider of any medical history. In case of a missed dose, take it as soon as you remember, but skip it if it’s almost time for your next dose. In the event of an overdose, seek immediate medical attention. Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels and frequent consultations with your healthcare provider are recommended to ensure effective diabetes management.

What Are the Uses of Dapagliflozin Propanediol Monohydrate?

Dapagliflozin is an anti-diabetic medication that people are widely using for improving their blood glucose levels and reducing the risk of hospitalization for heart failure in patients with cardiovascular problems. Besides, patients can also use this medication to reduce the risk of exacerbating kidney disease, end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), and death due to heart problems.

How to Use Dapagliflozin Propanediol Monohydrate?

Dosage

Strengths and Forms

Forxiga is available in two strengths:

5mg
10mg

Recommended Dosage for Different Patients

For Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

The recommended dose is 10 mg once daily at any time of the day.
When you are using this medication as an add-on therapy with insulin or secretagogue, a lower dose of insulin or an insulin secretagogue is advised to prevent the risk of hypoglycemia.
When coadministering Forxiga and metformin as an initial combination therapy, the recommended dose is 10mg Forxiga and 500 mg metformin once daily. Patients should increase their metformin dosage if they are not achieving appropriate glycaemic control on this initial dose.

For Heart Failure

Take 10 mg of Forxiga by mouth one time each day.
It is recommended that the medication should be used in addition to an individualized routine of care therapy.

For Chronic Kidney Disease

Patients are advised to take 10 mg of this medication once daily at any time of the day, with or without meals.

For Renal Impairment

No dose adjustment is needed when the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is 45 mL/min/1.73 m2 or above.
When eGFR is below 45 mL/min/1.73 m2, the usage is not recommended.
No dose adjustment is needed when eGFR exceeds 25mL/min/1.73 m2.
When eGFR is below 25 mL/min/1.73 m2, the usage is not recommended. However, the patients can continue 10 mg daily after consulting with their doctor.

Hepatic Impairment

If a patient has mild or moderate hepatic issues, there is no need for dosage adjustment.
For patients with severe hepatic impairment, the usage is not recommended.

Paediatric & Adolescent

It is not recommended for patients below 18 years.

Older Adults

No dosage adjustment is needed.

[Note: Remember, these recommendations may vary from person to person. Discuss it with your doctor, and they’ll customize your dosage accordingly.]

How Does Dapagliflozin Propanediol Monohydrate Work?

Dapagliflozin is a strong, competitive, and reversible inhibitor of the sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2), which primarily exists in the kidneys. By restricting SGLT2, this drug reduces glucose reabsorption from the glomerular filtrate, leading to increased urinary glucose excretion (glucuresis). This mechanism lowers blood glucose levels without insulin action or production, thus improving both fasting and post-prandial plasma glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. Additionally, it provides cardio-renal benefits by lowering intraglomerular pressure. As a result, the medication decreases blood pressure and improves heart & kidney function.

How to Take Dapagliflozin?

Read the medication guide thoroughly for detailed information.
Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions when administering this medication.
Take Dapagliflozin by mouth once a day, with or without meals.
Stick to your prescribed diet and exercise routine when taking this medication.
Do not break, chew, or crush the tablets.
Swallow them as a whole for quick absorption.
Talk to your doctor if you are having difficulty swallowing your tablets.
Use the medication daily to get effective results.
Take frequent medical visits to monitor your blood sugar levels.

Important Safety Information

Certain important safety information, including side effects, warnings, and precautions, must be considered by patients while taking Dapagliflozin.

Common Side Effects

Common side effects of Dapagliflozin may include:

Back pain
Dizziness
Rash
Frequent urination
Feeling thirsty
Dehydration
Nausea
Vomiting
Stomach/abdominal pain
Difficulty in breathing
Blurred vision
Pain in arms, legs, feet or hands
Constipation
Stuffy/runny nose
Flu
Sore throat

[Note: Remember, this list may not cover all possible side effects. Always consult with your healthcare giver for medical advice about side effects.]

Warnings

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus & Other Ketoacidosis: According to the various clinical trials and post-market cases of DKA, patients taking Forxiga have reported life-threatening conditions requiring hospitalizations. The condition appeared unusual in most cases, with only moderately high blood sugar levels below 13.9 mmol/L (250 mg/dL). So, consult with a medical professional before taking this drug. Additionally, this product is not indicated for type 1 diabetes.
Cardiovascular: Dapagliflozin (Forxiga) may cause osmotic diureses, reducing blood pressure. This reaction is more pronounced in patients with high blood sugar levels. Moreover, the usage is not recommended if you are a patient with a depleted volume. Caution should be exercised in elderly patients with low systolic blood pressure or moderate renal impairment. To avoid any complications, monitor your volume status closely and consider temporary discontinuation if volume depletion occurs.
Driving & Operating Machinery: No specific studies have been conducted. However, caution is advised when driving or operating machinery due to potential dizziness or hypoglycemia, especially when used with insulin or insulin secretagogues.
Hypoglycemia Risk: Insulin or insulin secretagogues like sulfonylureas may cause hypoglycemia. Therefore, it is advised to talk with a medical provider, who will prescribe a lower dose of insulin or insulin secretagogues to reduce the chances of hypoglycemia when used in association with Forxiga.
Increases in Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL-C): Closely monitor your LDL-C levels as patients have reported high levels of LDL-C while taking Forxiga.
Genitourinary: Using this medication may increase the risk of genital mycotic infections, especially if you have a history of these infections.
Fournier’s Gangrene: Rare but serious cases of necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum have been reported in female and male patients suffering from diabetes mellitus taking Dapagliflozin. Discontinue if symptoms like pain or swelling in the genital areas, with or without fever, are suspected, and seek urgent medical treatment.
Hematologic: Patients taking Forxiga have shown increases in hemoglobin and hematocrit levels, with some having abnormally high values. Use the medication cautiously if the patient already has high hematocrit levels.
Hepatic/Biliary/Pancreatic: Increases in liver enzymes have been reported in patients treated with Dapagliflozin during clinical trials, but it’s unclear if the drug is the cause. Patients with severe liver problems have higher exposure to it, so its use is not recommended for them.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Dapagliflozin is not recommended during pregnancy or while nursing due to potential risks to renal maturation and development in offspring. Discontinue if pregnancy is detected. Avoid use in nursing women due to unknown excretion in human milk.
Bladder Cancer: It is not known whether Forxiga has an effect on pre-existing bladder tumors, but the medication should not be used in patients dealing with active bladder cancer.

Precautions

Before taking Dapagliflozin, talk to your doctor about any allergies you have or if you are allergic to any component of the medication. The product may contain certain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions.
Inform your healthcare provider about your medical history, especially of dehydration, kidney problems, pancreas issues, low blood pressure, yeast infections, etc.
If you are a diabetic patient, you will likely experience blurred vision, dizziness, or drowsiness due to high or low blood glucose. In such cases, avoid driving or operating machinery requiring alertness.
Avoid alcohol consumption when starting Dapagliflozin treatment as it can increase the risk of developing low blood sugar, along with high ketone levels.
If you are a diabetic patient, you might face difficulties controlling your sugar level, especially when your body is stressed. Additionally, if you are eating less due to problems like fever, infection, or injury, there is a high chance that you may develop increased ketone levels while using this medication. Take medical assistance immediately, as this may require altering your treatment plan, medications, or blood sugar testing.
If you are undergoing any surgery or medical procedure, inform your doctor about all the products you are using, including prescription and nonprescription drugs and herbal products.
Older patients should remain cautious while taking this medication as they are more sensitive to the side effects of this medication, which may include dizziness, dehydration, and kidney problems.

Who Should Not Take Dapagliflozin?

Dapagliflozin is contraindicated in patients who have:

Hypersensitivity to the ingredients used in the formulation of the medication. This includes any non-medicinal ingredient or container components.
Serious renal issues, end-stage renal disease, or patients on dialysis.

What Happens If You Missed a Dose?

While there are no severe complications when you miss a dose, you need to be mindful of certain things, which are:

Take the dose as soon as possible.
Return to your usual dosing schedule if it is time for your next dose.
Do not take double doses of your medication.
Take the medicines at the same time every day for effective results.
Utilize medication apps or reminders to avoid skipping any of your doses.

[Note: If you have missed a medication dose and are unsure when to take the next one, immediately consult your doctor or pharmacist.]

What Happens When You Overdose?

It is recommended not to exceed the maximum amount of the medication as the overdosage of Dapagliflozin may result in certain side effects like difficulty in breathing or even passing out. In such cases, immediately call for a medical emergency or 911.

[Note: If you consumed more than the recommended dose, get medical help right away or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.]

How to Store Dapagliflozin?

Before following the below points, read the product’s label carefully for detailed storage instructions.

Store your medication at a room temperature of 68°F to 77°F or 20°C to 25°C.
Keep it out of reach from children and pets.
It is not recommended to pour or flush the drugs down the drain.
Discard the product properly when not in use or past the expiration date.
Consult your doctor/pharmacist to know how to dispose of the medication properly.
Keep them away from direct sunlight or heat.
Do not refrigerate the tablets.

Does Dapagliflozin Have Any Drug Interactions?

A drug interaction occurs when a component or substance affects the medication’s functioning in a patient’s body. This can further prove to be harmful and cause adverse side effects, and like every drug, Dapagliflozin also interacts with certain drugs. Here are some of these drugs:

Chlorpropamide
Dulaglutide
Glimepiride
Glipizide
Glyburide
Letermovir
Lithium
Repaglinide
Somapacitan
Somatrogon
Somatropin
Tolazamide
Tolbutamide

What Are the Alternatives of Dapagliflozin?

Remember, your doctor will choose what’s best for you. Taking them even from the best Canadian online pharmacy by yourself may cause serious side effects. Don’t use any of these alternative medications without consulting your healthcare provider.

Conclusion

Dapagliflozin is a reliable medication prescribed for the management of type 2 diabetes. Its anti-diabetic properties effectively reduce glucose levels in the blood. However, like every medication, Dapagliflozin also has certain side effects that can be easily avoided with expert guidance. Therefore, you are advised to stick to your dosage schedule and not discontinue the treatment in the middle. Besides, there are some contraindications for patients to be mindful of when initiating this treatment. In the end, if you are not responding well to this medication, you can also try its alternative after consulting with your doctor.