Did your doctor prescribe you a new medication for your type 2 diabetes? When you heard that the name of the medication was Dapagliflozin and Saxagliptin (often known by the brand name QTERN), did you find it a bit confusing? Don't worry. Today, we'll talk about this medication in a simple way, as if you were telling a friend.
What is this medicine? Simply put...
This is a medicine used to treat Type 2 Diabetes. It has two main functions. One is to help your body excrete excess sugar (glucose) in your urine. The other is to stimulate the production of the hormone insulin from your pancreas, which helps control blood sugar levels.
Think of it like two smart assistants controlling your body's sugar levels. But this medicine alone is not enough. A good diet and proper exercise are also essential.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
It is very important that your doctor knows your complete health history before prescribing this medicine. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the conditions listed below.
| Condition or habit | Description |
|---|---|
| Existing medical conditions | Bladder cancer, heart disease, heart failure, kidney disease, high cholesterol, low blood pressure, pancreatitis or a history of it, type 1 diabetes. |
| Infections and other problems | If you have frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs), a history of genital yeast infections, difficulty urinating, or a condition called diabetic ketoacidosis. |
| Lifestyle and other matters | If the body is dehydrated, if you eat a low-salt diet, if your food intake has decreased due to illness, surgery, or other reasons, or if you drink alcohol frequently. |
| Special occasions | If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, or a nursing mother. |
| Allergies | If you have an allergy to this medicine (dapagliflozin, saxagliptin) or any other medicine, food, or dye. |
How should I use this medicine?
This is very simple.
- Swallow this pill with a glass of water.
- Take it exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the right time. It is usually recommended to take it in the morning.
- Can be taken with or without food.
- Never stop taking medication or change the dosage without your doctor's advice .
- If this medicine is given to children, special medical advice is required.
What to do if the medication dose is increased?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital immediately. Or, go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What if I forget to take my medicine?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a forgotten dose.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
It is very important to inform your doctor about all medications you are taking. Some medications may interact with this medicine.
In particular, be sure to mention the following medications if you are taking them:
- Some antibiotics, such as gatifloxacin.
- Alcohol
- Some antiviral drugs given for HIV or Hepatitis.
- Medicines such as ketoconazole and itraconazole, which are used to treat fungal infections.
- Lithium
- Steroids such as prednisone and cortisone.
- Sulfonylureas, such as glimepiride, glipizide, and glyburide, are drugs used to treat diabetes.
- Medications for thyroid diseases.
Remember, this list is not complete. Tell your doctor about any vitamins, herbal products, or supplements you are taking.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
You need to take a little more care of your health while taking this medicine.
1. Regular medical checkups: Attend clinics as scheduled as prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor may order a blood test called HbA1C every 2-3 months to check how well your blood sugar is being controlled.
2. Learn to test your blood sugar: Learn how to test your blood sugar at home. Know exactly what the symptoms of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia are and how to deal with them.
3. Keep some sugar nearby in case of an emergency: Always keep something to eat, such as a sugar cube, glucose tablet, or toffee, nearby in case your sugar level suddenly drops.
4. Don't skip meals: Don't skip main meals for any reason. Consult your doctor about drinking alcohol.
5. Wear a medical ID: Wearing a card or bracelet that states that you have diabetes and the types and doses of medications you take can be very important in an emergency.
Side effects of the medicine
Like any medicine, this one can cause side effects in some people. While most of these are minor, there are some things we need to be especially careful about.
| Side effect | Description and what to do |
|---|---|
| Serious conditions that require immediate medical attention | |
| Severe Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) | Excessive thirst, frequent urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor, difficulty breathing, stomach ache, nausea, vomiting. |
| Heart Failure Symptoms | Difficulty breathing, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands, sudden weight gain, extreme fatigue. |
| Pancreatitis | Severe stomach pain (radiating to the back), pain that worsens after eating or when touched, fever, nausea, vomiting. |
| Urinary tract infection (UTI) | Urinary tract infection, frequent urination, bloody or cloudy urine, back or pelvic pain. |
| Genital infections | Redness, swelling, pain, itching, foul odor, thick discharge. |
| Conditions that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Other minor ailments | Diarrhea, headache, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat. |
Take-Home Message
- This medicine is an important medicine that helps control your diabetes. Always take it exactly as prescribed by your doctor , at the right time.
- Before starting the medication, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and all other medications you are taking.
- Be aware of the symptoms of low blood sugar (dizziness, sweating, excessive hunger) and high blood sugar (excessive thirst, frequent urination).
- If you experience any serious side effects such as severe allergic reactions, difficulty breathing, or severe stomach cramps , seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine is just one part of your diabetes management plan. Be sure to maintain a proper diet and exercise routine.
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