Has your doctor prescribed you a medicine called Dapagliflozin for Type 2 Diabetes, Heart Failure, or Chronic Kidney Disease? It is most commonly available in our country under the brand name Farxiga. Perhaps your doctor has prescribed this medicine because you cannot use basic diabetes medications like metformin, or because those medications are not controlling your blood sugar levels well. So let's talk about this simply and politely today.
How does Dapagliflozin work inside the body?
This is very simple to understand. Dapagliflozin is a drug that belongs to a class of drugs called SGLT2 inhibitors. Think of our kidneys as a filter that filters our blood. Normally, this filter reabsorbs the sugar (glucose) in the blood back into the body.
However, what this drug, Dapagliflozin, does is block a protein called SGLT2 in the kidneys. This prevents the kidneys from reabsorbing excess sugar in the blood and instead excretes it in the urine.
This reduces blood sugar levels. At the same time, the pressure and inflammation on the kidneys are reduced. All of this also provides great relief to your heart, because this also reduces the workload on the heart.
Diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease are all related diseases. When blood sugar levels rise, the kidneys can be damaged. This causes the heart to work harder. So this medicine can be beneficial for all three conditions at the same time.
What should you expect when using this medicine?
You may not feel much of a difference when you start taking this medicine. But that doesn't mean the medicine isn't working. Your blood sugar levels will start to drop within two hours of taking the medicine.
- Excessive urination: Because of the way the medicine works, you may feel like you are urinating more often and in larger amounts than usual.
- Be careful of dehydration: Excessive urination can lead to dehydration, which can lead to dehydration. So, drink plenty of water. Ask your doctor how much water you should drink per day. Generally, 8 glasses of water a day is a good start.
- Feeling dizzy: Blood pressure can drop slightly due to dehydration. This can sometimes make you feel dizzy, especially when you get out of bed. So , stand up straight when you get out of bed. If this continues, tell your doctor.
- Weight loss: Some people may notice some weight loss while using this medication.
This medicine should be used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise regimen as prescribed for you. You should also check your blood sugar and A1c levels regularly.
What are the side effects of Dapagliflozin?
Like any medicine, this one can have minor and sometimes serious side effects. Don't be afraid, the important thing is to be aware of these.
| Type of side effect | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Common side effects that should be reported to your doctor | |
| Yeast Infections of the Vagina or Penis | Itching, odor, discharge, redness, or swelling in the genital area. |
| Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) | Frequent need to urinate, burning or pain when urinating, cloudy or dark urine, and foul-smelling urine. |
| Other minor ailments | Nasal congestion, sore throat, excessive thirst. |
| Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention or going to the Emergency Department (ETU) | |
| Severe Dehydration | Confusion, increased breathing or heart rate, loss of consciousness, seizures. |
| Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) | Blood sugar levels not returning to normal, feeling faint, confusion, loss of consciousness. |
| Fournier's gangrene | This is a very rare but serious infection. Pain, swelling or redness between the anus and genital area, fever, extreme fatigue. If you notice anything like this, tell your doctor immediately. |
| Diabetic ketoacidosis | If you have a sweet smell on your breath, excessive urination, excessive thirst, persistent vomiting, extreme fatigue, or difficulty breathing , go to the ETU immediately. |
| Serious Allergic Reaction | Swelling of the face, throat, or tongue, with difficulty swallowing or breathing. This is an emergency. |
Things to be careful about when taking this medicine
For your safety, it is very important to inform your doctor about certain things before starting and while using this medication.
Things to tell the doctor:
- If you have to have surgery in the future.
- If you have allergies to other medications.
- About any other medications, vitamins, or supplements you are taking.
- If you have a history of kidney, pancreas, or heart disease.
- If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
- If you drink alcohol frequently.
If these things happen, tell your doctor :
While you are taking this medicine,
- If you have vomiting or diarrhea .
- If you eat less.
- If you are sweating more than usual.
These things can affect your blood sugar levels, and your doctor may need to change the dosage of your medication.
Take-Home Message
- Dapagliflozin (Farxiga) is an important drug that helps control diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease.
- This causes the excess sugar in the body to be excreted through urine. So don't forget to drink plenty of water .
- If you develop symptoms of infection (such as itching, burning) in the genital area or urinary tract, inform your doctor.
- Before starting the medication, give your doctor a complete description of all other medications you are taking, your other medical conditions, and any allergies you may have.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any serious side effects, especially difficulty breathing, facial swelling, or extreme fatigue.
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