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Dapagliflozin

Dapagliflozin is a medicine of the SGLT2 inhibitor class, taken as a film-coated tablet. It is used in type 2 diabetes mellitus and in heart failure. It works by increasing the amount of glucose removed from the body in urine. Its effect starts within 1–2 hours and lasts about 24 hours.

Medicine containing Dapagliflozin

Farxiga

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Heart Failure

5 · 10mg

Farxiga is dapagliflozin in film-coated tablets for diabetes mellitus and chronic heart failure. Multiple strengths and pack sizes are sold. Each option lists its price per tablet.

FromUS$0.27/ tabletView

Key points

  • Dapagliflozin is an SGLT2 inhibitor, supplied as 5 mg and 10 mg film-coated tablets.
  • It is not for children.
  • It is not recommended in pregnancy and not advised while breastfeeding.

What it is used for

Dapagliflozin is prescribed for type 2 diabetes mellitus and for heart failure. These are long-term conditions, and the medicine forms part of wider care rather than a single course of treatment. You can read more about each on the pages for type 2 diabetes mellitus and heart failure, and about the wider group of treatments in diabetes management.

How it works

The kidney filters glucose back into the blood through a transporter called sodium-glucose cotransporter 2. Dapagliflozin inhibits that transporter, so more glucose leaves the body in urine instead of returning to the bloodstream. Because glucose in urine draws water with it, urine volume rises, which is why polyuria and thirst are among the recognised effects.

Forms and brands

The tablet is film-coated. On MayChemist the dapagliflozin product is Farxiga, available in 5 mg and 10 mg strengths, with type 2 diabetes mellitus and heart failure among its uses. You can also read the dapagliflozin ingredient page. Orders are prepared by pharmacy partners in India and shipped to Malaysia in discreet packaging.

Safety

Do not take dapagliflozin if you are hypersensitive to it. It is not suitable for people on dialysis. While taking it, watch for urinary tract infections and take care to avoid dehydration, particularly in hot weather or during illness. Diuretics can interact with dapagliflozin, so tell your prescriber about any you use.

Common effects include polyuria, thirst and genital tract infection. Hypoglycaemia and back pain are also reported. Two serious reactions need urgent medical attention: diabetic ketoacidosis and necrotising fasciitis. Stop and seek help promptly if you feel unwell in a way that concerns you.

Further reading

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