The NHS has advised people taking a widely prescribed drug to get urgent medical attention if they develop any of three particular symptoms. These are some of the severe complications associated with dapagliflozin.
Known commercially as Forxiga, dapagliflozin is primarily prescribed for managing type 2 diabetes. Nevertheless, it’s also administered to those suffering from heart failure and chronic kidney disease.
Whilst precise statistics regarding annual dapagliflozin prescriptions across the UK aren’t readily accessible, it ranks among the most expensive treatments, costing the NHS approximately £300m annually in England alone.
Dapagliflozin may also be dispensed in combination with other diabetic medications. These include Xigduo (dapagliflozin combined with metformin) and Qtern (dapagliflozin paired with saxagliptin).
Nevertheless, the NHS has cautioned on its website that “like all medicines”, dapagliflozin may trigger certain adverse reactions. The health authority stated you should “call your doctor or call 111 now” if:
However, these side effects are categorised as “rare”, affecting fewer than one in 10,000 people. There are more common side effects, which occur in more than one in 100 people.
The NHS stated: “They’re usually mild and do not last long. There are things you can do to help cope with them.”
These side effects include:
The NHS advised: “Speak to a doctor or pharmacist if the advice on how to cope does not help and a side effect is still bothering you or does not go away.”
Combining dapagliflozin with other diabetes medications, including insulin or sulfonylureas like gliclazide, can sometimes cause your blood sugar to drop too low. Some people taking dapagliflozin may also experience diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
This condition occurs when your body starts to run low on insulin and harmful substances, known as ketones, accumulate in the body. Indicators of DKA may encompass:
The NHS states: “Symptoms usually develop over 24 hours, but can come on faster. Your doctor will show you how to monitor your ketone and blood sugar levels, and what to do if this happens.
“You’ll learn how to recognise the symptoms of DKA and what to do about it.” Emergency services should be contacted by dialling 999 if you experience a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to dapagliflozin.
