Generic Farxiga (Dapagliflazin) 5mg

Short Description

Dapagliflozin 5mg is a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor used mainly in the management of type 2 diabetes. It works by helping the kidneys remove excess glucose from the body through urine, supporting better blood sugar control alongside diet and exercise.

What Is Dapagliflozin 5mg?

Dapagliflozin 5mg contains dapagliflozin as its active ingredient, a medicine belonging to the SGLT2 inhibitor class. This class of medicines works in the kidneys rather than affecting insulin production or action directly.

Dapagliflozin is generally used as part of a broader treatment plan that includes diet, exercise, and, where appropriate, other glucose-lowering medicines. It may be prescribed alone or in combination with other treatments depending on the individual's condition and response.

Uses

Dapagliflozin 5mg may be prescribed to:

• Improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes, alongside diet and exercise

• Help reduce the risk of hospitalisation for heart failure in adults with type 2 diabetes who have established cardiovascular disease or multiple cardiovascular risk factors

  
  

The appropriate treatment and dose should be determined by a healthcare professional based on individual health needs.

How Does Dapagliflozin Work?

Dapagliflozin works by blocking a protein in the kidneys called SGLT2, which normally helps the body reabsorb glucose back into the bloodstream. By inhibiting this protein, dapagliflozin allows more glucose to pass out of the body through urine instead of being reabsorbed, which helps lower blood sugar levels.

This mechanism works independently of insulin, which is why it may complement other diabetes treatments. Blood sugar–lowering effects generally begin within the first days of treatment, though full benefits, including any effect on cardiovascular risk, may take longer to become apparent and should be assessed by a healthcare professional.

How to Take Dapagliflozin

Take Dapagliflozin exactly as prescribed by your healthcare professional.

• Usually taken once daily

• Can generally be taken with or without food

• Try to take it at the same time each day to maintain consistent effects

• Swallow the tablet whole; do not crush or chew unless advised otherwise

• Do not stop or change your treatment without speaking to your doctor or pharmacist first, even if you feel well

  
  

Missed dose: If a dose is missed, it should generally be taken as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next dose, in which case the missed dose should be skipped. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If unsure, check with your pharmacist or doctor.

Important Safety Information

Before starting Dapagliflozin, tell your doctor or pharmacist about your full medical history and all medicines, supplements, and herbal products you currently use.

Caution may be needed in people with:

• Type 1 diabetes or a history of diabetic ketoacidosis

• Reduced kidney function

• A history of urinary tract infections or genital infections

• Low blood pressure or a tendency toward dehydration

• Liver problems

• A low-sodium diet or planned surgery

  
  

Dapagliflozin may interact with certain other medicines, including:

• Insulin and other medicines that lower blood sugar (which may increase the risk of low blood sugar when combined)

• Diuretics ("water tablets"), which may increase the risk of dehydration and low blood pressure

  
  

This is not a complete list of precautions or interactions. Always check for possible interactions with your doctor or pharmacist before starting this medicine.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Dapagliflozin is generally not recommended during pregnancy, particularly in the second and third trimesters, as it may affect fetal kidney development. It is also generally not recommended while breastfeeding, as it is not known whether it passes into breast milk. Recommendations may vary depending on individual circumstances, so speak with your doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding.

Side Effects

Like all medicines, Dapagliflozin can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them.

Common side effects may include:

• Genital yeast infections

• Urinary tract infections

• Changes in urination, such as increased frequency or urgency

• Nasal or throat symptoms (e.g., stuffy or runny nose)

• Dizziness

  
  

Seek prompt medical attention if you experience signs of diabetic ketoacidosis (such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, unusual tiredness, or difficulty breathing), symptoms of dehydration or low blood pressure (such as fainting or severe dizziness), or signs of a kidney or severe genital infection (such as fever, pain, or swelling in the genital area).

This is not a complete list of side effects or warnings. Please refer to the product packaging and patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine for complete information and speak with your doctor or pharmacist if you have concerns.

Storage

Store Dapagliflozin according to the instructions shown on the original product packaging.

• Keep in the original packaging to protect from moisture

• Keep out of reach and sight of children

• Do not use after the expiry date shown on the packaging