What is Dapagliflozin and metformin?
Dapagliflozin combined with metformin improves blood sugar control for adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.Dapagliflozin should not be used to treat type 1 diabetes. The combination of dapagliflozin and metformin can also be used to reduce the risk that adults with heart failure, who also have cardiovascular disease, will need to be hospitalized. Dapagliflozin is used in combination with metformin to prevent heart failure and heart disease in adults who have type 2 diabetes and chronic renal disease. This medication guide does not list all possible uses of dapagliflozin or metformin.
Side effects of Dapagliflozin and metformin
When experiencing symptoms of an allergic reaction, medical assistance must be sought immediately: hives, difficulty breathing or swelling of lips, face, tongue or throat. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms: burning, itching, odor, discharge, pain, tenderness, or redness in the genital area or rectal region, fever, or feeling unwell. The symptoms can get worse very quickly.
Dapagliflozin or metformin can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Little or no urination
- Signs of a Bladder Infection: pain or burning when urinating; increased urination or blood in the urine; fever or pain in the pelvis or lower back;
- Symptoms of dehydration: dizziness, weakness, and feeling like you could pass out;
- Ketoacidosis is a condition where there is too much acid in your blood. This can cause nausea or vomiting. It may also lead to stomach pains, confusion, unusual sleepiness, or difficulty breathing.
- Lactic acidosis: unusual muscular pain, difficulty breathing, stomach pain and vomiting, an irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or feeling tired or weak.
Older adults tend to be more sensitive to side effects.
Some of the common side effects associated with dapagliflozin or metformin include:
- Genital infections
- Headache;
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
- Sore throat.
There may be other side effects. Call your physician immediately if experiencing side effects; to report these, contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
lisinopril, metoprolol, metformin, furosemide, carvedilol, spironolactone, and diltiazem
Warnings
You could develop lactic acidosis. This is a dangerous buildup of lactic acid in your blood. If you experience unusual muscle pains, difficulty breathing, stomach pains, dizziness, or feel cold or very tired, call your doctor. Dapagliflozin or metformin may cause serious infections of the vagina or penis in rare cases. Seek medical attention immediately if there is any burning, itching, or discharge, or if you experience pain, tenderness, or redness.
Before you take this drug
This medicine should not be used if you are allergic or have any other medical conditions.
- If you are suffering from kidney disease and on dialysis treatment, or are currently being dialysised for it, or just starting dialysis treatment.
- Metabolic acidosis or diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment).
You may have to temporarily stop taking metformin and dapagliflozin if you are going to undergo an x-ray, CT scan, or any other type of test that uses a dye injected directly into your veins.
Inform your doctor immediately of any of the following conditions:
- Liver or kidney disease
- A bladder infection, or urination issues;
- Heart problems Low blood pressure
- Surgery or other problems with the pancreas.
- If you're on a diet low in salt,
You can develop lactic acidosis. This is a dangerous buildup of lactic acid in your blood. You may be at greater risk if there are other medical conditions or chronic alcoholism. Consult your doctor to determine your risk. You should follow your doctor's instructions when using this medication during pregnancy. If you fall pregnant, tell your doctor immediately. Do not take metformin or dapagliflozin during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Metformin can stimulate ovulation and increase the risk of unintended pregnancies in women who are not yet menopausal. Speak to your doctor to determine your risk. This medicine should not be used while breastfeeding. Dapagliflozin is not recommended for anyone under the age of 18.
How to take Dapagliflozin and metformin?
Read all the instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow the directions. Sometimes, your doctor will change the dose. You must take the medication exactly as prescribed. Take it before eating to avoid an upset stomach. Do not chew or crush the tablet. If you have low sugar, then you may feel hungry, dizzy, or confused. If you want to treat hyperglycemia quickly, consume or drink sugary foods or drinks (fruit juices, hard candies, crackers, or raisins). In the event of severe hypoglycemia, your doctor may prescribe a glucagon injectable kit. Make sure that your family and friends are familiar with how to administer this injection in case of an emergency. Watch for symptoms of hyperglycemia, such as increased thirst and urination. Stress, illness, surgery, and alcohol consumption can affect blood sugar levels. Consult your doctor before making any changes to your medication or dose schedule. If you experience persistent vomiting or diarrhea or are perspiring, call your doctor. Dapagliflozin can cause dehydration, which can result in low blood pressure and an electrolyte imbalance. Tell any doctor treating you that you use dapagliflozin or metformin if you need surgery, medical tests, or other treatment. This medication is part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may include other elements such as diet, exercise, weight management, blood glucose testing, or special medical care. You should follow your doctor's advice. During treatment with metformin and dapagliflozin, your kidney function might need to be tested. You may be prescribed extra vitamin B12 by your doctor if you are taking metformin and dapagliflozin. Only take the prescribed amount of vitamin B12 as directed by your doctor. Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip any dose you missed and don't double up on medication at once.
What happens if I overdose?
Call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care. You may be suffering from a severe low blood sugar level (extreme weakness or nausea, tremors and sweating, confusion, difficulty speaking, rapid heartbeats, seizures, etc.).
What should be avoided?
Avoid alcohol. Alcohol lowers your blood sugar levels and can increase the risk of lactic acidosis.You may become dizzy if you abruptly rise from sitting or lying position and stand quickly up, especially from an extended rest position such as sleeping.
Interaction with other drug
Tell your doctor all of your other medications, including:
- Digoxin (digitalis, lanoxin);
- Rifampin;
- Phenytoin;
- A diuretic, or "water pill".
- Insulin, or other oral diabetic medications
- Aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, and indomethacin are all nsaids.
This list is incomplete. Dapagliflozin may interact with metformin and other drugs, including vitamins and herbs. This list does not include all possible interactions with other drugs.
