Dapagliflozin 5 mg is an oral SGLT2 inhibitor used to manage type 2 diabetes and reduce heart-related risks in diabetic patients. It helps remove excess sugar through urine and is usually taken once daily. Common side effects include dizziness, increased urination, and genital infections. Seek medical help immediately if an overdose occurs. 

Dapagliflozin 5 mg is an oral medicine belonging to the class of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor medicines. It is used for following indications: 

1. Type-2 diabetes mellitus 
2. Cardiovascular disease in patients with type 2 diabetes 

1. Take dapagliflozin exactly as prescribed by your doctor, regularly at the same time each day. 
2. Do not stop taking dapagliflozin without your doctor’s approval, even if you feel better. 
3. If you forget to take the medicine, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for the next one, then just skip it. 

Dapagliflozin works by stopping your kidneys from taking back too much sugar. Instead, the sugar leaves your body through your pee. This helps keep your blood sugar lower if you have diabetes. It might also help you lose a little weight by removing extra sugar. 

More Common

1. Anxiety 
2. Bladder pain 
3. Bloody or cloudy urine 
4. Blurred vision 
5. Chills 
6. Cold sweats 
7. Confusion 
8. Cool, pale skin 
9. Decreased frequency or amount of urine 
10. Depression 
11. Difficult, burning, or painful urination 
12. Dizziness 
13. Fast heartbeat 
14. Frequent urge to urinate 
15. Headache 
16. Increased hunger 
17. Increased thirst 
18. Itching of the vagina or genitals 
19. Loss of appetite 
20. Loss of consciousness 
21. Lower back or side pain 
22. Nausea 
23. Nightmares 
24. Seizures 
25. Shakiness 
26. Slurred speech 
27. Swelling of the face, fingers, or lower legs 
28. Thick, white vaginal discharge with mild or no odor 
29. Trouble breathing 
30. Unusual tiredness or weakness 
31. Vomiting 
32. Weight gain 

Less Common

1. Foul smelling discharge from the penis 
2. Pain in the skin around the penis 
3. Rash of the penis 
4. Redness, itching, or swelling of the penis 

1- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

If you have a pre-existing UTI, inform your doctor, as this medicine can increase the risk of developing a UTI.

2- Pregnancy

This medicine is not recommended during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or planning to conceive, inform your doctor.

IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry)/ Chemical name- 

(2S,3R,4R,5S,6R)-2-[4-Chloro-3-(4-ethoxybenzyl)phenyl]-6-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydro-2H-pyran-3,4,5-triol 

Avoid taking dapagliflozin 5 mg with the following medicines, as it may increase or decrease the desired effect, or in worse cases, it could be fatal:  

Dapagliflozin does not interact with any food products, but alcohol should be avoided before and after taking the medicine, as it can increase or decrease the effect of dapagliflozin. 

1. The medicine should be stored at room temperature  
2. Keep away from sunlight and moisture  
3. Keep away from the reach of children 

Daily dose

Take dapagliflozin exactly as your doctor recommends. The dose may change based on your condition and how well you respond. Do not take more than prescribed without consulting your doctor.

Missed dose

If you forget to take your medicine, take the medication soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Always consult the doctor before making any changes to your dosage.

Overdose

Overdosing symptoms include hypoglycemia, dizziness, confusion and low blood pressure. If you know someone who takes this medicine and has these symptoms rush them to hospital immediately.

Diabetes cannot be cured permanently, but with a healthy lifestyle and exercise, it can be managed easily. Diabetic patients are advised to monitor their blood sugar level before and after meals. Following are the natural ways to manage blood sugar levels:  

1- Food

Eating healthy is important for managing diabetes. Carbohydrates have a huge impact on our blood sugar level, as they break into sugar (glucose), which is poison for diabetic patients as they already have elevated blood sugar levels. Therefore, it is essential for a diabetic patient to count the amount of carbohydrates he is taking. 

2- Do Exercise

Exercise plays an important role in managing diabetes. When our body moves and gets active, the muscles use blood sugar for energy, resulting in a low amount of sugar in our bloodstream. Adults are advised to exercise for at least 150 minutes a week. 

3- Medicine

Take your medicine on time, as it is designed to lower blood sugar levels. 

4- Avoid Alcohol

Consumptions of alcohol while on therapy with metformin increase the risk of lactic acidosis, that is, lactic acid increases in the bloodstream. Lactic acid can cause symptoms like muscle pain, difficulty breathing, stomach pain, and weakness. Alcohol also decreases the level of blood sugar. It is generally recommended to avoid alcohol while on dapagliflozin.

1- Dapagliflozin belongs to which class of drug? 

Dapagliflozin belongs to a class of medicines called sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. It is used to help manage blood sugar levels. 

2- When should dapagliflozin be taken? 

You can take dapagliflozin at any time of the day when you remember, but make sure to take it at the same time on the following day. 

3- Is dapagliflozin safe for kidneys? 

Dapagliflozin is considered safe for the kidneys. It is also used for treating kidney disease, regardless of whether the person has diabetes or not. 

4- What is dapagliflozin 10 mg used for? 

Dapagliflozin 10 mg is used to maintain blood sugar level in people with type 2 diabetes and to treat cardiovascular disease in patient with diabetes 

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