The NHS has issued an urgent warning to patients in the UK who are taking dapagliflozin, a medication commonly prescribed for type 2 diabetes, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease. The health service advises anyone experiencing specific symptoms to seek immediate medical assistance. The symptoms can indicate serious complications associated with the medication, which is also known by its brand name, Forxiga.
Dapagliflozin has become a significant part of diabetes management, with the NHS spending around £300 million annually on this medication in England. While exact figures for its annual prescriptions are not publicly available, it remains one of the costlier treatments available. Dapagliflozin is also offered in combination with other treatments, such as Xigduo (dapagliflozin with metformin) and Qtern (dapagliflozin with saxagliptin).
The NHS highlights three critical symptoms that should prompt patients to contact their doctor or call 111 immediately:
1. **Dehydration Symptoms**: This includes having a very dry or sticky mouth, feeling excessively thirsty, unusually sleepy or tired, minimal urination, and a rapid heartbeat.
2. **Signs of Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)**: Patients should be alert for high temperatures or feelings of being hot, cold, or shivery, burning sensations during urination, back or side pain, or blood in the urine.
3. **Fournier’s Gangrene Indicators**: Severe pain, tenderness, redness, or swelling in the groin area, along with a high temperature or general malaise, are symptoms associated with this serious infection.
While the NHS notes that these severe side effects are rare, occurring in less than one in 10,000 patients, they also acknowledge more common side effects that affect over one in 100 users. These include:
– Thrush
– Back pain
– Frequent urination
– Mild dizziness
– Skin rashes
Patients experiencing these milder side effects are encouraged to consult with a doctor or pharmacist if symptoms persist or worsen.
It is vital to be cautious when taking dapagliflozin alongside other diabetes medications, such as insulin or sulfonylureas like gliclazide, as this can lead to dangerously low blood sugar levels. Additionally, some individuals may develop a condition known as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which occurs when there is insufficient insulin in the body and harmful substances called ketones accumulate. Symptoms of DKA include:
– Nausea or vomiting
– Intense thirst
– Confusion or unusual fatigue
– Abdominal pain
– Fruity breath odor
The NHS advises that symptoms of DKA can develop within 24 hours but may occur more rapidly. Patients are encouraged to monitor their ketone and blood sugar levels and to consult their doctor for guidance on recognizing symptoms and appropriate responses.
In the case of a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to dapagliflozin, individuals should call emergency services immediately.
As the NHS continues to manage the complexities of diabetes treatment, the emphasis on patient awareness and communication with healthcare providers remains paramount.
