Metformin+dapagliflozin
About
Metformin+dapagliflozin belongs to the class of 'antidiabetic drugs', primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus with a proper diet and exercise. Metformin+dapagliflozin also lowers the risk of heart failure in type 2 diabetic patients with heart diseases. Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease that causes high blood sugar levels. It occurs when the insulin (a hormone produced by the beta cells of the pancreas) is resistant in breaking the glucose to produce energy (insulin resistance) or the pancreas (an organ behind the stomach) produce little or no insulin at all. Metformin+dapagliflozin is not indicated for use in type 1 diabetes.
Metformin+dapagliflozin is composed of two antidiabetic medicines, namely: Metformin and Dapagliflozin. Metformin belongs to the class of biguanides and manages blood sugar levels, particularly in obese patients. It exhibits a nonpancreatic effect to reduce blood glucose levels without increasing insulin secretion. Dapagliflozin belongs to the class of gliflozins. It works by reducing blood sugar levels by eliminating excess sugars from the body through urine.
Take Metformin+dapagliflozin as advised by your doctor. Some common side effects of Metformin+dapagliflozin include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, headache, weakness, runny nose, genital infection, dizziness, taste changes, and sore throat. Sometimes, Metformin+dapagliflozin can cause side effects like lactic acidosis (a rare, but serious metabolic complication of excess lactic acid in the blood that is caused by metformin accumulation) and diabetic ketoacidosis (excess production of blood acids (ketones)). These side effects are not familiar to everyone and vary individually. If you notice any side effects that are not manageable, please consult your doctor.
Metformin+dapagliflozin may cause hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar); hence it advised to take healthy food with enough calories and avoid heavy exercises. Do not take or stop this medicine, if the doctor did not advise you to do so. Before starting Metformin+dapagliflozin, let your doctor know if you have any medical history of heart, kidney or liver diseases, breathing problems, blood disorders, dehydration, alcohol use, low blood pressure, and yeast infection of genitals. It is advised to avoid your alcohol intake while using Metformin+dapagliflozin to decrease the risk of lactic acidosis. Metformin+dapagliflozin is not recommended for use during the second or third trimester of pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Uses of Metformin+dapagliflozin
Medicinal Benefits
Metformin+dapagliflozin treats type 2 diabetes mellitus and contains Metformin and Dapagliflozin. Metformin is a biguanide and manages blood sugar levels, particularly in obese patients. It exhibits a nonpancreatic effect to reduce blood glucose levels without increasing insulin secretion. It is also known as an insulin sensitizer as it increases the effects of insulin. Metformin is considered a unique antidiabetic drug since it does not cause hypoglycemia (lowered blood sugar levels). Dapagliflozin belongs to the class of gliflozins. It works by reducing blood sugar levels by eliminating excess sugars from the body through urine. Metformin+dapagliflozin also reduces the risk of heart failure in patients with type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Metformin+dapagliflozin may be advised with or without other medications along with diet and exercise to control blood sugar levels.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Metformin+dapagliflozin
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Headache
- Weakness
- Runny nose
- Genital infection
- Dizziness
- Taste changes
- Sore throat
- Lactic acidosis (build-up of lactic acid in the bloodstream) (rare)
- Diabetic ketoacidosis (a diabetic complication with excess blood acids) (rare)
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Inform your doctor if you take other antidiabetic drugs so that the dosage of Metformin+dapagliflozin will be adjusted accordingly. Do not abruptly stop taking Metformin+dapagliflozin midway if the doctor did not advise you. Metformin+dapagliflozin may cause hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar); hence it is advised to make healthy food with enough calories and avoid heavy exercises. Brief your medical history to doctor if you have any heart, kidney or liver diseases, breathing problems (asthma, obstructive lung diseases), blood problems like anaemia (lack of blood cells), vitamin B12 deficiency, pancreas problems/surgery, dehydration, alcohol use, low blood pressure, and yeast infection of genitals before taking Metformin+dapagliflozin. Avoid alcohol intake while using Metformin+dapagliflozin since it may increase the risk of lactic acidosis. Metformin+dapagliflozin is not recommended for use during the second or third trimester of pregnancy and breastfeeding. Your doctor may advise alternate medications to control your diabetic condition in such cases. Metformin+dapagliflozin is not recommended for people younger than 18 years of age.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Metformin+dapagliflozin may interact with water pills (hydrochlorothiazide), pain killers (ibuprofen, celecoxib), drugs that treat acidity (cimetidine), asthma medicines, blood pressure-lowering drugs, and corticosteroids.
Drug-Food Interaction: Avoid alcohol intake since it increases the risk of lactic acidosis.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Tell your doctor before taking Metformin+dapagliflozin if you have any heart, kidney or liver diseases, breathing problems, blood disorders, dehydration, alcohol use, low blood pressure, and yeast infection of genitals. Metformin+dapagliflozin is contraindicated in patients with severe renal impairment and metabolic acidosis/diabetic ketoacidosis.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeIt is advised to avoid alcohol intake since it may worsen the side effects like lactic acidosis and increase the risk of developing low blood sugar levels.
Pregnancy
unsafeDapagliflozin in Metformin+dapagliflozin is not recommended during the second or third trimester of pregnancy. Your doctor may suggest other medications to control your blood sugar levels. Please consult your doctor before starting Metformin+dapagliflozin if you are pregnant or planning to conceive.
Breast Feeding
unsafeMetformin+dapagliflozin may be unsafe to use during breastfeeding since it is excreted into the breast milk. Please seek medical advice for further information.
Driving
unsafeYour driving may be affected if your blood sugar levels are too high or too low. Do not drive or operate machinery if you also experience blurred vision, dizziness or drowsiness due to extremely low or high blood sugar.
Liver
cautionLet your doctor know if you have any history of liver diseases or hepatic impairment when prescribed Metformin+dapagliflozin.
Kidney
unsafeMetformin+dapagliflozin is contraindicated in patients with severe renal impairment/kidney diseases. Let your doctor know if you have any history of kidney diseases when you are prescribed Metformin+dapagliflozin.
Children
unsafeMetformin+dapagliflozin is not recommended for people younger than 18 years of age.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Take the medication as directed by the doctor and at regular intervals if you take Metformin+dapagliflozin for more than once per day. Do not use other over the counter medications, herbal or vitamin supplements without informing your pharmacist or doctor when you take Metformin+dapagliflozin.
- Maintain a fibre-rich diet and include healthy carbohydrates from fruits, vegetables and whole grains to maintain your blood glucose levels.
- Eat at regular intervals.
- Keep a check on your weight and exercise regularly to keep your heart healthy.
- Your doctor also guides you on noticing and managing the early symptoms of high/low blood sugar levels.
- Gastrointestinal side effects can be managed with simple modifications in your lifestyle. These include cutting down on sugars and fatty foods, avoiding carbonated drinks and foods that cause gas.
Special Advise
- It is advised to monitor your blood sugar levels regularly.
- If you need to undergo any x-ray or CT scan using a dye that should be injected into your veins, your doctor may suggest you stop taking Metformin+dapagliflozin temporarily.
- Regular monitoring of kidney functioning is advised while using Metformin+dapagliflozin.
- Metformin+dapagliflozin may make you test positive for a urine glucose test, hence inform your doctor in advance that you take Metformin+dapagliflozin.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Diabetes mellitus, also known as adult-onset diabetes, is a metabolic disease that causes high blood sugar levels. It is type 2 diabetes and occurs when the insulin (a hormone produced by the beta cells of the pancreas) is resistant in breaking the glucose to produce energy (insulin resistance) or the pancreas (an organ behind the stomach) produces little or no insulin at all. This disease mostly occurs in people aged above 40 years, but can also occur in childhood based on the risk factors. The treatment includes oral glucose-lowering medicines and insulin shots.
FAQs
Metformin+dapagliflozin contains two antidiabetic medicines: Metformin and Dapagliflozin. These drugs lower the blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus by eliminating excess sugars through urine and also by increasing the activity of insulin.
Metformin+dapagliflozin may cause low blood sugar levels (hypoglycaemia) and can make you hungry, dizzy, irritable, confused, anxious, or shaky. Hence, it is advised to take Metformin+dapagliflozin with a meal. To immediately treat hypoglycaemia, it is advised to eat or drink fast-acting sugar sources like fruit juices, hard candy, raisins or non-diet soda.
Your doctor may advise Metformin+dapagliflozin with or without other medications to control your blood sugar levels. However, it is advised to maintain a proper diet and exercise to achieve the controlled blood sugar levels while using Metformin+dapagliflozin with or without other antidiabetic drugs.
Metformin+dapagliflozin should be used with caution in heart, kidney or liver diseases, breathing problems (asthma, obstructive lung disease), blood disorders (anaemia, vitamin B12 deficiency), dehydration, alcohol use, low blood pressure, pancreas problems/surgery, and yeast infection of genitals. Metformin+dapagliflozin is contraindicated in patients with severe renal impairment and metabolic acidosis/diabetic ketoacidosis.
While using Metformin+dapagliflozin, if you experience vomiting, stomach/abdominal pain, muscle cramps, sick feeling, severe tiredness, difficulty in breathing, or reduced body temperature and heartbeat, it is important to seek immediate medical help since these are the symptoms of lactic acidosis. Lactic acidosis is a rare but serious complication caused due to accumulation of metformin. It is a medical emergency and needs immediate treatment. Please consult your doctor for further information.
It is not recommended to use Metformin+dapagliflozin along with water pills/diuretics. Simultaneous use of Metformin+dapagliflozin and water pills causes dehydration and may increase the risk of lactic acidosis.
Take the missed dose as soon as possible. However, if it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose.
