NHS Urges Immediate Action for Patients on Dapagliflozin

The National Health Service (NHS) has issued a critical warning to patients in the UK taking the medication dapagliflozin, commonly prescribed for managing type 2 diabetes. Patients are advised to seek immediate medical attention if they experience specific symptoms that may indicate serious complications related to the drug. Dapagliflozin, marketed under the brand name Forxiga, is also utilized in the treatment of heart failure and chronic kidney disease.

While precise statistics on the annual prescriptions of dapagliflozin in the UK are not readily available, the NHS allocates approximately £300 million each year for this medication in England alone. Dapagliflozin can also be found in combination with other diabetes medications, such as Xigduo (with metformin) and Qtern (with saxagliptin), as reported by the Express.

The NHS emphasizes that, like all medications, dapagliflozin can lead to unwanted side effects. Patients experiencing any of the following symptoms should contact their doctor or call NHS 111 urgently:

– A very dry or sticky mouth, excessive thirst, extreme tiredness, infrequent urination, and a rapid heartbeat, which may signify dehydration.
– A high temperature, chills, burning sensation during urination, back or side pain, or blood in urine, potential indicators of a urinary tract infection (UTI).
– Severe pain, tenderness, redness, or swelling in the groin or perineal area, along with fever or a general feeling of unwellness, which may suggest a serious condition known as Fournier’s gangrene.

It is noteworthy that these severe side effects are considered rare, affecting fewer than one in 10,000 patients. More common side effects occur in over one in 100 patients and are generally mild. According to the NHS, these include:

– Thrush
– Back pain
– Increased urination
– Dizziness
– Mild skin rash

Patients are encouraged to consult a doctor or pharmacist if these common side effects persist or worsen.

In addition to these symptoms, concurrent use of dapagliflozin with other diabetes medications, such as insulin or sulfonylureas like gliclazide, may result in dangerously low blood sugar levels. Some individuals may also experience diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a serious condition characterized by a deficiency of insulin and a buildup of harmful substances called ketones in the body. Symptoms of DKA can develop rapidly and may include:

– Nausea or vomiting
– Intense thirst
– Confusion or unusual fatigue
– Stomach pain
– Fruity-smelling breath (similar to the aroma of pear drops or nail varnish)
– Rapid or deep breathing

The NHS advises that symptoms of DKA can emerge within 24 hours but may occur more quickly in some cases. Healthcare providers will instruct patients on how to monitor their ketone and blood sugar levels effectively and recognize the symptoms of DKA.

In cases of a serious allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis, to dapagliflozin, patients are urged to dial 999 for immediate assistance. The NHS remains committed to ensuring patient safety and encourages open communication with healthcare professionals regarding the use of this medication.