• Guest - w'd love to know what you think about the forum! Take the 2025 Survey »

Dapagliflozin

8

84green

Well-Known Member
Messages
209
Hi

I haven't posted here for some time but this forum was a great help to me when I was first diagnosed with T2. My BG is currently well controlled (which I put down to significant weight loss a few years ago). My BP less well controlled. I currently take metformin (500g), rosuvastatin, ramipril, and aspirin - all of which I seem to tolerate, although I needed to switch to a slow release metformin.

I recently had a urinalysis which showed my ACR elevated to 7.9mg/mol. Not huge, but the first time it has been abnormal. My renal blood tests are normal and my eGFR has always been above 90. I appreciate that this is a one off and further tests will confirm microalbuminuria (or not). As a result, I mentioned dapagliflozin to my GP as I understand it helps kidney function and is effective in reducing ACR.

My practice isn't concerned about the ACR at this stage but is happy to swap the metformin for dapagliflozin if I wanted. I have read the benefits and side effects of dapagliflozin. I am inclined to try it, mainly as a protection for my kidneys, but wanted to ask here if anyone has any direct experience of this medication.

Thanks.
 
I was put on it while in hospital, with no information or explanation. When I came home after 5months, I checked it out and discovered I was supposed to eat carbs with it, though no safe minimum was given - I'd been keto for 7 years. At first I ignored the advice, as no harm seemed to be happening, then I asked my GP who seemed unconcerned - there's a risk of ketoacidosis - then spoke with DN who was very concerned and asked me to up my carbs. I've since increased these by a small amount. I've had no adverse reactions from the Dapa, and seem to be tolerating it very well. As it's diuretic as well, its effects are inconvenient, but I time taking it with the days' schedules.
 
Thank you, I appreciate you taking the time to reply.

Taken my first dose this morning. Unlike you, it was my choice. It must be very frustrating when meds are changed with no consultation.

The pharmacist flagged up the (very rare) DKA risk and I’m aware of the likely “diuretic consequences.”

Apart from that I’ll play it by ear - I have a tendency to read about a symptom or side effect and then develop it!
 
I have recently started taking dapa, but I am in a different situation, as I have chronic kidney disease, and only have one kidney following kidney cancer.

It has been given to me on top of metformin, though, not instead.

I have been started on a low doze - 5mg - and have to go for a blood test after 6 weeks to check for various things.

My diabetes is not well managed because of mental health issues.
 
Hello all. I've been taking dapagliflozin on and off for a couple of years. It needs watching carefully for women who have Lichen Sclerosis as well. It increases the risk of thrush which can be a problem with thrush. The consultant at Addenbrookes put me on a prophylactic dose of fluconazole for thrush once a month as a safeguard. The other thing the diabetes nurse told me is to increase the amount of fluids which I suppose is obvious as it's a diuretic. It's certainly helped my BS although, like someone said, increasing my carbs has been a bit of a pain.
 
For those upping carbs try finding a decent Rye bread ie all Rye as don't spike like wheat etc does.
Mind i like a Jacket potato with cheesy beans once in a while and sweet Potato are good but have to watch the Potassium.
 
Back
Top