NICE backs approval for dapagliflozin use in triple therapy

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has provisionally recommended dapagliflozin to be used as within ‘triple therapy’ for those with type 2 diabetes.
If approved, dapagliflozin (Forxiga) could be used as a third drug for patients who are already using two other diabetes drugs but failing to control their blood glucose levels.
Professor Carole Longso, director of the NICE centre for health technology evaluatio, said: “Tailoring treatments for type 2 diabetes to each person’s individual needs is essential and having a range of drug options makes this easier.
“This guidance plans to recommend dapagliflozin in triple therapy – only in combination with metformin and a sulphonylurea – which will widen the choice available.”
Once final guidance is published, dapagliflozin will join two other similar drugs, empagliflozin (Jardiance) and canagliflozin (Invokana), as options for triple therapy.
Dapagliflozi, an SGLT2 inhibitor, works to block the reabsorption of glucose in the kidneys and promotes excretion of excess glucose in the urine. The drugs empagliflozin (Jardiance) and canagliflozin (Invokana) are also within this drug class.
As a patient it’s important to understand that if three diabetes drugs are needed, this is often a sign that something isn’t working.
Whilst sulphonylureas are effective for lowering blood glucose levels, they can often make type 2 diabetes as a condition worse as they increase insulin release which can lead to weight gain and worsen insulin resistance.
Research has shown that type 2 diabetes doesn’t need to get worse and can be improved. Our Low Carb Program has helped people to improve their diabetes control, lose weight and reduce their dependence on medication.