DAPAFORD 5MG ( DAPAGLIFLOZIN )

Dapaford 5 mg Tablet is a prescription antidiabetic medication containing Dapagliflozin 5 mg, manufactured by Leeford Healthcare Ltd. Available in strips of 15 tablets, it is a sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor used primarily to manage type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults and children aged 10 years and older, alongside diet and exercise. It is also indicated for heart failure and chronic kidney disease to reduce hospitalization risks and slow disease progression. The 5 mg dose is often used as a starting dose for patients with liver impairment or those requiring cautious initiation. Dapaford 5 mg requires medical supervision due to potential side effects and interactions.

Uses

Dapaford 5 mg Tablet is used for:

• Managing type 2 diabetes mellitus to improve blood sugar control in adults and children aged 10 years and older

• Reducing the risk of hospitalization for heart failure in adults with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease or risk factors

• Treating heart failure with reduced ejection fraction to lower the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization

• Slowing the progression of chronic kidney disease in adults with or without type 2 diabetes

• Supporting weight management and blood pressure control as secondary benefits in diabetic patients

Side Effects

Dapaford 5 mg Tablet may cause:

• Common: Urinary tract infections, genital fungal infections (e.g., thrush), increased urination, hypoglycemia (when combined with insulin or sulfonylureas), nausea, dizziness, back pain, constipation, rash, nasopharyngitis

• Rare: Diabetic ketoacidosis (symptoms include sweet breath, nausea, rapid breathing, confusion), Fournier’s gangrene (severe genital/perineal infection), dehydration, lower-limb amputation risk

• Serious: Severe urinary tract infections requiring hospitalization, severe allergic reactions (e.g., swelling, difficulty breathing), kidney injury, or persistent low blood sugar

Seek immediate medical help for severe symptoms like fever with genital pain, rapid weight loss, or breathing difficulties. Consult a doctor if side effects persist.

How to Use

• Dosage: Take one 5 mg tablet once daily, as prescribed by your doctor. The dose may be increased to 10 mg for better glycemic control if tolerated and needed.

• Administration: Swallow the tablet whole with water, with or without food, preferably at the same time each day (morning recommended). Follow prescribed diet and exercise plans.

• Missed Dose: Take the missed dose as soon as remembered unless it’s nearly time for the next dose. Do not double the dose.

• Overdose: Contact a doctor or visit a hospital immediately if too many tablets are taken, as it may cause low blood sugar or dehydration.

How Tablet Works

Dapagliflozin, the active ingredient in Dapaford 5 mg, is an SGLT2 inhibitor that blocks sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 proteins in the kidneys. This inhibits glucose and sodium reabsorption, increasing urinary glucose excretion to lower blood sugar levels. It also promotes mild diuresis and caloric loss, aiding weight management and blood pressure reduction. In heart failure and chronic kidney disease, it reduces cardiac preload and afterload, decreases sympathetic activity, and protects kidney function by minimizing glomerular stress. Effects on blood sugar are noticeable within days, while cardiovascular and renal benefits may take weeks.

Safety Advice

• Allergies: Avoid if allergic to Dapagliflozin or any tablet components (e.g., lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, yellow iron oxide).

• Health Conditions: Use with caution in patients with kidney disease (eGFR <45 mL/min/1.73m² may reduce efficacy), liver disease, low blood pressure, or history of urinary/genital infections. Not for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.

• Drug Interactions: May interact with diuretics (e.g., furosemide, increasing dehydration risk), insulin/sulfonylureas (hypoglycemia risk), or lithium (reduced levels). Inform your doctor of all medications.

• Pregnancy/Breastfeeding: Not recommended due to potential fetal kidney risks and lack of safety data in breastfeeding. Consult a doctor if pregnant or planning pregnancy.

• Driving: Generally safe but avoid driving if dizziness or low blood sugar occurs.

• Alcohol: Limit alcohol to prevent increased risk of dehydration, low blood sugar, or ketoacidosis.

• Storage: Store below 30°C in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight and out of reach of children.

• Children: Not recommended for children under 10 years. Use in children aged 10–17 requires medical supervision.