EMEDZ.NET

Disclaimer Notice:

Dear Readers! I started this blog when my daughter was in the NICU. She had ventriculitis. Her CSF report grew E.coli. But, she was injected Teicoplanin directly into her brain. The doctors made two errors here:

Teicoplanin is for gram-positive bacteria only. It does not treat E.coli.
Teicoplanin is not for intraventricular use. The manufacturer strongly discourage injecting Teicoplanin into the brain.

My daughter bled into the brain. She lived for another two years and ultimately died.

The information provided on Emedz.net is for doctors and pharmacists only to manage their patients in the best way and avoid medications-related errors.

Still, for the general population, this should not be considered professional medical advice or a substitute for consultation with a licensed healthcare provider. The content on this blog is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.

Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine, medication, or any other aspect of your healthcare. We strongly discourage self-medication and self-treatment.

Even though the primary author of emedz.net is an experienced health professional, the blog is not intended to replace medical advice sought at the Doctor’s Clinic.

The authors share personal experiences, research findings, and general knowledge about health and wellness and medications-related topics.

However, individual health situations vary, and what works for one person may not work for another. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

We strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, but medical knowledge is constantly evolving. Therefore, we do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information presented in this blog.

Emedz.net is not an online pharmacy:

Online pharmacies sell medicines and pharmaceutical products. EMEDZ.net is intended to provide drug-related information to pharmacists and physicians. It is intended to provide authentic information about medicines so as to prevent errors related to prescriptions.

We do not sell medicines, so please don’t ask for them.

We are not affiliated with any pharmaceutical companies:

Emedz.net has no affiliation with any pharmaceutical companies. We do not promote any product. Sometimes brand names are also mentioned in the title of the page, but that is what is called a “Featured Image”. It has nothing to do with selling or promoting that brand. Just to make things easier, generic and brands are mentioned in the blog.

Emedz.net may contain links to external websites or resources for your convenience. We do not endorse or take responsibility for the content of these external sites.

In no event shall Emedz.net, its authors, contributors, or any related parties be liable for any damages or consequences arising from the use of the information provided on this blog.

By using Emedz.net, you acknowledge and agree to this disclaimer and our Terms of Use. If you do not agree with this disclaimer or our Terms of Use, we advise you to refrain from using our website.

Remember, your health is a valuable asset, and decisions about your health should always be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.

Dapagliflozin in Pakistan

Dapagliflozin is the first among the SGLT-2 inhibitors that was marketed in Pakistan. Internationally, Forxiga is the brand leader. It prevents the reabsorption of glucose from the renal tubules resulting in glucosuria (glucose lost in urine). Another SGLT-2 inhibitor commonly being used in Pakistan is empagliflozin. Dapagliflozin is available is a single drug and in combination with metformin. It has also been approved by the European Union in obese patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and uncontrolled blood sugars. However, the FDA has opposed its approval because of the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis and limited evidence in favor of its use. It should also be avoided in patients with kidney disease and pregnant patients.

The dose of dapagliflozin:

In Pakistan, dapagliflozin tablets come in strengths of 5 and 10 mg. It should be taken once day at a dose of 5 mg, with the potential to increase it to 10 mg.

Common side effects of dapagliflozin:

Side effects of dapagliflozin include:

nausea and dyspepsia,
polyuria, dysuria
urinary tract infections
hypovolemia
dehydration
acute kidney injury
syncope
flu and pharyngitis
dyslipidemias
backpain
allergic reactions

SGLT-2 inhibitors and canagliflozin, in particular, have been associated with an increased incidence of bone fractures. Urogenital infections can be very bothersome especially in females. These include vaginal candidiasis and recurrent urinary tract infections. Life-threatening infection of the genital area - the Fournier gangrene has recently been associated with its use. Patients with unstable kidney functions should not be advised dapagliflozin or other SGLT-2 inhibitors because of the risks of acute kidney injury as a result of volume depletion. Dyslipidemia is another serious side effect of dapagliflozin and other SGLT-2 inhibitors. It may cause an elevation in the LDL cholesterol that may require treatment with a statin. Another serious complication of dapagliflozin is euglycemic ketoacidosis. The risk is high in patients who require insulin, have stopped insulin, alcoholics, caloric restriction, strenuous activity, and patients who have a recent stroke, myocardial infarction, surgery, or other kinds of stress.

When should you take dapagliflozin?

It should be taken orally, preferably in the early morning after breakfast.

Dapagliflozin tablet brand names in Pakistan:

Although dapagliflozin is a relatively new drug, the list of dapagliflozin brands in Pakistan is getting longer. Some of the important brands of dapagliflozin are listed here.

Dapa 5 mg and 10 mg (Hilton Pharma)
Xiga 5 mg and 10 mg (CCL Pharma)
Dapaglu 5 mg and 10 mg (Scotmann Pharma)
Forziga 5 mg and 10 mg (Mcolson Pharma)

Dapagliflozin metformin brand names in Pakistan:

Dapa-Met 5/850 mg and 5/1000 mg (Hilton Pharma)