Dapagliflozin
Dapagliflozin is an SGLT2 inhibitor used for type 2 diabetes to lower blood glucose. In the UK it may also be prescribed for certain heart failure or chronic kidney disease situations when your specialist or GP judges it appropriate.
This medicine is part of the Diabetes medicines category.
Generic name: dapagliflozin
Quick answers
Short replies to searches people often run before speaking to a clinician. For the overview of what the medicine is used for, see the short summary under the page title above.
What is it for?
Dapagliflozin is an SGLT2 inhibitor used for type 2 diabetes to lower blood glucose.
How long does it take to work?
Blood pressure can fall over days to weeks after starting or changing dose; attend follow-up checks your GP arranges.
What are common side effects?
Genital thrush, urinary tract infections, and passing more urine are relatively common, especially early on.
Can you take paracetamol or ibuprofen with it?
Ask your GP or pharmacist before taking Dapagliflozin with paracetamol or ibuprofen. Many adults use paracetamol for short periods when appropriate; NSAIDs such as ibuprofen need extra checks with your other medicines and health conditions.
More about what Dapagliflozin is used for
Dapagliflozin is an SGLT2 inhibitor used for type 2 diabetes to lower blood glucose. In the UK it may also be prescribed for certain heart failure or chronic kidney disease situations when your specialist or GP judges it appropriate.
It is usually part of a plan that includes diet, activity, and other medicines.
How does Dapagliflozin work, and how long does it take to work?
SGLT2 inhibitors help the kidneys remove more glucose in urine, which lowers blood sugar and can have beneficial effects on blood pressure and fluid balance in some people.
They work differently from Metformin or sulfonylureas and are not insulin.
How and when should you take Dapagliflozin?
Dapagliflozin is usually taken once daily, morning, with or without food — follow your brand’s leaflet.
Stay hydrated when unwell; if you cannot eat or drink normally, seek medical advice — sick-day rules may apply.
What are the common side effects of Dapagliflozin?
Genital thrush, urinary tract infections, and passing more urine are relatively common, especially early on. Good hygiene and prompt treatment of infections help.
Speak to your GP if infections recur or you have pain on passing urine.
Serious side effects of Dapagliflozin — when to get urgent help
Seek urgent help for symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, rapid breathing, unusual fatigue) even if blood sugars are not very high — especially when unwell or fasting.
Seek urgent help for severe dehydration, severe allergic reaction, or Fournier’s gangrene symptoms (severe genital pain and redness) — rare but serious.
What if you miss a dose of Dapagliflozin?
If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless it is almost time for the next. Do not double up.
Who should not take Dapagliflozin?
Dapagliflozin is not suitable for everyone — for example some people with type 1 diabetes, severe kidney problems, or on dialysis, depending on current guidance and individual assessment.
Your prescriber considers other medicines and illness before starting.
Can you take paracetamol or ibuprofen with Dapagliflozin? — other interactions
Some diuretics and blood pressure medicines may need review because SGLT2 inhibitors increase fluid and salt loss. Your prescriber manages combinations.
Dapagliflozin in pregnancy and breastfeeding
Not usually used in pregnancy. Discuss planning and alternatives with your diabetes or antenatal team.
Blood tests and monitoring on Dapagliflozin
Kidney function, HbA1c, and sometimes ketones or foot care are part of ongoing diabetes and heart/kidney follow-up as advised.
What might your GP prescribe instead of Dapagliflozin?
Your team may consider other SGLT2 inhibitors, Metformin, GLP-1 receptor agonists, sulfonylureas, or insulin depending on your condition and guidelines.
Reviewed by UK registered pharmacists
Reviewed by UK registered pharmacists for accuracy and clarity. Content is informational only.
- Professional registration
- GPhC registration number: [placeholder — to be added when verified]
- Last reviewed
Frequently asked questions about Dapagliflozin
People also ask — common Google searches
- What is Dapagliflozin used for?
- Dapagliflozin is an SGLT2 inhibitor used for type 2 diabetes to lower blood glucose. In the UK it may also be prescribed for certain heart failure or chronic kidney disease situations when your specialist or GP judges it appropriate.
- How long does Dapagliflozin take to work?
- Blood pressure can fall over days to weeks after starting or changing dose; attend follow-up checks your GP arranges. Always follow your prescriber’s follow-up plan.
- Can you take Dapagliflozin with paracetamol or ibuprofen?
- Ask your GP or pharmacist before taking Dapagliflozin with Paracetamol or Ibuprofen. Many adults use paracetamol for short periods when appropriate; NSAIDs such as ibuprofen need extra checks with your other medicines and health conditions.
- What are the side effects of Dapagliflozin?
- Genital thrush, urinary tract infections, and passing more urine are relatively common, especially early on. Good hygiene and prompt treatment of infections help. See the sections below for more detail, including serious side effects and when to seek urgent help.
- Why do I get thrush on dapagliflozin?
- More glucose in urine can encourage fungal growth. Good hygiene and prompt treatment help; speak to your GP if infections keep returning.
- What are sick-day rules for SGLT2 inhibitors?
- When dehydrated or very unwell, your team may advise pausing the tablet temporarily and monitoring for ketoacidosis symptoms. Always follow personalised advice from your prescriber.
Need personalised advice?
Your local pharmacist or GP surgery can help with questions about your medicines, side effects, and alternatives that may be suitable for you.
Links open the NHS website for finding services. DrugABC does not sell prescription-only medicines or replace clinical care.
Often used with
People searching for Dapagliflozin often read about these medicines too — for example when treatments are combined under GP or specialist care. This is not a prescribing suggestion.
Related medicines
You may also find these informational pages helpful. Each link opens a full guide on DrugABC. Your prescriber decides what is appropriate for you.