Canagliflozin to Dapagliflozin switch

 

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IMPORTANT CHANGES TO YOUR PRESCRIPTION

Change from Canagliflozin to Dapagliflozin

 

We are committed to ensuring that all our patients receive effective, high-quality medications whilst also making the best use of NHS resources. Dapagliflozin is a Sodium-Glucose Linked Transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, or ‘flozin’ for short, which is the same type of medicine as your current Canagliflozin.

Dapagliflozin is considered equally effective as your current ‘flozin’ medication, but it is available at a considerably lower cost to the NHS. The change to dapagliflozin from your current ‘flozin’ medication is supported by local cardiology, renal and diabetes specialists within Lothian.

We have carefully reviewed your medical records and confirmed that this change is appropriate for you.

 

Your current prescription for:

Canagliflozin

Has been stopped and replaced with:

Dapagliflozin 10mg tablets

 

To prevent waste, please continue to use any remaining ‘flozin’ medication that you have before requesting a new prescription for dapagliflozin tablets.

 

Key Points to remember

How to take your dapagliflozin

  • Dapagliflozin is taken once daily, at any time of day, with or without food. Tablets should be swallowed whole.
  • You can start taking dapagliflozin the day after your last dose of your current medication.
  • We would advise that on receipt of your new medication that you take some time to read and familiarise yourself with the patient information leaflet.

 

Sick Day Guidance

As with your previous ‘flozin’ medicine, if you become unwell with any of the following:

  • Vomiting or diarrhoea (unless only minor)
  • Fevers, sweats and shaking (unless only minor)

Then STOP taking your dapagliflozin. Your dapagliflozin can be restarted when you are well (after 24-48 hours of eating and drinking normally). If you are in any doubt, then seek medical advice.

 

Dietary Changes

Before making changes to your dietary intake e.g. commencing a low carbohydrate diet or entering a fasting period, you should first seek medical advice to review whether dapagliflozin remains appropriate for you. Individuals who take ‘flozin’ medications and commence a low carbohydrate diet or begin fasting are at a higher risk of a serious condition called diabetic ketoacidosis.

 

If you have any questions about this change or would like to discuss it further, please contact the practice to speak with a member of the pharmacy team.

 

We appreciate your support in making the best use of NHS resources.

 

Yours sincerely,

Practice Pharmacy Team