Dapagliflozin review : More than an anti-diabetic drug

ABSTRACT

@#Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action or both. DM is a significant health care concern. Worldwide, the prevalence is increasing at an alarming rate despite using different classes of anti-hyperglycemic agents. Although several treatment options reduce hyperglycemia, only half the patients achieve desirable glycemic targets. Newer treatments that significantly reduce hyperglycemia with novel mechanism of action and acceptable safety profiles are warranted to reduce complications associated with type 2 DM. Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors are anti-hyperglycemic agents with unique mechanism of action that lower blood glucose level independent of insulin. Recent findings on efficacy and safety establish their role in the treatment of DM. Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors may be an option in type 2 DM patients not willing or not ready to start insulin, those requiring additional glucose lowering and in those with acceptable risk factor profiles. Dapagliflozin (Farxiga) can be used at any stage of type 2 DM as a mono-therapy or in combination with other oral hypoglycemic agents and insulin. This review highlights the efficacy and safety of dapagliflozin as an anti-hyperglycemic agent and its use in co-morbid conditions like chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular diseases