Dapagliflozin / Metformin Dosage

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2022.

Applies to the following strengths: 2.5 mg-1000 mg; 5 mg-500 mg; 5 mg-1000 mg; 10 mg-500 mg; 10 mg-1000 mg

Usual Adult Dose for:

Diabetes Type 2

Additional dosage information:

Renal Dose Adjustments
Liver Dose Adjustments
Dose Adjustments
Precautions
Dialysis
Other Comments

Usual Adult Dose for Diabetes Type 2

To Improve Glycemic Control for For Patients Not Already Taking Dapagliflozin:

Initial dose: dapagliflozin 5 mg plus current metformin dose orally once a day

To Reduce Risk of Hospitalization for Heart Failure:

Initial dose: dapagliflozin 10 mg plus current metformin dose orally once a day

Adjust doses based on effectiveness and tolerability
Maximum dose: Dapagliflozin 10 mg-metformin 2000 mg per day

Comments:

Patients taking an evening dose of metformin XR should skip their last dose before starting this drug; take this drug once daily in the morning with food.
When used in combination with insulin or insulin secretagogue, a lower dose of with insulin or insulin secretagogue may be considered to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia.

Uses:

As an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Dapagliflozin is indicated to reduce the risk of hospitalization for heart failure in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and established cardiovascular disease or multiple cardiovascular risk factors.

Renal Dose Adjustments

eGFR 45 mL/min/1.73 m2 or greater: No adjustment recommended
eGFR 30 to less than 45 mL/min/1.73 m2: Not recommended
eGFR less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m2: Contraindicated

Liver Dose Adjustments

Not recommended in patients with hepatic impairment

Dose Adjustments

Therapeutic drug monitoring/range: Steady-state plasma concentrations of metformin are achieved within 24 to 48 hours and are generally less than 1 mcg/mL; metformin levels greater than 5 mcg/mL have been implicated as the cause of lactic acidosis.

Iodinated Contrast Imaging Procedures:

In patients with a history of liver disease, alcoholism, or heart failure: this drug should be stopped at time of, or prior to an iodinated contrast imaging procedure.
In patients who will be administered intra-arterial iodinated contrast: this drug should be stopped at the time of, or prior to the procedure.

RESTART: Renal function should be reevaluated 48 hours after the imaging procedure and if renal function is stable this drug may be restarted.

Precautions

US BOXED WARNING: LACTIC ACIDOSIS

Postmarketing cases of metformin-associated lactic acidosis have resulted in death, hypothermia, hypotension, and resistant bradyarrhythmias. Onset is often subtle, accompanied only by nonspecific symptoms such as malaise, myalgias, respiratory distress, somnolence, and abdominal pain. Laboratory abnormalities include elevated blood lactate (greater than 5 mmol/L), anion gap acidosis (without evidence of ketonuria or ketonemia), increased lactate/pyruvate ratio, and metformin plasma levels generally greater than 5 mcg/mL.
Risk factors include renal impairment, concomitant use of certain drugs (e.g., cationic drugs such as topiramate), age 65 years old or greater, having a radiological study with contrast, surgery and other procedures, hypoxic states (e.g., acute congestive heart failure), excessive alcohol intake, and hepatic impairment.
Steps to reduce the risk of and manage in high risk groups are provided in the full prescribing information.
If metformin-associated lactic acidosis is suspected, immediately discontinue this drug and institute general supportive measure in a hospital setting. Prompt hemodialysis is recommended.

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

Serious hypersensitivity to dapagliflozin such as anaphylactic reactions or angioedema, or hypersensitivity to metformin
Acute or chronic metabolic acidosis, including diabetic ketoacidosis with or without coma
Severe renal impairment (eGFR less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m2), ESRD or dialysis

Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 18 years.

Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.

Dialysis

Contraindicated

Other Comments

Administration advice:

Take orally once a day in the morning with food
Swallow whole; do not crush, cut, or chew XR tablets
XR tablet shells may appear in feces as a soft mass that may resemble the original tablet
For patient requiring dapagliflozin 5 mg/metformin 2000 mg; use 2 of the dapagliflozin 2.5 mg/metformin 1000 mg oral tablets

General:

Not recommended for patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus or for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis
Correct volume depletion prior to initiating treatment.
Temporarily stop treatment prior to radiologic studies utilizing iodinated contrast materials in patients with a history of liver disease, alcoholism, or heart failure, and in all patients who will be administered intra-arterial iodinated contrast; may resume after 48-hours once adequate renal function is confirmed.

Monitoring:

Assess fluid status prior to initiation and monitor for signs and symptoms of volume depletion during therapy.
Obtain eGFR prior to initiating treatment, repeat at least annually or more often as clinically indicated
Measure hematologic parameters annually; consider obtaining a serum Vitamin B12 every 2 to 3 years
When unexplained non-specific symptoms develop (e.g., nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, tiredness, and labored breathing) assess for lactic acidosis and ketoacidosis, regardless of blood sugar level

Patient advice:

Instruct patient to read the US FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide).
Patients should understand that this drug will cause the urine to test positive for glucose.
Patients should understand that tablet shells may appear in feces, and this should not cause alarm.
Patients should be instructed to ensure adequate fluid intake to avoid adverse reactions related to volume depletion such as orthostatic hypotension.
Patients should be instructed to seek medical advice during periods of stress as medical management of diabetes may change.
Inform patients that genital mycotic infections, urinary tract infections, and hypersensitivity reactions may occur; patients should be instructed to contact their health care professional.
Patients should be instructed to seek immediate medical attention for symptoms of tenderness, redness, or swelling of the genitals or the area from the genitals back to the rectum, especially if they have a fever and are feeling unwell.
Patients experiencing symptoms of ketoacidosis such as difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, confusion, and unusual fatigue, or sleepiness should be instructed to seek immediate medical attention.
Inform patients about the risk of lactic acidosis, conditions that might predispose them to its occurrence, and symptoms to watch for and report.
Advise patient that this drug will need to be temporarily stopped if undergoing radiologic studies with intravascular iodinated contrast materials or surgical procedures that will limit food or fluid intake.
Advise patients on the risks of excessive alcohol intake.
Tell patients that while gastrointestinal symptoms might be common when initiating treatment, gastrointestinal problems after initiation should be reported.