Dapagliflozin (forxiga)

[bones-bones]

Is anyone else taking this drug for heart failure ?

I have ‘severe’ heart failure and already take Ramipril and Carvedilol and have now had this diabetes drug added to the mixture. If it works it is said to be very effective in improving things.

I would love to have your opinions.

Also do you have to report HF to DVLA ? It’s not very clear. I am potentially one of those OAPs who suddenly cause an accident by falling off one’s perch at the wheel. I can’t have a pacemaker.

Thank you all !

[SLK-14]

Hello there...I've been taking Dapagliflozin for 4 months, this was added to my existing medication of Nebivolol, Perindopril and Spironolactone. My Ejection Fraction has improved from 25% two years ago to 41%. I have had no side effects at all.

I am lucky to have not have too many symptoms of heart failure, and I do look after myself, exercising, diet ect.

I was not told I needed to inform the DVLA. I hope this helps...Good luck 😊

[honeybubs]

hi I’ve just been told from appointment yesterday they are adding a diabetic drug (I don’t have diabetes) to my Ramipril and Bisoprolol as they say it really helps to take the strain off the heart but I don’t know yet which one it is waiting for GP to contact me after getting info from my cardiologist.

I watch the American Harvard training videos on you tube about heart failure low EF and they are accurate and very informative explaining about using diabetes drugs for the heart.

As for driving because I was having Pre Syncope and collapsing I’ve been told I can’t drive until after 6 months from the last Syncope fainting spell. Hope that helps.

Good luck with everything else x

[56dick19]

hi Iv been on since last April Iv not had any side effects not sure if Iv had any improvement by being on it. The medication Amiodarone is the medication that has helped me but had side effects with it. It’s made my skin sensitive to the sun and effect my eyes

[Buddy00]

I’ve been taking Dapagliflozin since my annual echocardiogram in the summer showed my ejection fraction was getting lower. So far ( fingers crossed) I’ve no side effects. I don’t suppose I’ll know if it’s doing anything until my next echocardiogram.

[Alison_L]

My EF is 46%, but I’ve tipped over into diabetes so my cardiologist prescribed Dapa. Unfortunately I had to stop after 2 weeks as it gave me chronic back pain. I’ve now been on a half dose (5mg) of its sister drug, Empagliflozin, for 2 months, with no side effects. I’m having a follow up echo today. No idea yet if it’s helped the diabetes…

[bones-bones]

Thank you all for your very helpful replies. I do wish they could name these drugs differently to make remembering and spelling easier for us !

Well we are all hoping that our lives will be changed by this drug ..me

included. I think the worry of it all grinds us down but I’ve only been taking the pills for a week. Maybe I feel slightly better but it could be wishful thinking !

My HF was caused by one of the chemo drugs I had for breast cancer in

2018. I saw a cardiologist twice then but thanks to Covid not again till now.

Anyhow onwards and upwards for us all ! Liz

[bones-bones in reply to bones-bones]

ps I forgot to add I’m 79 so not really in a position to whinge too much !

[Motorman]

My GP has just added Dapa to my list, Tamsulosin, Bisoprolol, Ramipril, Simvastatin, Dagibatran. I also have T2 diabetes. I was initiatally diagnosed with HF and AF but the diagnosis was "reconsidered" and I magically didnt have HF any more. I did have leaking valves (3 off) and AF the AF was sorted with cardioversion. My T2 is under very good control and I take no meds for it. So if I dont have HF and my T2 is under control I wonder why I am being put on Dapa. Not to worry it's just another pill !

[bones-bones in reply to Motorman]

Lucky you Motorman ! I wish someone would tell me my HF had gone……just like that . But Well Done and Good Luck !

[Motorman in reply to bones-bones]

But has it really gone? Maybe my GP has a different opinion to that of the specialist, but of course, he would never admit it, specialist rules and all that. I must ask him why I am on Dapa.

[Dessert]

I’ve been put on Forxiga for about 6-7 weeks and I’ve been taking Ramipril for three years . I’ve also been taking Metformin for type 2 diabetes many years . I also take 2 cholesterol tablets .( I have asthma and many other health conditions so have to take many tablets )

I have extreme swelling in my feet, ankles and calves . The Forxiga is a diuretic and it’s helped but I still get swelling . It releases sugar in your urine so good for diabetics

My cardiologist changed my medication , so that’s why he put me on Forxiga and Isosorbide Mononitrate . However I don’t think for ME that it’s working as I’m still having chest pain and am out of breath

I hope I Forxiga works for you x

[bones-bones in reply to Dessert]

Thank you for replying. I am not diabetic so not quite the same as you. I didn’t realise Forxiva was a diuretic…I already take Frusemide. So I will have to look into that as I spend a lot of time in the loo !