dapaglaflozin

[jacksonfan]

74 year old man with ARVC (and an ICD) since 2011. Increased breathing problems over last 2 years, and stents which only temporarily decreased problem. Now with RF of 22%, and starting Entresto and dapaglaflozin (Forxiga). No noticeable problems with Entresto after 1 weeks, but would like to know of others' experiences of improvement / lack of. Also, just starting on dapaglaflozin . Any tips for avoiding the "up to 1 in 10" chance of UTIs and / or thrush?

With dapaglaflozin, there is a minute chance "up to 1 in 10,000" chance of a side effect so scary I won't even name it here (users will know, I hope), in case people look it up on Wiki. (I did, it is the stuff of nightmares). Are there any ways to decrease that chance, even further? e.g. increase hygene measures (wash instead of / as well as wipe?); have a daily examination from a partner or VERY close friend?. I know I am obsessing, but looking at the risk / reward, it is worth asking the question, even if the audience think I am crazy.

[jacksonfan]

Just realised I mis-spelled "dapagliflozin". Stupid, especially in the title.

[Daisy0027]

I don't tolerate medication well but I had no ill effects with these 2. My body did take a while to adjust to the increase of entresto each time but very minimal. It just slowed down a wee while. With the dapagaflozin try to consume less carbs that turn into sugar. Initially it's a drug for diabetics but has been found to aid our hearts . It makes ya pee lots to rid your body of sugars. Hence why utis is common but if you're not consuming large daily amounts you'll be fine. I've been on both drugs since 2023 & I'm a diabetic.

[Gooner1947 in reply to Daisy0027]

My metformin 500.gs was changed to Dapagliflozin a week ago to help with breathlessness. As yet, it hasn't. I am type 2 diabetes.

[Daisy0027 in reply to Gooner1947]

That's a shame. I found Metformin intolerable. Had an awful effect on my stomach. Are you on any water tablets ? They often help with breathlessness.

[Penoir53]

yes I’m on both and my echo has improved. I found entresto took a while to get used to due to lower bp but titrated up v gradually (literally a year per dose). No side effects from the dapa. I’m on furosemide so was used to high peeage. 😂 no utis. Good luck for bedding in. It’s v normal to be worried. I had been on ACE’s for 15 years and was super worried at the change and then I worried about the improvement being stable after it came. I don’t feel v different but I’m reducing other drugs now and do feel different (better) after that. X

[Class52]

I’m on dapagliflozin as diabetic no issues with uti but once had thrush cured by drinking lots more. I have urine retention and have to self catheter twice a day I do this having a wash in the morning hanging my bits over a basin of water takes no time at all. I assume you have a foreskin. You won’t have a problem if your circumcised so the nurse said If you dribble a bit look up curing post maturation dribble that cure helps empty you and so less to cause an issue

Hope this helps main thing is drink plenty

[Barre01]

please try and focus on the positive benefits of these meds rather than any less common/ rare side effects. All positive news from me on these brilliant drugs.

[jacksonfan]

Thankyou everybody for taking time to reply. ALL very useful. I’m not diabetic, so perplexed to find these are primarily diabetes drugs, and disappointed to find that Wiki says their purpose is to “keep you out of hospital”. Wiki is usually a good source of info, but in heart matters I would much rather trust you guys (and the medics). Other comments: I was on Furosemide for low-level oedema, stopped because the oedema became almost unnoticeable; Furosemide certainly did not help with breathlessness. I’ve never been a good “de-hydrator” (2 blackouts put down to lack of hydration), but my cardiac nurse says NOW drink only 1 to 1.5 litres (apparently including non-drink elements), which even I think is dangerously low (and no help if you get a UTI).

[NealS]

tried dapag, twice, got uti both times. Not something i am used to so stopped taking them. Obviously told the medics. Good luck.