A study published in October 2020 found that a drug given to diabetics, both diabetic and non-diabetic, has a very significant effect on the kidneys, slowing the deterioration of kidney function in patients with chronic diabetes.
Dapagliflozin for diabetics
The generic
name of this medication is dapagliflozin, which is marketed under the brand
name Forxiga.
The study
was conducted by researchers led by Hedo Lambers Herspink and published by the
New England Journal of Medicine.
In the
study, 4,304 patients with chronic kidney disease were randomized to take 10
milligrams of dapagliflozin or a placebo once daily in addition to standard
treatment.
Slow decline in kidney function
According
to a statement from the American Society of Nephrology published by Eurekalert,
dapagliflozin has been shown to slow the deterioration of kidney function in
patients with chronic kidney disease.
The study
showed that in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) with or without
diabetes, the risk of a sustained decline in glomerular filtration rate (GFR)
of more than 50%, end-stage renal failure and death from renal or
cardiovascular causes was significantly lower with Dapagliflozin compared to
placebo study showed.
The
glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a measure of the amount of blood filtered
by the kidneys per minute, and measurements are recorded in milliliters per
minute (ml/min).
“The main
conclusion is that dapagliflozin is an effective treatment for slowing the
progression of worsening kidney function in patients with chronic kidney
disease, whether they have type 2 diabetes or not,” said study lead author Hedo
Lambers Herspink of the University Medical Center Groningen in the Netherlands.
In the
United Kingdom, the National Health Service (NHS) has decided to provide
dapagliflozin to 91,000 kidney patients.
About
91,000 patients will now have access to this medicine, the first new
development in the treatment of kidney disease in the past 20 years.
This
medicine is an exciting new opportunity for patients.
"We
hope it will slow the progression of the disease and reduce the number of
patients who need dialysis or transplantation."
What is Forciga?
Dapagliflozin,
sold under the brand name Forcega, is a medication used primarily to treat type
2 diabetes and, according to the NHS in the United Kingdom, is sometimes used
with insulin to treat type 1 diabetes.
How does Forsiga work?
Forciga acts on the kidneys, increasing the amount of sugar that is excreted from the body during urination.
Hypoglycemia
may occur when dapagliflozin is taken with other diabetes medications.
Unlike some diabetes medications, dapagliflozin does not cause weight gain. Some people may lose weight.
Who can
take Forsiga and who cannot?
Adults can take dapagliflozin but it may not be suitable for some people. If you have had an allergic reaction to dapagliflozin, consult your doctor before starting to take it:
- People who have had an allergic reaction to dapagliflozin or other medicines in the past.
- Urine contains sugar (glucose) or ketones (a type of chemical).
- You have severe kidney or liver disease.
- Heart disease.
- You have frequent urinary tract infections.
- You are planning to undergo surgery.
- Are pregnant, intend to become pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding.
The kidneys
are an important part of the human body, so you must take good care of them,
and you should visit a doctor if you feel any pain... Learn in this article
about the symptoms, causes, and how to prevent and treat kidney disease.
If you have any questions, please leave a comment