A prescription drug used to treat type 1 diabetes has now been withdrawn for people living with the condition in the UK.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has announced that dapagliflozin 5mg is no longer authorised for people with type 1 diabetes after AstraZeneca signalled that the drug is not the most suitable treatment option for those with the condition.
Healthcare professionals have been advised to withdraw dapaglifozin as soon as possible, with primary care colleagues instructed to contact people using the drug to treat type 1 diabetes.
According to the MHRA, dapaglifozin can still be used if a person with type 1 diabetes and their doctor agree that it is the best solution.
A document outlining the risks and benefits of the dapagliflozin prescription must be added to the person’s medical records.
Otherwise known as Forxiga, dapaglifozin works in the kidneys to prevent absorption of glucose, therefore lowering the blood sugar level.
Regular blood glucose monitoring is recommended for every person coming off dapagliflozin treatment, the MHRA said.
Government officials have stated that the withdrawal of dapagliflozin is not due to safety fears amongst those with type 1 diabetes.
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