Dapagliflozin is an oral hypoglycemic drug that belongs to the SGLT2 inhibitor class. It reduces blood glucose levels by inhibiting SGLT2 (sodium-glucose cotransporter 2) in the kidneys, reducing blood glucose reabsorption, thereby increasing urinary glucose excretion. Dapagliflozin has indeed been shown to be effective in controlling blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes, while also having a protective effect on cardiovascular disease.
Although dapagliflozin is good at lowering blood sugar, doctors may be more cautious about prescribing the drug to female patients for the main reasons including:
Increased risk of urinary tract infections and genital infections: SGLT2 inhibitors lower blood sugar by increasing urinary glucose excretion, a mechanism of action that may increase the risk of urinary tract infections and genital infections, especially in women. Women have a shorter urethra and are more likely to have bacteria ascending to infection, so the risk of infection may increase after using these medications.
Limitations during pregnancy and lactation: The safety of dapagliflozin during pregnancy and lactation has not been fully proven. Therefore, for women who are planning to become pregnant or are breastfeeding, doctors may avoid prescribing this medication or need to be extra careful when using it.
Individual differences and condition considerations: Doctors will comprehensively consider the patient's overall condition, complications, drug interactions and other factors when prescribing drugs. For some women with specific health problems, such as renal insufficiency, the use of dapagliflozin may require more caution.
In summary, although dapagliflozin has a good hypoglycemic effect, doctors need to weigh the benefits and potential risks of the drug when considering its use in female patients. In practical clinical application, doctors will formulate personalized treatment plans according to the specific conditions of patients to ensure the safety and effectiveness of treatment.