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Dapagliflozin and Ketones

M

madfish

Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 2
Hi,

I'm on Forxiga (Dapagliflozin 10 mg). Just got a message from NHS GP surgery to confirm I acknowledge the very rare side effects of Ketoacidosis etc.

My question is which ketones test kit would you recommend?

And also, I presume if I monitor the ketones level periodically it should be fine? I haven't had any issues thus far on the meds, although I'd lost some weight at the start but been told it happens....but want to make sure the levels are ok.

Thanks very much to anyone who replies 🙂
 
Urine ketone strips should be fine and prescribed by your GP
 
madfish said:
Hi,

I'm on Forxiga (Dapagliflozin 10 mg). Just got a message from NHS GP surgery to confirm I acknowledge the very rare side effects of Ketoacidosis etc.

My question is which ketones test kit would you recommend?

And also, I presume if I monitor the ketones level periodically it should be fine? I haven't had any issues thus far on the meds, although I'd lost some weight at the start but been told it happens....but want to make sure the levels are ok.

Thanks very much to anyone who replies 🙂
Click to expand...
What advise about diet have you been given when taking that medication as the risk is apparently greater if people adopt a very low carb or keto diet though there seems little information about what is a safe amount of carbs people should have. It seems that as long as people stick with around the suggested amount of 130g per day that is usually OK but people will determine what suits them by testing both blood glucose levels with a home testing monitor and keeping an eye on ketones with the dip sticks. The danger would be high blood glucose (in the upper teens) and ketones.
 
Leadinglights said:
The danger would be high blood glucose (in the upper teens) and ketones.
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No it isn’t just that, and you’re spreading false information saying that as people will think no need to check ketones on this medication if bg is ok!

The risk with this medication is DKA with normal blood glucose, that’s why it’s so dangerous. My blood sugars were completely normal when I had DKA on this medication, as I believe were the other person we heard of on this forum who sadly died from the DKA caused by this medication.

Not to scare the OP, DKA with this is rare, but it is possible so you need to be aware of the signs.
 
Lucyr said:
No it isn’t just that, and you’re spreading false information saying that as people will think no need to check ketones on this medication if bg is ok!

The risk with this medication is DKA with normal blood glucose, that’s why it’s so dangerous. My blood sugars were completely normal when I had DKA on this medication, as I believe were the other person we heard of on this forum who sadly died from the DKA caused by this medication.

Not to scare the OP, DKA with this is rare, but it is possible so you need to be aware of the signs.
Click to expand...
Wow, you've scared me some! So what does one do....if I check my ketones with a blood test kit like this one - Ketone Kit from time to time is that ok? Is that the way to monitor it like one can do with the sugar finger prick test?

Are you on Dapa too? How do you keep yourself safe? You said you had DKA ....how were you alerted to the problem and what was done? Please let me know. Glad to know you're safe and well!

Thanks very much!
 
You could just get Ketostix @madfish You dip them in urine. They’re about £5 a pot but your GP might be able to prescribe them.
 
madfish said:
So what does one do....if I check my ketones with a blood test kit like this one - Ketone Kit from time to time is that ok? Is that the way to monitor it like one can do with the sugar finger prick test?
Click to expand...
Your GP should prescribe urine ketostix or you can buy them. Be alert to the symptoms of DKA and check any time you have any of the signs or are in any way unwell.
 
Apologies @Lucyr.
@madfish should note this.
What is diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?
• DKA is rare but serious condition that can develop in people taking SGLT2 inhibitors. It can
occur even if blood glucose levels are normal.
• DKA usually occurs when the body does not have enough insulin but can also happen with these
tablets.
• DKA is a serious condition which requires urgent medical treatment.
• DKA results in the formation of a chemical called //ketones, which can lead to increased levels of acid
in the blood. This is dangerous.
What are the symptoms of DKA?
• Feeling and/or being sick.
• Stomach pain.
• Rapid breathing or deep sighing breaths.
• Dehydration and thirst
• Drowsiness or extreme tiredness.
• Confusion.
If you experience any of these symptoms, even if your blood glucose levels are not high, you should contact your doctor or diabetes nurse or go to the nearest hospital and tell the emergency doctor that you are taking a SGLT2 inhibitor.
 
I'm on forxiga. I was told to eat sufficient carbs though not clear how many so I probably now eat too many. I was eating 80 to 120. Suggestion is 130 is probably sufficient. I was told about ketoacidosis and given the necessary keto sticks to use if I felt unwell. The leaflet gives good info. I've been on it since end of September and haven't tested yet because I saw once the pack I was given are open they should be used within 6 months. I remember on an earlier thread it was suggested you can buy them without prescription and the price was quite modest so I may just test my next lot of pee. The stick will colour and it is clear from instructions if there is a problem. I was also told there was an increased risk of uti but I haven't had a problem.

Good luck.
 
I wasn’t on the same SGLT2 as you are @madfish but from my personal experience these kind of Meds (as all Medications do can have various side effects)

for me it was probably not as serious as DKO, but wasn’t pleasant, a few of my customers who were also prescribed the same Medication had the same side effect
although a good Friend of mine has had very positive results with SGLT2 medication
good they made you aware of the possible side effects
 
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