Mode
Text Size
Log in / Sign up

FDA Approves Dapagliflozin Tablets (dapagliflozin) for Heart Failure Risk Reduction and Glycemic Control in Type 2 DiabetesFDA approves a diabetes drug that also helps protect the heart in certain adults

AI-generated summary of the cited source, checked by automated accuracy review. How we work

Key Takeaway
Consider for heart failure risk reduction in type 2 diabetes with CV disease or risk factors.

The FDA has approved dapagliflozin tablets, a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, for two indications in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The approval includes its use to reduce the risk of hospitalization for heart failure in patients who have either established cardiovascular disease or multiple cardiovascular risk factors. It is also approved as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control.

This approval provides clinicians with an SGLT2 inhibitor option for managing both glycemic control and cardiovascular risk in a specific patient population with type 2 diabetes. The label includes specific dosing guidance and limitations of use, particularly regarding renal function. Clinicians should note the drug is not recommended for glycemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes or in those with type 2 diabetes and an eGFR less than 45 mL/min/1.73 m².

Clinical Details (Mechanism · Dosing · Trial Data · Warnings)
Mechanism of Action

Dapagliflozin tablets is a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor.

Indication & Patient Population

Dapagliflozin tablets is indicated: 1) To reduce the risk of hospitalization for heart failure in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and either established cardiovascular disease or multiple cardiovascular risk factors. 2) As an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Limitations of Use: Dapagliflozin tablets is not recommended for use to improve glycemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. It is also not recommended for use to improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with an eGFR less than 45 mL/min/1.73 m², as it is likely to be ineffective in this setting based upon its mechanism of action.

Dosing & Administration

Assess renal function prior to initiation and then as clinically indicated. Assess volume status and correct volume depletion before initiating.

For glycemic control: The recommended starting dosage is 5 mg orally once daily. Dosage can be increased to 10 mg orally once daily for additional glycemic control. For patients with an eGFR greater than or equal to 45 mL/min/1.73 m², the dosage is the same as for normal renal function. Not recommended for glycemic control if eGFR is less than 45 mL/min/1.73 m².

For all other indications (e.g., heart failure risk reduction): The recommended dosage is 10 mg orally once daily. For patients with an eGFR greater than or equal to 25 mL/min/1.73 m², the dosage is the same as for normal renal function. Initiation is not recommended in patients with an eGFR less than 25 mL/min/1.73 m².

Withhold dapagliflozin tablets for at least 3 days, if possible, prior to major surgery or procedures associated with prolonged fasting.

Key Clinical Trial Data

Trial data not available in label.

Warnings & Contraindications

Not reported in label.

Place in Therapy

Not reported in label.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a medication called dapagliflozin for adults with type 2 diabetes. This drug, taken as a tablet, works in two ways. First, it is approved to help improve blood sugar control when used along with diet and exercise. Second, and importantly, it is approved to reduce the risk of hospitalization for heart failure in patients who already have heart disease or have multiple risk factors for it.

This approval means doctors now have another option for treating type 2 diabetes that also addresses a major heart-related risk. For the right patients, it can be a single medication that helps manage both blood sugar and heart health. The FDA's decision is based on clinical studies showing these benefits in a specific group of people.

It is important to know this medication is not for everyone. It is not recommended for people with type 1 diabetes. It is also not recommended for managing blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes who have significantly reduced kidney function. The prescribing information includes specific guidance on this.

As with any new treatment option, this approval is a medical development for doctors to consider. Patients should talk with their own doctor to understand if this medication might be a suitable part of their personal care plan, based on their full health history and current condition.

What this means for you:
A new diabetes pill can also help protect the heart for some adults. Talk to your doctor to see if it's right for you.

Study Details

Study typeFda approval
PublishedApr 2026
View Original Abstract ↓
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Dapagliflozin tablets is indicated: To reduce the risk of hospitalization for heart failure in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and either established cardiovascular disease or multiple cardiovascular risk factors. As an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Limitations of Use Dapagliflozin tablets is not recommended for use to improve glycemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]. Dapagliflozin tablets is not recommended for use to improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with an eGFR less than 45 mL/min/1.73 m 2 . Dapagliflozin tablets is likely to be ineffective in this setting based upon its mechanism of action. Pediatric use information is approved for AstraZeneca AB’s Farxiga® (dapagliflozin) Tablets. However, due to AstraZeneca AB’s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that information. Dapagliflozin tablets is a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor indicated: To reduce the risk of hospitalization for heart failure in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and either established cardiovascular disease or multiple cardiovascular risk factors. ( 1 ) As an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. ( 1 ) Limitations of use: Not recommended for use to improve glycemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. ( 1 ) Not recommended for use to improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with an eGFR less than 45 mL/min/1.73 m 2 . Dapagliflozin tablets is likely to be ineffective in this setting based upon its mechanism of action. ( 1 )
Free Newsletter

Clinical research that matters. Delivered to your inbox.

Join thousands of clinicians and researchers. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.