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3. What Is GLYSIT 5mg and What Is It Used
For? |
What Is GLYSIT 5mg?
Glysit 5mg contains
Dapagliflozin at the 5mg starting dose, half the standard maintenance dose. It
works through exactly the same kidney-based mechanism as Glysit 10mg, causing
excess glucose to be excreted in the urine.
The 5mg formulation is
available to allow prescribers to initiate SGLT-2 inhibitor therapy at a lower
dose for patients new to this class of medicines, particularly those who may be
more sensitive to the initial diuretic and blood pressure effects of
Dapagliflozin.
What Is It Used For?
Glysit 5mg is typically used
when starting Dapagliflozin therapy in adults with Type 2 Diabetes, allowing
the body to adjust to the medicine's diuretic effects before stepping up to the
full 10mg dose. In some patients, 5mg may be maintained as the ongoing dose if
it provides adequate blood sugar control with good tolerability.
Glysit 5mg may also be the
appropriate ongoing dose for elderly patients or those who are more sensitive
to volume depletion. In Kenya, the choice between 5mg and 10mg is guided by the
prescriber based on the patient's blood sugar targets, kidney function, and
cardiovascular risk profile.
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4. How to Take This Medicine |
Usual Dose
1 tablet (5mg) once daily in
the morning, with or without food. May be increased to 10mg after assessment.
Timing
Morning dose preferred to
minimise night-time urination.
Missed Dose
Take as soon as remembered,
unless nearly time for the next dose. Never double up.
Before Procedures
Stop at least 3 days before
planned surgery or during serious illness, same precaution as all SGLT-2 inhibitors.
Monitoring
eGFR, blood pressure, and
weight should be monitored during treatment.
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5. Side Effects |
Common Side Effects
· Increased
urination
· Genital
fungal infections
· Urinary
tract infections
· Mild
dizziness
Uncommon Side Effects
· Dehydration
in very elderly or those on diuretics
· Back
pain
Serious Side Effects, Seek Immediate Medical Attention
· Euglycaemic
DKA (same risk as Glysit 10mg, stop before surgery and serious illness)
· Acute
kidney injury
· Fournier's
Gangrene (extremely rare)
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6. Contraindications |
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⚠ The following
patients should NOT use this medication: • Type 1 Diabetes • Diabetic ketoacidosis • Severe renal impairment (eGFR < 25 ml/min) • Hypersensitivity to dapagliflozin • Pregnancy and breastfeeding
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7. Safety Warnings and Special Precautions |
· Same
core warnings as Glysit 10mg, DKA risk, pre-surgical cessation, foot care,
genital hygiene, renal monitoring.
· ELDERLY
PATIENTS: Extra caution with volume depletion, dizziness and falls risk.
· DIURETICS:
Additive fluid loss, monitor hydration and electrolytes carefully.
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8. Drug Interactions |
Same
as Glysit 10mg:
Insulin
/ Sulphonylureas: Hypoglycaemia risk.
Diuretics:
Additive dehydration.
NSAIDs:
Renal risk.
Rifampicin:
Reduced efficacy.
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9. Storage Instructions |
· Store
below 30°C in a cool, dry place.
· Keep
in original blister packaging.
· Protect
from moisture and light.
· Keep
out of reach of children.
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10. Prescription Status in Kenya |
Glysit 5mg is a
prescription-only medicine (POM) in Kenya. Available at Pharmily with a valid
prescription.
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11. Patient Guidance |
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💊 Key Points
for Patients: ✔ Take your Glysit 5mg tablet every
morning, with or without breakfast. ✔ Drink plenty of water throughout the
day. ✔ Your doctor may increase your dose to
10mg after checking how you are responding; this is a normal part of diabetes
management. ✔ Stop the tablet and contact your
doctor before any planned surgery or if you become seriously ill. ✔ Check your feet daily and maintain
good genital hygiene.
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12. Pharmacist / Prescriber Notes |
Glysit 5mg is the initiation
dose of Dapagliflozin, anticipate planned titration to 10mg at follow-up unless
the prescriber has indicated 5mg as the maintenance dose (e.g., in elderly
patients with orthostatic hypotension risk).
The 28-tablet pack covers 4
weeks at once-daily dosing, time the refill to align with the prescriber's
planned review appointment. All DKA, surgical cessation, and genital infection
counselling points apply equally at the 5mg dose. For elderly patients, assess
baseline BP and postural hypotension risk before dispensing.
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13. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) |
Q1: Why am I on Glysit 5mg instead of 10mg?
A: 5mg is the starting dose of
Dapagliflozin that allows your body to adjust to the medicine gradually. Your
doctor may increase to 10mg after reviewing how well it is controlling your
blood sugar and how you are tolerating it.
Q2: Can I ask my doctor to increase to 10mg?
A: Yes, discuss this with your
doctor at your next appointment. They will assess your blood sugar levels and
kidney function before making that decision.
Q3: Can I take Glysit 5mg if my kidney function is not great?
A: Your doctor will check your
kidney function (eGFR) before prescribing. Dapagliflozin is not used when
kidney function is severely impaired (eGFR below 25).
Q4: Do I need a prescription for Glysit 5mg at Pharmily?
A: Yes, a valid prescription
from your doctor is required.
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