4.1. Therapeutic indications

Dapagliflozin/ Metformin hydrochloride is indicated in adults for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus as an adjunct to diet and exercise:

• in patients insufficiently controlled on their maximally tolerated dose of metformin alone

• in combination with other medicinal products for the treatment of diabetes in patients insufficiently controlled with metformin and these medicinal products

• in patients already being treated with the combination of dapagliflozin and metformin as separate tablets.

For study results with respect to combination of therapies, effects on glycaemic control and cardiovascular events, and the populations studied, see sections 4.4, 4.5 and 5.1.

4.2. Posology and method of administration

Posology

Adults with normal renal function (glomerular filtration rate [GFR] ≥ 90 mL/min)

The recommended dose is one tablet twice daily. Each tablet contains a fixed dose of dapagliflozin and metformin (see section 2).

For patients insufficiently controlled on metformin monotherapy or metformin in combination with other medicinal products for the treatment of diabetes

Patients insufficiently controlled on metformin alone or in combination with other medicinal products for the treatment of diabetes should receive a total daily dose of Dapagliflozin/ Metformin hydrochloride equivalent to dapagliflozin 10 mg, plus the total daily dose of metformin, or the nearest therapeutically appropriate dose, already being taken. When Dapagliflozin/ Metformin hydrochloride is used in combination with insulin or an insulin secretagogue such as sulphonylurea, a lower dose of insulin or sulphonylurea may be considered to reduce the risk of hypoglycaemia (see sections 4.5 and 4.8).

For patients switching from separate tablets of dapagliflozin and metformin

Patients switching from separate tablets of dapagliflozin (10 mg total daily dose) and metformin to Dapagliflozin/ Metformin hydrochloride should receive the same daily dose of dapagliflozin and metformin already being taken or the nearest therapeutically appropriate dose of metformin.

Special populations

Renal impairment

A GFR should be assessed before initiation of treatment with metformin containing medicinal products and at least annually thereafter. In patients at increased risk of further progression of renal impairment and in the elderly, renal function should be assessed more frequently, e.g. every 3-6 months.

The maximum daily dose of metformin should preferably be divided into 2-3 daily doses. Factors that may increase the risk of lactic acidosis (see section 4.4) should be reviewed before considering initiation of metformin in patients with GFR < 60 mL/min.

If no adequate strength of Dapagliflozin/ Metformin hydrochloride is available, individual mono-components should be used instead of the fixed dose combination.

Table 1. Dosage in patients with renal impairment

GFR mL/min

Metformin

Dapagliflozin

60-89

Maximum daily dose is 3000 mg.

Dose reduction may be considered in relation to declining renal function.

Maximum total daily dose is 10 mg.

45-59

Maximum daily dose is 2000 mg.

The starting dose is at most half of the maximum dose.

Dapagliflozin should not be initiated.

Maximum total daily dose is 10 mg.

30-44

Maximum daily dose is 1000 mg.

The starting dose is at most half of the maximum dose.

Dapagliflozin is not recommended.

< 30

Metformin is contraindicated.

Dapagliflozin is not recommended.

Hepatic impairment

This medicinal product must not be used in patients with hepatic impairment (see sections 4.3, 4.4 and 5.2).

Elderly (≥ 65 years)

Because metformin is eliminated in part by the kidney, and because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, this medicinal product should be used with caution as age increases. Monitoring of renal function is necessary to aid in prevention of metformin-associated lactic acidosis, particularly in elderly patients (see sections 4.3 and 4.4). Risk of volume depletion with dapagliflozin should also be taken into account (see sections 4.4 and 5.2).

Paediatric population

The safety and efficacy of Dapagliflozin/ Metformin hydrochloride in children and adolescents aged 0 to < 18 years have not yet been established. No data are available.

Method of administration

Dapagliflozin/ Metformin hydrochloride should be given twice daily with meals to reduce the gastrointestinal adverse reactions associated with metformin.

4.3. Contraindications

Dapagliflozin/ Metformin hydrochloride is contraindicated in patients with:

- hypersensitivity to the active substances or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1;

- any type of acute metabolic acidosis (such as lactic acidosis, diabetic ketoacidosis);

- diabetic pre-coma;

- severe renal failure (GFR < 30 mL/min) (see sections 4.2, 4.4 and 5.2);

- acute conditions with the potential to alter renal function such as:

- dehydration,

- severe infection,

- shock;

- acute or chronic disease which may cause tissue hypoxia such as:

- cardiac or respiratory failure,

- recent myocardial infarction,

- shock;

- hepatic impairment (see sections 4.2, 4.4 and 5.2);

- acute alcohol intoxication, alcoholism (see section 4.5).

4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use

Lactic acidosis

Lactic acidosis, a very rare but serious metabolic complication, most often occurs at acute worsening of renal function or cardiorespiratory illness or sepsis. Metformin accumulation occurs at acute worsening of renal function and increases the risk of lactic acidosis.

In case of dehydration (severe diarrhoea or vomiting, fever or reduced fluid intake), Dapagliflozin/ Metformin hydrochloride should be temporarily discontinued and contact with a healthcare professional is recommended.

Medicinal products that can acutely impair renal function (such as antihypertensives, diuretics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs]) should be initiated with caution in metformin-treated patients. Other risk factors for lactic acidosis are excessive alcohol intake, hepatic insufficiency, inadequately controlled diabetes, ketosis, prolonged fasting and any conditions associated with hypoxia, as well as concomitant use of medicinal products that may cause lactic acidosis (see sections 4.3 and 4.5).

Patients and/or caregivers should be informed on the risk of lactic acidosis.

Lactic acidosis is characterised by acidotic dyspnoea, abdominal pain, muscle cramps, asthenia and hypothermia followed by coma. In case of suspected symptoms, the patient should stop taking Dapagliflozin/ Metformin hydrochloride and seek immediate medical attention. Diagnostic laboratory findings are decreased blood pH (<7.35), increased plasma lactate levels above 5 mmol/L, and an increased anion gap and lactate/pyruvate ratio.

Patients with known or suspected mitochondrial diseases

In patients with known mitochondrial diseases such as Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathy with Lactic Acidosis, and Stroke-like episodes (MELAS) syndrome and Maternally Inherited Diabetes and Deafness (MIDD), metformin is not recommended due to the risk of lactic acidosis exacerbation and neurologic complications which may lead to worsening of the disease.

In case of signs and symptoms suggestive of MELAS syndrome or MIDD after the intake of metformin, treatment with metformin should be withdrawn immediately and prompt diagnostic evaluation should be performed.

Renal function

The glycaemic efficacy of dapagliflozin is dependent on renal function, and efficacy is reduced in patients who have moderate renal impairment and is likely absent in patients with severe renal impairment. Dapagliflozin/ Metformin hydrochloride should not be initiated in patients with GFR < 60 mL/min and should be discontinued at GFR persistently below 45 mL/min (see section 4.2).

Metformin is excreted by the kidney, and moderate to severe renal insufficiency increases the risk of lactic acidosis (see section 4.4).

Monitoring of renal function:

Renal function should be assessed:

• Before initiation of treatment and regularly thereafter (see sections 4.2, 4.8, 5.1 and 5.2).

• For renal function with GFR levels < 60 mL/min and in elderly patients, at least 2 to 4 times per year.

• Prior to initiation of concomitant medicinal products that may reduce renal function and periodically thereafter.

• If renal function falls persistently below GFR 45 mL/min, treatment should be discontinued.

• Metformin is contraindicated in patients with GFR of < 30 mL/min and should be temporarily discontinued in the presence of conditions that alter renal function (see section 4.3).

Decreased renal function in elderly patients is frequent and asymptomatic. Special caution should be exercised in situations where renal function may become impaired, for example when initiating anti-hypertensive or diuretic therapy or when starting treatment with a NSAID.

Use in patients at risk for volume depletion and/or hypotension

Due to its mechanism of action, dapagliflozin increases diuresis which may lead to the modest decrease in blood pressure observed in clinical studies (see section 5.1). It may be more pronounced in patients with high blood glucose concentrations.

Caution should be exercised in patients for whom a dapagliflozin-induced drop in blood pressure could pose a risk, such as patients on anti-hypertensive therapy with a history of hypotension or elderly patients.

In case of intercurrent conditions that may lead to volume depletion (e.g. gastrointestinal illness), careful monitoring of volume status (e.g. physical examination, blood pressure measurements, laboratory tests including haematocrit and electrolytes) is recommended. Temporary interruption of treatment with this medicinal product is recommended for patients who develop volume depletion until the depletion is corrected (see section 4.8).

Diabetic ketoacidosis

Rare cases of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), including life-threatening and fatal cases, have been reported in patients treated with sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, including dapagliflozin. In a number of cases, the presentation of the condition was atypical with only moderately increased blood glucose values, below 14 mmol/L (250 mg/dL). It is not known if DKA is more likely to occur with higher doses of dapagliflozin.

The risk of diabetic ketoacidosis must be considered in the event of non-specific symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, anorexia, abdominal pain, excessive thirst, difficulty breathing, confusion, unusual fatigue or sleepiness. Patients should be assessed for ketoacidosis immediately if these symptoms occur, regardless of blood glucose level.

In patients where DKA is suspected or diagnosed, treatment with dapagliflozin should be discontinued immediately.

Treatment should be interrupted in patients who are hospitalised for major surgical procedures or acute serious medical illnesses. Monitoring of ketones is recommended in these patients. Measurement of blood ketone levels is preferred to urine. Treatment with dapagliflozin may be restarted when the ketone values are normal and the patient's condition has stabilised.

Before initiating dapagliflozin, factors in the patient history that may predispose to ketoacidosis should be considered.

Patients who may be at higher risk of DKA include patients with a low beta-cell function reserve (e.g. type 2 diabetes patients with low C-peptide or latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) or patients with a history of pancreatitis), patients with conditions that lead to restricted food intake or severe dehydration, patients for whom insulin doses are reduced and patients with increased insulin requirements due to acute medical illness, surgery or alcohol abuse. SGLT2 inhibitors should be used with caution in these patients.

Restarting SGLT2 inhibitor treatment in patients with previous DKA while on SGLT2 inhibitor treatment is not recommended, unless another clear precipitating factor is identified and resolved.

The safety and efficacy of Dapagliflozin/ Metformin hydrochloride in patients with type 1 diabetes have not been established and Dapagliflozin/ Metformin hydrochloride should not be used for treatment of patients with type 1 diabetes. In type 1 diabetes mellitus studies, DKA was reported with common frequency.

Necrotising fasciitis of the perineum (Fournier's gangrene)

Post-marketing cases of necrotising fasciitis of the perineum (also known as Fournier's gangrene) have been reported in female and male patients taking SGLT2 inhibitors (see section 4.8). This is a rare but serious and potentially life-threatening event that requires urgent surgical intervention and antibiotic treatment.

Patients should be advised to seek medical attention if they experience a combination of symptoms of pain, tenderness, erythema, or swelling in the genital or perineal area, with fever or malaise. Be aware that either uro-genital infection or perineal abscess may precede necrotising fasciitis. If Fournier's gangrene is suspected, Dapagliflozin/ Metformin hydrochloride should be discontinued and prompt treatment (including antibiotics and surgical debridement) should be instituted.

Urinary tract infections

Urinary glucose excretion may be associated with an increased risk of urinary tract infection; therefore, temporary interruption of treatment should be considered when treating pyelonephritis or urosepsis.

Elderly (≥ 65 years)

Elderly patients may be at a greater risk for volume depletion and are more likely to be treated with diuretics.

Elderly patients are more likely to have impaired renal function, and/or to be treated with anti-hypertensive medicinal products that may cause changes in renal function such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-I) and angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers (ARB). The same recommendations for renal function apply to elderly patients as to all patients (see sections 4.2, 4.4, 4.8 and 5.1).

Cardiac failure

There is no experience in clinical studies with dapagliflozin in NYHA class IV.

Increased haematocrit

Increased haematocrit has been observed with dapagliflozin treatment (see section 4.8). Patients with pronounced elevations in haematocrit should be monitored and investigated for underlying haematological disease.

Lower limb amputations

An increase in cases of lower limb amputation (primarily of the toe) has been observed in ongoing long-term, clinical studies with another SGLT2 inhibitor. It is unknown whether this constitutes a class effect. Like for all diabetic patients it is important to counsel patients on routine preventative foot care.

Urine laboratory assessments

Due to its mechanism of action, patients taking this medicinal product will test positive for glucose in their urine.

Administration of iodinated contrast agents

Intravascular administration of iodinated contrast agents may lead to contrast induced nephropathy, resulting in metformin accumulation and increased risk of lactic acidosis. Dapagliflozin/ Metformin hydrochloride should be discontinued prior to, or at the time of, the imaging procedure and not restarted until at least 48 hours after, provided that renal function has been re-evaluated and found to be stable (see sections 4.2 and 4.5).

Surgery

Dapagliflozin/ Metformin hydrochloride must be discontinued at the time of surgery with general, spinal or epidural anaesthesia. Therapy may be restarted no earlier than 48 hours following surgery or resumption of oral nutrition and provided that renal function has been re-evaluated and found to be stable.

Change in clinical status of patients with previously controlled type 2 diabetes

As this medicinal product contains metformin, a patient with type 2 diabetes previously well-controlled on it who develops laboratory abnormalities or clinical illness (especially vague and poorly defined illness) should be evaluated promptly for evidence of ketoacidosis or lactic acidosis. Evaluation should include serum electrolytes and ketones, blood glucose and, if indicated, blood pH, lactate, pyruvate, and metformin levels. If acidosis of either form occurs, treatment must be stopped immediately and other appropriate corrective measures initiated.

Vitamin B12 decrease/deficiency

Metformin may reduce vitamin B12 serum levels. The risk of low vitamin B12 levels increases with increasing metformin dose, treatment duration, and/or in patients with risk factors known to cause vitamin B12 deficiency. In case of suspicion of vitamin B12 deficiency (such as anaemia or neuropathy), vitamin B12 serum levels should be monitored. Periodic vitamin B12 monitoring could be necessary in patients with risk factors for vitamin B12 deficiency. Metformin therapy should be continued for as long as it is tolerated and not contraindicated and appropriate corrective treatment for vitamin B12 deficiency provided in line with current clinical guidelines.

4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

Coadministration of multiple doses of dapagliflozin and metformin does not meaningfully alter the pharmacokinetics of either dapagliflozin or metformin in healthy subjects.

No interaction studies have been performed for Dapagliflozin/ Metformin hydrochloride. The following statements reflect the information available on the individual active substances.

Dapagliflozin

Pharmacodynamic interactions

Diuretics

This medicinal product may add to the diuretic effect of thiazide and loop diuretics and may increase the risk of dehydration and hypotension (see section 4.4).

Insulin and insulin secretagogues

Insulin and insulin secretagogues, such as sulphonylureas, cause hypoglycaemia. Therefore, a lower dose of insulin or an insulin secretagogue may be required to reduce the risk of hypoglycaemia when used in combination with dapagliflozin (see sections 4.2 and 4.8).

Pharmacokinetic interactions

The metabolism of dapagliflozin is primarily via glucuronide conjugation mediated by UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1A9 (UGT1A9).

In in vitro studies, dapagliflozin neither inhibited cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A2, CYP2A6, CYP2B6, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP3A4, nor induced CYP1A2, CYP2B6 or CYP3A4. Therefore, this medicinal product is not expected to alter the metabolic clearance of coadministered medicinal products that are metabolised by these enzymes.

Effect of other medicinal products on dapagliflozin

Interaction studies conducted in healthy subjects, using mainly a single-dose design, suggest that the pharmacokinetics of dapagliflozin are not altered by pioglitazone, sitagliptin, glimepiride, voglibose, hydrochlorothiazide, bumetanide, valsartan, or simvastatin.

Following coadministration of dapagliflozin with rifampicin (an inducer of various active transporters and drug-metabolising enzymes) a 22% decrease in dapagliflozin systemic exposure (AUC) was observed, but with no clinically meaningful effect on 24-hour urinary glucose excretion. No dose adjustment is recommended. A clinically relevant effect with other inducers (e.g. carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital) is not expected.

Following coadministration of dapagliflozin with mefenamic acid (an inhibitor of UGT1A9), a 55% increase in dapagliflozin systemic exposure was seen, but with no clinically meaningful effect on 24-hour urinary glucose excretion. No dose adjustment is recommended.

Effect of dapagliflozin on other medicinal products

In interaction studies conducted in healthy subjects, using mainly a single-dose design, dapagliflozin did not alter the pharmacokinetics of pioglitazone, sitagliptin, glimepiride, hydrochlorothiazide, bumetanide, valsartan, digoxin (a P-gp substrate) or warfarin (S-warfarin, a CYP2C9 substrate), or the anti-coagulatory effects of warfarin as measured by INR. Combination of a single dose of dapagliflozin 20 mg and simvastatin (a CYP3A4 substrate) resulted in a 19% increase in AUC of simvastatin and 31% increase in AUC of simvastatin acid. The increase in simvastatin and simvastatin acid exposures are not considered clinically relevant.

Interference with 1,5-anhydroglucitol (1,5-AG) assay

Monitoring glycaemic control with 1,5-AG assay is not recommended as measurements of 1,5-AG are unreliable in assessing glycaemic control in patients taking SGLT2 inhibitors. Use of alternative methods to monitor glycaemic control is advised.

Paediatric population

Interaction studies have only been performed in adults.

Metformin

Concomitant use not recommended

Cationic substances that are eliminated by renal tubular secretion (e.g. cimetidine) may interact with metformin by competing for common renal tubular transport systems. A study conducted in seven normal healthy volunteers showed that cimetidine, administered as 400 mg twice daily, increased metformin systemic exposure (AUC) by 50% and Cmax by 81%. Therefore, close monitoring of glycaemic control, dose adjustment within the recommended posology and changes in diabetic treatment should be considered when cationic medicinal products that are eliminated by renal tubular secretion are coadministered.

Alcohol

Alcohol intoxication is associated with an increased risk of lactic acidosis, particularly in the case of fasting, malnutrition or hepatic impairment due to the metformin active substance of this medicinal product (see section 4.4). Consumption of alcohol and medicinal products containing alcohol should be avoided.

Iodinated contrast agents

Intravascular administration of iodinated contrast agents may lead to contrast induced nephropathy, resulting in metformin accumulation and increased risk of lactic acidosis. Dapagliflozin/ Metformin hydrochloride must be discontinued prior to, or at the time of the imaging procedure and not restarted until at least 48 hours after, provided that renal function has been re-evaluated and found to be stable (see sections 4.2 and 4.4).

Combination requiring precautions for use

Glucocorticoids (given by systemic and local routes), beta‑2 agonists, and diuretics have intrinsic hyperglycaemic activity. The patient should be informed and more frequent blood glucose monitoring performed, especially at the beginning of treatment with such medicinal products. If necessary, the dose of the glucose‑lowering medicinal product should be adjusted during therapy with the other medicinal product and on its discontinuation.

Some medicinal products can adversely affect renal function which may increase the risk of lactic acidosis, e.g. NSAIDs, including selective cyclo-oxygenase (COX) II inhibitors, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor antagonists and diuretics, especially loop diuretics. When starting or using such products in combination with metformin, close monitoring of renal function is necessary.

Insulin and insulin secretagogues

Insulin and insulin secretagogues, such as sulphonylureas, cause hypoglycaemia. Therefore, a lower dose of insulin or an insulin secretagogue may be required to reduce the risk of hypoglycaemia when used in combination with metformin (see sections 4.2 and 4.8).

4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy

There are no data from the use of Dapagliflozin/ Metformin hydrochloride or dapagliflozin in pregnant women. Studies in rats treated with dapagliflozin have shown toxicity to the developing kidney in the time period corresponding to the second and third trimesters of human pregnancy (see section 5.3). Therefore, the use of this medicinal product is not recommended during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. A limited amount of data from the use of metformin in pregnant women does not indicate an increased risk of congenital malformations. Animal studies with metformin do not indicate harmful effects with respect to pregnancy, embryonic or foetal development, parturition or postnatal development (see section 5.3).

When the patient plans to become pregnant, and during pregnancy, it is recommended that diabetes is not treated with this medicinal product, but insulin be used to maintain blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible, to reduce the risk of malformations of the foetus associated with abnormal blood glucose levels.

Breast-feeding

It is unknown whether this medicinal product or dapagliflozin (and/or its metabolites) are excreted in human milk. Available pharmacodynamic/toxicological data in animals have shown excretion of dapagliflozin/metabolites in milk, as well as pharmacologically-mediated effects in nursing offspring (see section 5.3). Metformin is excreted in human milk in small amounts. A risk to the newborns/infants cannot be excluded.

This medicinal product should not be used while breast-feeding.

Fertility

The effect of this medicinal product or dapagliflozin on fertility in humans has not been studied. In male and female rats, dapagliflozin showed no effects on fertility at any dose tested. For metformin, studies in animals have not shown reproductive toxicity (see section 5.3).

4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines

Dapagliflozin/ Metformin hydrochloride has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines. Patients should be alerted to the risk of hypoglycaemia when this medicinal product is used in combination with other glucose-lowering medicinal products known to cause hypoglycaemia.

4.8. Undesirable effects

Dapagliflozin/ Metformin hydrochloride has been demonstrated to be bioequivalent with coadministered dapagliflozin and metformin (see section 5.2). There have been no therapeutic clinical trials conducted with Dapagliflozin/ Metformin hydrochloride tablets.

Dapagliflozin plus metformin

Summary of the safety profile

In an analysis of 5 placebo-controlled dapagliflozin add-on to metformin studies, the safety results were similar to that of the pre‑specified pooled analysis of 13 placebo‑controlled dapagliflozin studies (see Dapagliflozin, Summary of the safety profile below). No additional adverse reactions were identified for the dapagliflozin plus metformin group compared with those reported for the individual components. In the separate dapagliflozin add-on to metformin pooled analysis, 623 subjects were treated with dapagliflozin 10 mg as add-on to metformin and 523 were treated with placebo plus metformin.

Dapagliflozin

Summary of the safety profile

In the clinical studies in type 2 diabetes, more than 15,000 patients have been treated with dapagliflozin.

The primary assessment of safety and tolerability was conducted in a pre‑specified pooled analysis of 13 short-term (up to 24 weeks) placebo‑controlled studies with 2,360 subjects treated with dapagliflozin 10 mg and 2,295 treated with placebo.

In the dapagliflozin cardiovascular outcomes study (see section 5.1), 8,574 patients received dapagliflozin 10 mg and 8,569 received placebo for a median exposure time of 48 months. In total, there were 30,623 patient-years of exposure to dapagliflozin.

The most frequently reported adverse reactions across the clinical studies were genital infections.

Tabulated list of adverse reactions

The following adverse reactions have been identified in the placebo-controlled dapagliflozin plus metformin clinical studies, dapagliflozin clinical studies and metformin clinical studies and post-marketing experience. None were found to be dose-related. Adverse reactions listed below are classified according to frequency and system organ class. Frequency categories are defined according to the following convention: very common (≥ 1/10), common (≥ 1/100 to < 1/10), uncommon (≥ 1/1,000 to < 1/100), rare (≥ 1/10,000 to < 1/1,000), very rare (< 1/10,000), and not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).

Table 2. Adverse reactions in dapagliflozin and metformin immediate-release clinical trial and post‑marketing dataa

System organ class

Very common

Common

Uncommon

Rare

Very rare

Infections and infestations

Vulvovaginitis, balanitis and related genital infections*,b,c

Urinary tract infection*,b,d

Fungal infection**

Necrotising fasciitis of the perineum (Fournier's gangrene)b,j

Metabolism and nutrition disorders

Hypoglycaemia (when used with SU or insulin)b

Vitamin B12 decrease/deficiencyj,§

Volume depletionb,e

Thirst**

Diabetic ketoacidosisb,j,k,

Lactic acidosis

Nervous system disorders

Taste disturbance§

Dizziness

Gastrointestinal disorders

Gastrointestinal symptomsh,§

Constipation**

Dry mouth**

Hepatobiliary disorders

Liver function disorders§

Hepatitis§

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders

Rashl

Urticaria§

Erythema§

Pruritus§

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders

Back pain*

Renal and urinary disorders

Dysuria

Polyuria*,f

Nocturia**

Reproductive system and breast disorders

Vulvovaginal pruritus**

Pruritus genital**

Investigations

Haematocrit increasedg

Creatinine renal clearance decreased during initial treatmentb

Dyslipidaemiai

Blood creatinine increased during initial treatment**,b

Blood urea increased**

Weight decreased**

aThe table shows adverse reactions identified from up to 24-week (short-term) data regardless of glycaemic rescue, except those marked with § (see below).

bSee corresponding subsection below for additional information.

cVulvovaginitis, balanitis and related genital infections includes, e.g. the predefined preferred terms: vulvovaginal mycotic infection, vaginal infection, balanitis, genital infection fungal, vulvovaginal candidiasis, vulvovaginitis, balanitis candida, genital candidiasis, genital infection, genital infection male, penile infection, vulvitis, vaginitis bacterial, vulval abscess.

dUrinary tract infection includes the following preferred terms, listed in order of frequency reported: urinary tract infection, cystitis, Escherichia urinary tract infection, genitourinary tract infection, pyelonephritis, trigonitis, urethritis, kidney infection and prostatitis.

eVolume depletion includes, e.g. the predefined preferred terms: dehydration, hypovolaemia, hypotension.

fPolyuria includes the preferred terms: pollakiuria, polyuria, urine output increased.

gMean changes from baseline in haematocrit were 2.30% for dapagliflozin 10 mg versus –0.33% for placebo. Haematocrit values >55% were reported in 1.3% of the subjects treated with dapagliflozin 10 mg versus 0.4% of placebo subjects.

hGastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and loss of appetite occur most frequently during initiation of therapy and resolve spontaneously in most cases.

iMean percent change from baseline for dapagliflozin 10 mg versus placebo, respectively, was: total cholesterol 2.5% versus 0.0%; HDL cholesterol 6.0% versus 2.7%; LDL cholesterol 2.9% versus -1.0%; triglycerides -2.7% versus -0.7%.

jSee section 4.4.

k Reported in the cardiovascular outcomes study in patients with type 2 diabetes. Frequency is based on annual rate.

lAdverse reaction was identified through post-marketing surveillance with the use of dapagliflozin. Rash includes the following preferred terms, listed in order of frequency in clinical trials: rash, rash generalised, rash pruritic, rash macular, rash maculo-papular, rash pustular, rash vesicular, and rash erythematous. In active- and placebo-controlled clinical trials (dapagliflozin, N=5936, All control, N=3403), the frequency of rash was similar for dapagliflozin (1.4%) and all control (1.4%), respectively.

*Reported in ≥ 2% of subjects and ≥ 1% more and at least 3 more subjects treated with dapagliflozin 10 mg compared to placebo.

**Reported by the investigator as possibly related, probably related or related to study treatment and reported in ≥ 0.2% of subjects and ≥ 0.1% more and at least 3 more subjects treated with dapagliflozin 10 mg compared to placebo.

§ Adverse reaction and frequency categories for metformin are based on information from the metformin Summary of Product Characteristics available in the European Union.

Description of selected adverse reactions

Dapagliflozin plus metformin

Hypoglycaemia

In studies with dapagliflozin in add-on combination with metformin, minor episodes of hypoglycaemia were reported at similar frequencies in the group treated with dapagliflozin 10 mg plus metformin (6.9%) and in the placebo plus metformin group (5.5%). No major events of hypoglycaemia were reported. Similar observations were made for the combination of dapagliflozin with metformin in drug-naïve patients.

In an add-on to metformin and a sulphonylurea study, up to 24 weeks, minor episodes of hypoglycaemia were reported in 12.8% of subjects who received dapagliflozin 10 mg plus metformin and a sulphonylurea and in 3.7% of subjects who received placebo plus metformin and a sulphonylurea. No major events of hypoglycaemia were reported.

Dapagliflozin

Vulvovaginitis, balanitis and related genital infections

In the 13-study safety pool, vulvovaginitis, balanitis and related genital infections were reported in 5.5% and 0.6% of subjects who received dapagliflozin 10 mg and placebo, respectively. Most infections were mild to moderate, and subjects responded to an initial course of standard treatment and rarely resulted in discontinuation from dapagliflozin treatment. These infections were more frequent in females (8.4% and 1.2% for dapagliflozin and placebo, respectively), and subjects with a prior history were more likely to have a recurrent infection.

In the dapagliflozin cardiovascular outcomes study, the number of patients with serious adverse events of genital infections were few and balanced: 2 patients in each of the dapagliflozin and placebo groups.

Cases of phimosis/acquired phimosis have been reported with dapagliflozin concurrent with genital infections and in some cases, circumcision was required.

Necrotising fasciitis of the perineum (Fournier's gangrene)

Cases of Fournier's gangrene have been reported postmarketing in patients taking SGLT2 inhibitors, including dapagliflozin (see section 4.4).

In the dapagliflozin cardiovascular outcomes study with 17,160 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and a median exposure time of 48 months, a total of 6 cases of Fournier's gangrene were reported, one in the dapagliflozin-treated group and 5 in the placebo group.

Hypoglycaemia

The frequency of hypoglycaemia depended on the type of background therapy used in each study.

For studies of dapagliflozin as add-on to metformin or as add-on to sitagliptin (with or without metformin), the frequency of minor episodes of hypoglycaemia was similar (< 5%) between treatment groups, including placebo up to 102 weeks of treatment. Across all studies, major events of hypoglycaemia were uncommon and comparable between the groups treated with dapagliflozin or placebo. In a study with add-on insulin therapy, higher rates of hypoglycaemia were observed (see section 4.5).

In an add-on to insulin study up to 104 weeks, episodes of major hypoglycaemia were reported in 0.5% and 1.0% of subjects in dapagliflozin 10 mg plus insulin at Weeks 24 and 104, respectively, and in 0.5% of subjects treated with placebo plus insulin groups at Weeks 24 and 104. At Weeks 24 and 104, minor episodes of hypoglycaemia were reported, respectively, in 40.3% and 53.1% of subjects who received dapagliflozin 10 mg plus insulin and in 34.0% and 41.6% of the subjects who received placebo plus insulin.

In the dapagliflozin cardiovascular outcomes study, no increased risk of major hypoglycaemia was observed with dapagliflozin therapy compared with placebo. Major events of hypoglycaemia were reported in 58 (0.7%) patients treated with dapagliflozin and 83 (1.0%) patients treated with placebo.

Volume depletion

In the 13-study safety pool, reactions suggestive of volume depletion (including, reports of dehydration, hypovolaemia or hypotension) were reported in 1.1% and 0.7% of subjects who received dapagliflozin 10 mg and placebo, respectively; serious reactions occurred in < 0.2% of subjects balanced between dapagliflozin 10 mg and placebo (see section 4.4).

In the dapagliflozin cardiovascular outcomes study, the numbers of patients with events suggestive of volume depletion were balanced between treatment groups: 213 (2.5%) and 207 (2.4%) in the dapagliflozin and placebo groups, respectively. Serious adverse events were reported in 81 (0.9%) and 70 (0.8%) in the dapagliflozin and placebo group, respectively. Events were generally balanced between treatment groups across subgroups of age, diuretic use, blood pressure and ACE-I/ARB use. In patients with eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 at baseline, there were 19 events of serious adverse events suggestive of volume depletion in the dapagliflozin group and 13 events in the placebo group.

Diabetic ketoacidosis

In the dapagliflozin cardiovascular outcomes study, with a median exposure time of 48 months, events of DKA were reported in 27 patients in the dapagliflozin 10 mg group and 12 patients in the placebo group. The events occurred evenly distributed over the study period. Of the 27 patients with DKA events in the dapagliflozin group, 22 had concomitant insulin treatment at the time of the event. Precipitating factors for DKA were as expected in a type 2 diabetes mellitus population (see section 4.4).

Urinary tract infections

In the 13-study safety pool, urinary tract infections were more frequently reported for dapagliflozin compared with placebo (4.7% versus 3.5%, respectively; see section 4.4). Most infections were mild to moderate, and subjects responded to an initial course of standard treatment and rarely resulted in discontinuation from dapagliflozin treatment. These infections were more frequent in females, and subjects with a prior history were more likely to have a recurrent infection.

In the dapagliflozin cardiovascular outcomes study, serious events of urinary tract infections were reported less frequently for dapagliflozin 10 mg compared with placebo, 79 (0.9%) events versus 109 (1.3%) events, respectively.

Increased creatinine

Adverse reactions related to increased creatinine were grouped (e.g. decreased renal creatinine clearance, renal impairment, increased blood creatinine and decreased glomerular filtration rate). This grouping of reactions was reported in 3.2% and 1.8% of patients who received dapagliflozin 10 mg and placebo, respectively. In patients with normal renal function or mild renal impairment (baseline eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73m2) this grouping of reactions were reported in 1.3% and 0.8% of patients who received dapagliflozin 10 mg and placebo, respectively. These reactions were more common in patients with baseline eGFR ≥ 30 and < 60 mL/min/1.73m2 (18.5% dapagliflozin 10 mg vs 9.3% placebo).

Further evaluation of patients who had renal-related adverse events showed that most had serum creatinine changes of ≤ 0.5 mg/dL from baseline. The increases in creatinine were generally transient during continuous treatment or reversible after discontinuation of treatment.

In the dapagliflozin cardiovascular outcomes study, including elderly patients and patients with renal impairment (eGFR less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2), eGFR decreased over time in both treatment groups. At 1 year, mean eGFR was slightly lower, and at 4 years, mean eGFR was slightly higher in the dapagliflozin group compared with the placebo group.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme: Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.

4.9. Overdose

Removal of dapagliflozin by haemodialysis has not been studied. The most effective method to remove metformin and lactate is haemodialysis.

Dapagliflozin

Dapagliflozin did not show any toxicity in healthy subjects at single oral doses up to 500 mg (50 times the maximum recommended human dose). These subjects had detectable glucose in the urine for a dose-related period of time (at least 5 days for the 500 mg dose), with no reports of dehydration, hypotension or electrolyte imbalance, and with no clinically meaningful effect on QTc interval. The incidence of hypoglycaemia was similar to placebo. In clinical studies where once daily doses of up to 100 mg (10 times the maximum recommended human dose) were administered for 2 weeks in healthy subjects and type 2 diabetes subjects, the incidence of hypoglycaemia was slightly higher than placebo and was not dose-related. Rates of adverse events including dehydration or hypotension were similar to placebo, and there were no clinically meaningful dose-related changes in laboratory parameters, including serum electrolytes and biomarkers of renal function.

In the event of an overdose, appropriate supportive treatment should be initiated as dictated by the patient's clinical status.

Metformin

High overdose or concomitant risks of metformin may lead to lactic acidosis. Lactic acidosis is a medical emergency and must be treated in hospital.