Indication

Diabetes

RAG rating

n/a

Document type

Prescribing support document

Place

Hertfordshire and West Essex ICB

Output type

Pharmacy / Prescribing

Document

Download

Dapagliflozin switch patient letter

 

Dear Patient

The NHS carries out regular reviews of medicines to make sure that patients continue to receive high quality and effective treatment that costs the NHS less.

The latest review involves a change in one of the medications on your prescription. The full details of the change are shown below, and this new medication will be given to you when you collect your next repeat prescription.

This new medication is from the same family as your old medication and contains a similar active ingredient. Please finish taking all the old medication you currently have before starting on the new dapagliflozin tablets. Please ensure you follow the dosage instructions carefully and be mindful that the appearance of the new medicine may be different from your previous medicine.

To obtain your next supply of medicines more efficiently, you can order a repeat prescription by logging into your account using the NHS app which may be downloaded from the NHS website.  We would also like to take this opportunity to remind you to only order the medicines you need each time you resubmit your repeat prescription request as this helps minimise medicine waste.    

The appearance of the new medicine will be different from your previous medicine. However, apart from this you should notice no difference. Dapagliflozin works in a similar way to the old medicine so you will continue to get the same benefit. The possible side effects are also similar although not everybody gets them. Further information is available in the patient information leaflet supplied with the medicine.

If you are concerned or wish to discuss the matter further, or notice any differences or side-effects with the change, please do not hesitate to contact the practice or your local community pharmacist.