What the new generic diabetes and heart medicine means for you: dapagliflozin explained

What are SGLT2 inhibitors?

SGLT2 inhibitors work by helping the kidneys remove excess glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream through urine. This not only helps lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) but also appears to reduce stress on the heart and kidneys.

Over time, clinical studies have shown that SGLT2 inhibitors don’t just improve blood sugar control but they can also reduce hospital admissions for heart failure, slow kidney disease progression, and lower the risk of early death in people with these conditions.

Dapagliflozin was the first medicine in this class to be licensed in the UK. Since then, it has become the most commonly prescribed SGLT2 inhibitor in England, followed by empagliflozin.

What’s changing?

NHS England has confirmed that generic dapagliflozin is now available following the expiry of the original brand’s patent.

This means GPs and hospitals can prescribe the medicine at a fraction of the cost, while still providing patients with exactly the same treatment. The tablets contain the same active ingredient, dose, and clinical effect — the only difference is the manufacturer’s name and packaging.

The NHS estimates that switching to generics could save £560 million nationally over the next two years, with a further £266 million in additional savings possible if eligible patients currently taking other SGLT2 inhibitors are switched to dapagliflozin.

Those savings will be reinvested in patient care across the NHS, improving access to new medicines, supporting specialist teams, and funding prevention programmes.

Will my medication change?

If you already take dapagliflozin, you might notice that your prescription or tablet packaging looks different in future, that’s because your pharmacy may begin dispensing the generic version instead of the brand.

You don’t need to do anything. The medicine will work in exactly the same way.

If you currently take a different SGLT2 inhibitor (such as empagliflozin, canagliflozin, or ertugliflozin) your doctor may discuss whether it’s appropriate to switch. This will depend on your individual health, your response to treatment, and any other medicines you take.

Any switch will be based on shared decision-making between you and your healthcare professional, ensuring you’re fully informed and comfortable with any change.

Why does the NHS promote generic medicines?

Generic medicines contain the same active ingredients and work in the same way as branded versions. They are rigorously regulated by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to ensure identical quality, safety, and effectiveness.

Using generics helps the NHS achieve better value for money, improves supply resilience (since multiple manufacturers can produce the same medicine), and allows funding to be directed to other areas of care.

According to NHS England, the introduction of generic dapagliflozin offers an opportunity to improve outcomes for patients while ensuring the NHS delivers maximum value.

What conditions can dapagliflozin treat?

Generic dapagliflozin is now approved and recommended for people with:

• Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) – including those who also have kidney or heart problems

• Heart failure (HF) – to improve symptoms and reduce hospitalisations

However, for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who do not have diabetes, the branded version of dapagliflozin will remain in use for now. This is because a new medical patent still covers its use in that specific group.

What does this mean for patients?

The launch of generic dapagliflozin is not just about cost, it’s also about expanding access.

Data from national audits show that fewer than half of people eligible for SGLT2 inhibitors are currently prescribed them. With generic versions now available at lower cost, NHS England hopes that more people will be able to benefit from this life-changing treatment.

For patients, it means the same trusted medicine at lower cost to the NHS, and more opportunities for doctors to offer SGLT2 inhibitors to those who could benefit - particularly people with both diabetes and heart disease.

What should I do?

If you’re currently prescribed dapagliflozin, keep taking it as directed. You don’t need to request a change, your GP or pharmacist will update your prescription automatically when appropriate.

If you’re taking another SGLT2 inhibitor and would like to know whether a switch might be right for you, talk to your GP, diabetes nurse, or pharmacist. They can explain the options and help you make an informed choice.

Never stop or change your medication without medical advice.

In summary

The arrival of generic dapagliflozin marks a major milestone in the NHS’s ongoing effort to make modern medicines more affordable and accessible. For patients, it’s good news: the same treatment, the same benefits - and a healthier future for both you and the health system that supports you.