Farxiga (dapagliflozin) can be described as an prescription medication utilized in conjunction with diet and exercise to decrease blood sugar in patients suffering from type 2 diabetic mellitus (T2DM). It also helps to lower the risk of heart and kidney-related complications in patients with certain medical conditions. Farxiga is not indicated to treat type 1 diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis, as well as chronic kidney diseases (CKD) in patients suffering from polycystic kidney disease.
What is Farxiga used for?
Farxiga (dapagliflozin) is a prescribed sodium-glucose cotransporter (SGLT2) inhibitor manufactured by AstraZeneca. It has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA):
Combining fitness and diet to improve blood glucose control for adults with T2DM.
To lower the risk of hospitalization for heart failure in adults with T2DM or with established cardiovascular disease or other risks for cardiovascular disease.
To decrease the chance of dying from cardiovascular disease (heart attack, stroke) and hospitalization for heart failure among adults with heart failure with reduced Ejection Fraction (NYHA class II-IV).
To reduce the possibility of sustained estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline as well as end-stage kidney disease cardiovascular death, and hospitalization due to heart failure in adult patients suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD) at risk of progression.
How does Farxiga work?
Farxiga has been identified as an antagonist of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) located in the kidneys of your body. By blocking SGLT2 it reduces the reabsorption by your kidneys of glucose filtered back into the bloodstream, and thus promotes glucose elimination. Farxiga also lowers sodium reabsorption, as well as the preload and afterwards load in your heart which makes it easier for it to pump blood throughout your body.
Which are the commonly prescribed doses of Farxiga?
5 mg tablet
10 mg tablet
How to take Farxiga
Take Farxiga exactly as prescribed by your physician this medication. Don’t alter your Farxiga dose without talking to your doctor.
Review the full prescribing information and Medication Information that your pharmacist will provide you with before you start taking Farxiga and each time you refill.
Farxiga is consumed by mouth each day, and regardless of food.
Follow your nutrition and exercise plan while taking Farxiga.
Farxiga can trigger your urine detect glucose.
You could be able to undergo certain tests of your blood to assess your blood sugar levels and HbA1c levels before you start Farxiga as well as during the course of your treatment.
If you are unable to take a dose, you must take it right away. If it’s almost time for your next dose, avoid the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Don’t take any additional doses of Farxiga to make up for a missed dose.
If you take too much Farxiga contact your physician or go to your nearest emergency room immediately.
Farxiga contraindications
Farxiga is contraindicated if you:
Are prone to a serious hypersensitivity reaction to Farxiga , or any of its active components.
Are you a dialysis user.
Farxiga warnings
Be aware of signs and symptoms of ketoacidosis or metabolic acidosis (nausea vomiting, nausea abdominal pain, trouble breathing). Farxiga should be discontinued and ketoacidosis treatment initiated when it is diagnosed.
Farxiga may increase your chance of becoming dehydrated and causing volume diminution. Your physician should examine your kidney function prior to starting Farxiga if you suffer from kidney disease, are old or on loop diuretics. Notify your doctor of any symptoms or signs of kidney disease or volume loss in the course of Farxiga treatment (decreased urine output dry mouth, increased thirst and heart rate increase dizziness, fainting).
Examine for signs and symptoms of pyelonephritis and urosepsis (urinary tract infections) and treat as needed.
The dose of the insulin secretagogue (also known as insulin) may need to be reduced as you start Farxiga to decrease the chance of developing hypoglycemia (low levels of blood sugar).
Farxiga increases the chance of developing a potentially fatal infected genital area (Fournier’s Gangrene) in both males and females. You should be treated immediately in the event of symptoms like discomfort, tenderness, redness and swelling in the genital or perineal area as well as fatigue and fever.
You must be monitored and treated to prevent genital mycotic infection (yeast infections) while taking Farxiga.
Before you begin Farxiga inform your doctor whether you suffer from Pancreatitis (swelling that is affecting the pancreas) or have been through surgery to remove the pancreas.
There have been serious allergic reactions when taking Farxiga. It is recommended to stop taking Farxiga immediately and seek medical advice in the event of an allergic reaction.
Based on studies on animals showing adverse effects on the kidney Farxiga should not be used during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.
It isn’t known the presence of Farxiga in human breast milk or how it might affect the breastfed infant if it’s present. However, due to the possibility of adverse events that are serious in breastfed infants, use of Farxiga is not recommended when breastfeeding.
Farxiga drug interactions
When you take Farxiga alongside other medications may interfere and alter how they perform. It could also increase the frequency and severity of certain side effects. It is important to ensure that your doctor is aware of any medications you take, which includes prescription drugs, prescription and over-the counter medications vitamin supplements, as well as herbal supplements. A few of the major interactions with drugs that can cause Farxiga are:
Diuretics can cause increased urine frequency and volume which can result in the loss of volume and hypotension (low blood pressure).
Secretagogues of insulin (sulfonylurea) or insulin increases your risk of having hyperglycemia (low levels of blood sugar).
Click here for the Farxiga patient assistance program.
Side effects of Farxiga
Some common side effects of Farxiga can include:
Urinary tract infections (UTI)
Female genital mycotic diseases (yeast infection)
Common cold symptoms
Back back pain
Uterine frequency has increased
Nausea
Weight loss
Constipation
Farxiga can cause serious side effects, including:
The condition is known as ketoacidosis (increased ketones in urine or your blood)
Volume depletion
Fournier’s Gangrene
Hypoglycemia risk is increased when is used in conjunction with insulin secretagogues, insulin
Very serious allergic reactions
Farxiga alternatives
If Farxiga is not right to you, then there’s several other types of diabetes medications that your healthcare professional can recommend. Alternative treatment options approved by FDA include:
Jardiance (empagliflozin)
Invokana (canagliflozin)
Invokamet (canagliflozin/metformin)
Tradjenta (linagliptin)
Ozempic (semaglutide)
Is Farxiga superior to Glucophage (metformin)?
Farxiga belongs to a class of medications called SGLT2 inhibitors. It blocks the reabsorption of glucose into the bloodstream. It also boosts glucose excretion in your urine.
Metformin is classified as majoruanide. It is a drug that makes it easier for cells to take in and utilize sugar. It also decreases how much sugar that you absorb from food , and also reduces the production of liver sugar. Metformin is often considered to be the first choice of treatment for patients with Type 2 Diabetes. Farxiga is typically used as an additional therapy or if you have failed other diabetes medication. Farxiga can also help protect you from heart and kidney disease-related complications.
There are no studies that directly compare their effectiveness. However, metformin has been shown to reduce HbA1c levels up to 22%, while Farxiga decreases it by 1 %.
Price is a big difference between Farxiga and Metformin. Metformin is reasonably inexpensive and costs around eight dollars per month for the supply of #60, 500mg tablets. Farxiga is much more expensive with a price of $550 for a month’s worth of #30 tablets with 10 mg.
Farxiga FAQs
Can Farxiga be used in heart failure patients if they do not possess type 2 diabetes?
Yes Clinical trials have proved that Farxiga is effective for people suffering from heart failure who have or do not have type 2 diabetes.
How does Farxiga help with heart failure?
Farxiga assists in the treatment of heart problems by reducing sodium absorption and increasing the excretion of sodium. This helps reduce the strain on your heart, which makes it easier to circulate blood throughout your body.
How can I lose weight using Farxiga?
Farxiga is not a prescription to lose weight, but you might lose weight when you take it. Clinical studies have shown that patients taking Farxiga lost as much as 7lbs (3kg) within 6 years of therapy.
How long will Farxiga remain within the body?
Based on a half-life of nearly 13 hours following an oral dose of 10 mg of Farxiga It will stay throughout the body for less than 2.5 days.
How do I how do I store Farxiga?
Farxiga should be kept at room temperature between 65degF to 77degF (20degC between 25 and 25degC) free of humidity and light.
How long does it take for Farxiga’s work to begin?
The blood glucose levels of your patients should begin to decrease within the first week of beginning Farxiga.
Will I have labs closely monitored while taking Farxiga?
The doctor will run urine or blood tests to determine the function of your kidneys and liver as well as blood sugar levels, hemoglobin A1c level, cholesterol levels, and ketones in your blood before you start Farxiga and during the time you are taking it.
Does anyone know of a generic version for Farxiga?
Presently, there’s not any generic version of Farxiga that is available. But, you are able to save on brand-name drugs like Farxiga by using NiceRx.