Farxiga (dapagliflozin) can be described as an prescription medication utilized in conjunction with exercise and diet to lower blood sugar levels in those suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). It is also used to lower the risk of heart and kidney-related complications in patients with certain medical health conditions. Farxiga is not recommended for treating type 1 diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with polycystic kidney disease.

What are the uses of Farxiga?

Farxiga (dapagliflozin) is a prescription sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor developed by AstraZeneca. It is a drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA):

Together with fitness and diet to increase blood sugar control for adults suffering from T2DM.
To lower the risk of hospitalization due to heart failure among adults with T2DM and/or existing cardiovascular disease or multiple risks for cardiovascular disease.
To decrease the risk of cardiovascular death (heart attack, stroke) and hospitalization for heart failure in adult patients with heart failure and a lower heart ejection (NYHA classification II-IV).
To reduce the chance of sustained estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline as well as end-stage kidney disease the death of a cardiovascular patient, as well as hospitalization for heart failure for adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) at risk of progression.

How does Farxiga function?

Farxiga can inhibit sodium-glucose transporter-2 (SGLT2) that is found in the kidneys of your body. By inhibiting SGLT2 the Farxiga inhibits the reabsorption of glucose from your kidneys back into the bloodstream, and thereby promotes urinary glucose excretion. Farxiga also lowers sodium reabsorption as well as both the preload and afterload of your heart, making it easier to pump blood throughout your body.

Which are the frequently prescribed doses of Farxiga?

5 mg tablet
10 mg tablet

How do you take Farxiga

Take Farxiga exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes for you. Don’t alter your Farxiga dosage without consulting your healthcare provider.
Review the full prescribing information and Medication guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking Farxiga and each time you refill.
Farxiga is taken in mouth each day, and in combination with food or no food.
Make sure you adhere to the prescribed diet and exercise regimen while taking Farxiga.
Farxiga can result in urine that test positive for glucose.
You may receive certain blood tests to measure your blood sugar levels and HbA1c levels before you start Farxiga as well as during the course of the course of your treatment.
If you are unable to take a dose, make sure you take it promptly. If it’s almost time to take your next dose, take a break from the missed dose and begin taking the medicine when you are scheduled for the next time. Do not take additional doses of Farxiga to compensate for missing a dose.
If you are taking too much Farxiga contact your healthcare professional or go to an emergency room immediately.

For information on the Farxiga assistance program visit this website..

Farxiga contraindications

Farxiga is not advised if:

Are prone to a serious hypersensitivity reactions to Farxiga or any of its inactive ingredients.
Are you a dialysis-related patient.

Farxiga warnings

Check for symptoms and signs of metabolic acidosis or ketoacidosis (nausea, vomiting abdominal pain or trouble breathing). Farxiga should be stopped, and ketoacidosis treatment started immediately after it’s detected.
Farxiga increases the risk of dehydration and diminution. Your doctor should check your kidney function prior to starting Farxiga, especially if you have kidney disease, are older or on loop diuretics. Inform your doctor about any symptoms or signs of kidney problems or depletion during Farxiga therapy (decreased urination dry mouth, excess thirst and increased heart rate, dizziness, fainting).
Monitor for signs and symptoms of urosepsis and pyelonephritis (urinary tract infections) and treat as needed.
The dosage of the insulin secretagogue, also known as insulin, may need to be reduced as you start Farxiga to reduce your risk of hypoglycemia (low the blood sugar).
Farxiga increases the risk of developing a fatal infected genital area (Fournier’s Gangrene) in both males and females. The patient should seek immediate treatment in the event of symptoms such as pain, tenderness, redness, and swelling, in the genital or perineal area in addition to fatigue and fever.
You must be monitored as well as treated for any genital mycotic infections (yeast infections) when taking Farxiga.
Before starting Farxiga inform your doctor whether you suffer from Pancreatitis (swelling of the pancreas) or had surgery on the pancreas.
Serious allergic reactions have occurred when taking Farxiga. It is advised to stop using Farxiga immediately and consult a physician if an allergic reaction occurs.
Based on animal research that has shown adverse kidney effects, Farxiga isn’t recommended during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.
It is not known whether or not Farxiga is present in human breast milk or what it could do to the infant breastfed if it is present. However, due to the possibility of serious adverse events in breastfed infants, using Farxiga is not recommended when breastfeeding.

Farxiga drug interactions

Utilizing Farxiga with other medications can interact and change how those function. This can increase the frequency and severity of certain adverse effects. Make sure your doctor is aware of any medications you are taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements. A few of the major interactions with drugs that can cause Farxiga include:

Diuretics can cause increased urinary frequency and volume that can cause volume depletion and hypotension (low blood pressure).
Secretagogues of insulin (sulfonylurea) and insulin Increases your risk of Hypoglycemia (low the blood sugar).

The side effects of Farxiga

Common side effects of Farxiga could include:

Urinary tract infections (UTI)
Female genital mycotic illnesses (yeast infection)
Common cold symptoms
Back discomfort
Increased urination
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
Increased risk of hypoglycemia when combined with insulin secretagogues, insulin
Allergies that cause serious reactions

Farxiga alternatives

If Farxiga is not right the way for you, consider other type 2 diabetes medications that your doctor may recommend. Other options for FDA-approved treatment include:

Jardiance (empagliflozin)
Invokana (canagliflozin)
Invokamet (canagliflozin/metformin)
Tradjenta (linagliptin)
Ozempic (semaglutide)

Is Farxiga superior to Glucophage (metformin)?

Farxiga belongs to a class of medicines known as SGLT2 inhibitors. It blocks the reabsorption of glucose into your bloodstream and boosts the amount of glucose excreted through urine.

Metformin is classified by the FDA as majoruanide. It makes it easier for your cells to absorb and use sugar. It also decreases the amount of sugar that you absorb from food and decreases the production of sugar in your liver. Metformin is the most popular choice for those suffering from the type 2 form of diabetes. Farxiga is often used as additional therapy or if you’ve had difficulty with other medications to treat diabetes. Farxiga could also help to protect against heart and kidney disease-related complications.

There are no studies that direct comparison of their effectiveness. In contrast, metformin has been shown to lower HbA1c levels by as much as 2percent, while Farxiga can lower it by 1percent.

Cost is a major distinction the price of Farxiga and metformin. Metformin is fairly inexpensive , and it costs about 8 dollars for one month’s worth of #60, 500mg tablets. Farxiga is much more expensive and costs around $550 for a month’s worth of #30 tablets with 10 mg.

Farxiga FAQs

Does Farxiga work for patients suffering from heart failure even if they do not already have Type 2 Diabetes?

Yes clinical trials have demonstrated that Farxiga works for patients with heart failure, whether or not they have type 2 diabetes.

How does Farxiga help with heart failure?

Farxiga assists in the treatment of heart failure by reducing sodium reabsorption and increasing excretion sodium. This decreases the stress for your heart which makes easy to flow blood across your body.

How can I lose weight using Farxiga?

Farxiga is not indicated for weight loss , however it is possible to lose weight when you take it. In clinical studies, people who took Farxiga shed up to 7lbs (3kg) within 6 months of treatment.
How long does Farxiga last inside the system?

Based upon a half-life of around 13 hours following a single dose taken by mouth of 10 mg of Farxiga and will be in the bloodstream for a less than 2.5 days.

What can I do to store Farxiga?

Farxiga must be stored at room temperature between the ages of 68 and 77 degrees (20degC or 25degC) away from light and moisture.

How long will it take to get Farxiga working?

Your blood glucose levels will fall in the initial week of the start of Farxiga.

Will my labs be to be monitored while taking Farxiga?

Your doctor can run blood and urine tests to determine your liver and kidney function as well as blood sugar levels, hemoglobin A1c and cholesterol level, and for ketones prior to you start Farxiga as well as while you’re taking it.

Is there a generic term for Farxiga?

Currently, there is not a generic for Farxiga currently available. But, you can buy brand-name medications like Farxiga with the help of NiceRx.