Farxiga (dapagliflozin) can be described as an prescription medication used along with exercise and diet to decrease blood sugar in those suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). It may also be used to lower the possibility of kidney-related complications for those suffering from specific medical health conditions. Farxiga is not recommended to treat type 1 diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis or chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients suffering from 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 approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA):
Together with diet and exercise , you can enhance blood glucose management for adults suffering from T2DM.
Reduce the risk of hospitalization due to heart failure in adults with T2DM and/or an established cardiovascular condition or multiple cardiovascular risk factors.
Reduce the chance of death from cardiovascular causes (heart attack stroke, heart attack) and hospitalization for heart failure in adults suffering from heart failure with a reduced the ejection percentage (NYHA classification II-IV).
To decrease the risk of sustained estimated glomerularfiltration rate (eGFR) decline End-stage kidney disease cardiac death, and hospitalization for heart failure among adult patients suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD) at the risk of progress.
How does Farxiga function?
Farxiga has been identified as an antagonist of sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) that is found in the kidneys of your body. By blocking SGLT2 it reduces the reabsorption by your kidneys of glucose filtered back into your bloodstream and, consequently, increases glucose elimination. Farxiga also lowers sodium reabsorption as well as both the preload and afterwards load in your heart making it more efficient to circulate blood throughout your body. Find out more on the Farxiga savings card here.
How do I determine the commonly prescribed doses of Farxiga?
5 mg tablet
10 mg tablet
How to use Farxiga
Take Farxiga exactly as your healthcare professional prescribes this medication. Don’t change your Farxiga dosage without consulting your healthcare professional.
Read the Full Prescribing Information and Medication Instructions from your pharmacist before you begin taking Farxiga and with each refill.
Farxiga is taken orally at least once per day, with or without food.
Stick to your prescribed diet and exercise routine when taking Farxiga.
Farxiga may trigger your urine test positive for glucose.
You may receive certain blood tests to measure your blood sugar and HbA1c levels prior before starting Farxiga and also 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 start taking the medication when you are scheduled for the next time. Do not take extra doses of Farxiga in order to make up for a missed dose.
If you take too much Farxiga you should contact your healthcare professional or visit the nearest emergency room right away.
Farxiga contraindications
Farxiga is not advised if:
Have a history of a severe hypersensitivity reaction to Farxiga or any of its active components.
Are you a dialysis-related patient.
Farxiga warnings
Be aware of signs and symptoms of metabolic acidosis or ketoacidosis (nausea vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, or trouble breathing). Farxiga should be discontinued and ketoacidosis treatment initiated when it is diagnosed.
Farxiga could increase the chances of suffering from dehydration as well as volume depletion. Your doctor should check the function of your kidney prior to starting Farxiga if you suffer from kidney disease, have a high risk of getting older, or are on loop diuretics. Notify your doctor of any signs or symptoms that suggest kidney problems or depletion in the course of Farxiga therapy (decreased the frequency of urination dry mouth, increased thirst and increased heart rate and dizziness, as well as fainting).
Check for symptoms and signs of urosepsis or pyelonephritis (urinary tract infections) and then treat the condition if it is indicated.
The dosage of insulin secretagogue (also known as insulin) may need to be reduced when you begin Farxiga to decrease the chances of suffering from hypoglycemia (low glucose levels).
Farxiga increases the risk of a life-threatening genital infection (Fournier’s Gangrene) in both males as well as females. It is imperative to seek treatment immediately in the event of symptoms such as the sensation of redness, tenderness, and swelling, in the perineal or genital area as well as fatigue and fever.
You should be closely monitored by a doctor for the presence of genital infections (yeast infections) when taking Farxiga.
Before you begin Farxiga inform your doctor that you suffer from Pancreatitis (swelling on your pancreas) or have undergone surgery for your pancreas.
There have been serious allergic reactions during the use of Farxiga. You should discontinue Farxiga immediately and consult a physician in the event of an allergic reaction.
Based on studies on animals showing adverse kidney effects, Farxiga is not recommended in the third and second trimesters of pregnancy.
It is not clear if Farxiga is found in breastmilk of humans, or how it will affect the infant who is breastfed if it’s present. But, due to the possibility of adverse events that are serious in breastfed infants, using Farxiga is not recommended during breastfeeding.
Farxiga drug interactions
Utilizing Farxiga along with other medications could interfere and alter how they operate. This can raise the severity and frequency of certain adverse effects. It is important to ensure that your doctor is aware of any medications you take, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines supplements, vitamins, and herbal supplements. The most significant drug interactions for Farxiga include:
Diuretics are a cause of increased the frequency and volume of urine, which can lead to low blood volume as well as hypotension (low blood pressure).
Secretagogues of insulin (sulfonylurea) and insulin increases your risk of having hyperglycemia (low the blood sugar).
Effects side-effects of Farxiga
A few common side effects that can be attributed to Farxiga could include:
Urinary tract infections (UTI)
Female genital mycotic infections (yeast infection)
Common cold symptoms
Back discomfort
Increased urination
Nausea
Weight loss
Constipation
Farxiga can cause serious side effects, including:
Ketoacidosis (increased ketones in urine or your blood)
Volume depletion
Fournier’s Gangrene
Hypoglycemia risk is increased when combined with insulin secretagogues, insulin
Serious allergic reactions
Farxiga alternatives
If Farxiga isn’t right the way for you, consider different type 2 diabetes drugs that your doctor may prescribe. Other options for FDA-approved treatment include:
Jardiance (empagliflozin)
Invokana (canagliflozin)
Invokamet (canagliflozin/metformin)
Tradjenta (linagliptin)
Ozempic (semaglutide)
Is Farxiga better than Glucophage (metformin)?
Farxiga is part of a class of drugs known as SGLT2 inhibitors. It blocks the reabsorption of glucose back into the bloodstream and boosts the amount of glucose excreted in your urine.
Metformin is classified by the FDA as biguanide. It is a drug that makes it easier for cells to take in and use sugar. It also decreases how much sugar you absorb from food and decreases the production of sugar in your liver. Metformin is considered the first option of treatment for people suffering from Type 2 Diabetes. Farxiga is typically used as an add-on therapy or if you have failed other medications to treat diabetes. Farxiga may also protect against heart and kidney disease-related complications.
There are no studies that directly compare their effectiveness. But, metformin has been shown to lower HbA1c levels by about 22%, while Farxiga decreases it by 1percent.
Cost is a major difference from Farxiga and Metformin. Metformin is comparatively affordable and is priced at around $ 8 for month’s worth of #60 tablets, 500mg. Farxiga is more expensive, costing around $550 for a month’s supply of #30 tablets with 10 mg.
Farxiga FAQs
Can Farxiga be used in heart failure patients even if they don’t suffer from type 2 diabetes?
Yes clinical trials have demonstrated that Farxiga works for those suffering from heart failure whether or not they have type 2 diabetes.
How can Farxiga assist with heart failure?
Farxiga aids in preventing heart failure by reducing sodium reabsorption , and increasing the excretion of sodium. This decreases the stress on your heart, making the process easier for you to move blood around your body.
Will I lose weight with Farxiga?
Farxiga is not recommended to lose weight, but you could lose some weight while taking it. Clinical studies have shown that patients taking Farxiga lost up to 7lbs (3kg) after 6 years of therapy.
How long does Farxiga last on the market?
Based on a half-life of almost 13 hours following a single oral dose of Farxiga 10mg and will be within the bloodstream less than 2.5 days.
How do I how do I store Farxiga?
Farxiga must be stored at room temperature , ranging from 65degF to 77degF (20degC to 25degC) free of light and moisture.
What is the time frame to get Farxiga working?
Your blood glucose levels will be declining within the first week of beginning Farxiga.
Are my labs being that are monitored while I take Farxiga?
Your doctor might perform urine and blood tests to determine your liver and kidney function as well as blood sugar levels, hemoglobin A1c levels, cholesterol levels, and ketones prior to you start Farxiga and during the time you are taking it.
Is there a generic name for Farxiga?
There is currently no a generic for Farxiga available on the market. But, you are able to buy brand-name medications like Farxiga by using NiceRx.
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- January 18, 2025 2:21 pm