Treatment FAQ

what kind of treatment is farxiga

by Dr. Adan Herman III Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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FARXIGA is a prescription medicine used to: improve blood sugar control along with diet and exercise in adults with type 2 diabetes. reduce the risk of hospitalization for heart failure in adults with type 2 diabetes and known cardiovascular disease or multiple cardiovascular risk factors.

Precautions

What Conditions does FARXIGA Treat?

  • type 2 diabetes mellitus
  • heart failure with reduced ejection fraction
  • chronic kidney disease with albuminuria

What are conditions does Farxiga treat?

To make sure Farxiga is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

  • polycystic kidney disease;
  • liver disease;
  • bladder infections or other urination problems;
  • problems with your pancreas, including surgery;
  • alcoholism, or if you currently drink large amounts of alcohol; or
  • if you are on a low salt diet.

What is Farxiga used for and how does it work?

The most popular SGLT2 inhibitors today are:

  • Farxiga/Forxiga (dapagliflozin) - made by AstraZeneca
  • Invokana (canagliflozin) - made by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a division of Johnson & Johnson
  • Jardiance (empagliflozin) - made by Boehringer Ingelheim

What is the difference between Farxiga and Invokana?

Jardiance contains the active drug empagliflozin. Farxiga contains the active drug dapagliflozin. These drugs belong to the same class of medications: sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. They work by making your kidneys remove more sugar from your blood and eliminate it from your body in your urine.

What class of drug is Farxiga?

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What class of medication is Farxiga?

Farxiga (dapagliflozin) is an oral Type 2 diabetes medication. It belongs to a class of drugs called sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. It was the second drug approved in this class.

Is Farxiga a heart medication or a diabetes medication?

Farxiga belongs to a class of diabetes drugs called sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, which also includes canagliflozin (Invokana), empagliflozin (Jardiance), and ertugliflozin (Steglatro). All four drugs are already FDA-approved to treat type 2 diabetes.

What are the dangers of taking Farxiga?

The most common side effects of FARXIGA include: Vaginal yeast infections and yeast infections of the penis. Stuffy or runny nose and sore throat. Changes in urination, including urgent need to urinate more often, in larger amounts, or at night.

What is the difference between Farxiga and metformin?

By inhibiting the action of SGLT2, Farxiga blocks the reabsorption of glucose by the kidneys, promoting a loss of glucose in the urine and lowering blood glucose levels. Metformin works by decreasing the amount of glucose made by the liver and by improving insulin sensitivity in the liver, muscle, and fat cells.

What does Farxiga do for the kidneys?

Farxiga is a once-daily oral tablet that belongs to a class of medications called sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. It helps your kidneys get rid of extra blood sugar in the body.

Why does Farxiga cause heart failure?

For adults with heart failure, when the heart is weak and cannot pump enough blood to the rest of the body (HFrEF), FARXIGA is a prescription medicine approved to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure.

Can Farxiga reverse kidney damage?

In August 2020, results from the DAPA-CKD Phase III trial demonstrated that Farxiga achieved unprecedented reduction in the composite risk of kidney failure and CV or renal death in patients with CKD with and without T2D versus placebo.

Who should not take Farxiga?

Farxiga is not suitable for people with type 1 diabetes or to treat diabetic ketoacidosis. Farxiga causes an increase in urination which can lead to dehydration or a drop in blood pressure. Any dehydration or volume depletion should be corrected before starting Farxiga.

Can Farxiga cause kidney damage?

Farxiga causes you to lose more sodium and water in your urine than usual. This can sometimes lead to dehydration, a condition in which your body loses too much fluid. Dehydration can cause low blood pressure. It can also damage your kidneys and lead to acute (sudden) kidney failure.

What is the safest type 2 diabetes medication?

Most experts consider metformin to be the safest medicine for type 2 diabetes because it has been used for many decades, is effective, affordable, and safe. Metformin is recommended as a first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes by the American Diabetes Association (ADA).

Can I take metformin and Farxiga together?

Farxiga and metformin (Glumetza, Riomet) are commonly used together to treat type 2 diabetes. In clinical studies, taking Farxiga plus metformin reduced blood sugar levels, HbA1c, and weight more than when either drug was taken by itself.

Is Farxiga the same as Januvia?

Farxiga (dapagliflozin) can be used together with other diabetes medicines to help lower your blood sugar, but it can be expensive because it's brand name. Lowers your blood sugar. Januvia (sitagliptin) is a good add-on treatment if your blood sugars are not controlled and you don't want to use an injectable medicine.

How long does it take for Farxiga to work?

Farxiga (dapagliflozin) is a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor that is used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, heart failure and...

Does Farxiga cause weight loss?

Farxiga may lead to modest weight loss, even though it's not a weight loss drug. Clinical studies showed people taking Farxiga alone, at either 5 m...

Can Farxiga cause kidney damage?

Farxiga (dapagliflozin) may cause acute kidney injury. Signs to watch out for include urinating less or swelling in you legs or feet. Before starti...

What is Farxiga used for and how does it work?

Farxiga (dapagliflozin) is used to treat certain adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus, heart failure and chronic kidney disease. Farxiga is a sodiu...

Can Farxiga cause constipation?

Taking the drug Farxiga may lead to constipation in some people. The good news is that it doesn't seem to happen often. In studies, only around 2%...

How does Farxiga compare with Januvia or other alternatives?

Farxiga and Januvia are both medications taken to improve blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Both are taken by mouth once per day....

How does Farxiga work?

Farxiga’s mechanism of action (how it works) is to make your kidneys filter more sugar, sodium, and water from your blood and into your urine. Thes...

Is Farxiga prescribed for weight loss?

No, Farxiga isn’t prescribed for weight loss. But it does help your body to get rid of excess sugar. And this reduces the amount of sugar your body...

Does Farxiga cause hair loss?

No, Farxiga isn’t likely to cause hair loss. This side effect wasn’t reported in studies of the drug. If you have hair loss while taking Farxiga, t...

Can taking Farxiga lead to bladder cancer?

It’s not likely. A few cases of bladder cancer were reported in early studies of Farxiga. But there wasn’t enough information to know if the drug w...

Does Farxiga cause diarrhea?

No, you probably won’t have diarrhea with Farxiga. This side effect wasn’t reported in studies of the drug. Other drugs prescribed for treating typ...

What is Farxiga drug?

Farxiga contains the active drug dapagliflozin. It belongs to a group of drugs called sodium-glucose transport protein 2 inhibitors.

Why is Farxiga taken?

In people with chronic (long-term) kidney disease at risk of getting worse, Farxiga is taken to reduce the risk of:

How does Farxiga compare with Januvia or other alternatives?

Farxiga and Januvia are both medications taken to improve blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Both are taken by mouth once per day.

How does Farxiga work?

Farxiga’s mechanism of action (how it works) is to make your kidneys filter more sugar, sodium, and water from your blood and into your urine. These substances then pass out of your body when you urinate.

Does Farxiga cause hair loss?

No, Farxiga isn’t likely to cause hair loss. This side effect wasn’t reported in studies of the drug.

How many milligrams of Farxiga are there?

Farxiga comes as a tablet that you swallow. Two strengths are available: 5 milligrams (mg) and 10 mg.

What type of diabetes is Farxiga?

If you’re an adult with type 2 diabetes, heart failure, or kidney disease, your doctor may prescribe Farxiga. It’s a prescription drug that has different uses based on the condition it’s being taken to treat. For more information on these uses, see the “ What is Farxiga used for? ” section above.

Why is Farxiga approved?

Farxiga is approved to lower the risk of certain complications of chronic (long-lasting) kidney disease that may worsen. (For more information about this, see the section below called “ Farxiga uses .”)

Why is it important to dispose of Farxiga?

If you no longer need to take Farxiga and have leftover medication, it’s important to dispose of it safely. This helps prevent others, including children and pets, from taking the drug by accident. It also helps keep the drug from harming the environment.

Do Farxiga and metformin both cause weight loss?

Yes, both Farxiga and metformin (another drug used to treat diabetes) can cause weight loss. In clinical studies, people taking Farxiga lost up to about 7 pounds (3 kilograms) over 24 weeks of treatment. In clinical studies of metformin, mild weight loss has also occurred, usually from less than 1 pound (0.5 kilograms) up to about 8 pounds (4 kilograms).

Is Farxiga a diuretic?

No, Farxiga isn’t classified as a diuretic. Farxiga is in a class of medications called sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors.

Does Farxiga make you tired?

Tiredness isn’t a side effect that has occurred in studies of Farxiga. However, tiredness is a possible symptom of heart failure, which Farxiga is used to help manage.

Does Farxiga cause constipation?

Yes, it can. Some people who take Farxiga can have constipation. In clinical studies, this effect occurred in about 2% of people who took Farxiga.

How often do you take Farxiga and Jardiance?

Both Farxiga and Jardiance come as tablets that are taken by mouth once daily.

What is Farxiga used for?

Farxiga is an oral medication that is used alongside diet and exercise to lower blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes, often in addition to other medications. It may also be given to reduce the risk of worsening of renal function, end-stage kidney disease, and cardiovascular or renal death in people with chronic kidney disease (CVD). Side effects include an increased risk of genital and urinary tract infections.

What class is Farxiga?

Farxiga belongs to the class of medicines called SGLT-2 inhibitors.

How much does Farxiga 5 mg decrease HBA1C?

After 24 weeks of treatment, the average decrease in HbA1C from baseline for Farxiga 5mg was 0.8 and Farxiga 10mg was 0.9. The decrease in fasting plasma glucose from baseline was 24.1 for Farxiga 5mg and 28.8 for Farxiga 10mg. Combination treatment typically improved response.

How much glucose is excreted in urine after Farxiga?

In trials, dapagliflozin doses of 5mg or 10mg per day resulted in an average of 70 grams of glucose per day being excreted in the urine in patients with type 2 diabetes after 12 weeks of treatment.

How long does it take for Farxiga to reach maximum concentration?

The maximum concentration of Farxiga occurs within two hours of a dose. Although food can decrease the peak concentration of Farxiga, and prolong the time it takes to reach maximum concentrations, these changes are not considered to be clinically meaningful and Farxiga can be administered with or without food.

What is the effect of Farxiga on the genital area?

Treatment with Farxiga increases the risk of urinary tract infections, genital fungal infections , and a rare necrotizing infection called necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum (Fournier's gangrene), which causes pain, tenderness, redness, and swelling in the genital area.

How does dapagliflozin work?

Dapagliflozin works by blocking the sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) which is a protein located in the early proximal tubule of a nephron (a kidney cell), which is responsible for the reabsorption of glucose from the blood that flows through the kidneys (the glomerular filtrate) back into circulation.

What to do before taking dapagliflozin?

Before taking dapagliflozin, tell your doctor or pharmacistif you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

How does Dapagliflozin work?

Proper control of diabetesmay also lessen your risk of a heart attackor stroke. This medicationis also used in people with type 2 diabetesand heart diseaseto lower the risk of going to the hospital for heart failure. Dapagliflozin works by increasing the removal of sugar by your kidneys.

How to reduce lightheadedness and dizziness?

To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.

Can dapagliflozin cause bladder cancer?

Dapagliflozin can sometimes cause painful urination or pink/bloody urine that are usually signs of a urinary tract infection, but they may also be signs of a rare condition ( bladder cancer ). Bladder cancer may or may not be caused by dapagliflozi n. Tell your doctor right away if you develop these symptoms.

What are the side effects of farxiga?

What are the possible side effects of FARXIGA? FARXIGA may cause serious side effects including: Ketoacidosis occurred in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes during treatment with FARXIGA. Ketoacidosis is a serious condition which may require hospitalization and may lead to death. Symptoms may include nausea, tiredness, vomiting, ...

What to tell your healthcare provider before taking Farxiga?

Before you take FARXIGA, tell your healthcare provider: all of your medical conditions, including problems with your liver, bladder, or pancreas. if you have had, or have risk factors for, ketoacidosis (including type 1 diabetes, are eating less due to illness, surgery, or a change in your diet, are going to have surgery, or binge drink) ...

Can Farxiga cause low blood sugar?

Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can occur if you take FARXIGA with another medicine that can cause low blood sugar, such as sulfonylureas or insulin. Symptoms of low blood sugar include shaking, sweating, fast heartbeat, dizziness, hunger, headache, and irritability.

Can Farxiga cause yeast infection?

Vaginal yeast infections in women who take FARXIGA. Talk to your healthcare provider if you experience vaginal odor, white or yellowish vaginal discharge (discharge may be lumpy or look like cottage cheese), or vaginal itching

Can you take Farxiga with diabetes?

There have been reports of sudden kidney injury in people with type 2 diabetes who are taking FARXIGA. You may be at a higher risk of dehydration if you take medicines to lower your blood pressure, including water pills (diuretics); are age 65 or older; are on a low salt diet, or have kidney problems. Talk to your healthcare provider about ...

Can Farxiga harm a baby?

FARXIGA may harm your unborn baby. if you are breastfeeding, or plan to breastfeed. It is unknown if FARXIGA passes into your breast milk. about all the medicines you take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

What is Farxiga used for?

So, what is Farxiga used for? In short, doctors use Farxiga to treat patients with Type 2 diabetes to lower their blood sugar and their risk of heart problems. If you can find insurance to cover it or a website with a good bargain, it’s an accessible treatment. If not, it’s one of the more expensive diabetes drugs on the market to date.

What to ask your doctor about Farxiga?

If your doctor recommends Farxiga for you, ask about any discounts you can find, alternative medications , or potential drug interactions. And, if you found this article helpful, check out the Health section of our blog for more relevant content!

Does Farxiga reduce life expectancy?

All of the above things you see Farxiga used for can reduce life expectancy in diabetics. Farxiga helps with that.

Does Farxiga have generics?

Now, on to the thorny matter of cost. Farxiga, as of now, does not have a generic equivalent. If you get placed on this medication, you either need insurance that covers Farxiga by name or a discount from a website or company. If you try to purchase Farxiga without either of these, you’ll pay $600 or more.

What are the typical dosages of Farxiga?

The information below describes Farxiga dosages that are commonly recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you and follow their dosing instructions. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Is Farxiga used long term?

Yes, Farxiga is typically used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Farxiga is safe and effective for you, it’s likely that you’ll use it long term.

Dosage adjustments

Your doctor will monitor your kidney function throughout your Farxiga treatment, and they may adjust your dosage based on this. See “What is the dosage of Farxiga for someone with renal impairment?” just below in “Frequently asked questions” for details.

What is the dosage of Farxiga for someone with renal impairment?

Your dosage of Farxiga will depend on your kidney function. While you’re taking Farxiga, your doctor will measure your kidney function by calculating your estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). This number is a measurement of how quickly your kidneys make urine.

My doctor just raised my dose of Farxiga to 10 mg, but I still have some of the 5-mg tablets. Can I take two 5-mg tablets for my 10-mg dose?

It depends on if your doctor says this is OK. First, check that your medication hasn’t expired. If your 5-mg tablets haven’t expired, ask your doctor if you can use the 5-mg tablets until you get the 10-mg strength from your pharmacy.

What to do in case you take too much Farxiga

Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Farxiga. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers, or you can use their online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.

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How It Works

Dapagliflozin is used with a proper diet and exercise program to control high blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes.

May Treat: Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction · Chronic kidney disease with albuminuria · Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Drug Class: Antihyperglycemic - Sodium Glucose Cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) Inhibitors

Availability: Prescription Required

Pregnancy: Consult your doctor. This medication may be harmful to an unborn child.

Lactation: Consult a doctor before using

May Treat: Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction · Chronic kidney disease with albuminuria · Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Drug Class: Antihyperglycemic - Sodium Glucose Cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) Inhibitors

Availability: Prescription Required

Pregnancy: Consult your doctor. This medication may be harmful to an unborn child.

Lactation: Consult a doctor before using

Alcohol: Avoid intake while taking this medication

Driving: May cause drowsiness or dizziness. Use caution

Manufacturer: ASTRAZENECA

Precautions

  • Before use, important to read the Medication Guide
  • Know symptoms of and how to treat low blood sugar
  • May make you dizzy. Use caution when driving.

  • Before use, important to read the Medication Guide
  • Know symptoms of and how to treat low blood sugar
  • May make you dizzy. Use caution when driving.
  • Be careful not to stand up too quickly
  • Call MD if minimal urine thirsty/dizzy/pale skin.
  • Take as a single dose in the morning
  • Check blood glucose levels regularly
  • Diet and exercise will improve therapy response

Upsides

Downsides

Bottom Line

Tips

  1. Farxiga is a brand (trade) name for dapagliflozin which may be used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
  2. Dapagliflozin works by blocking the sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) which is a protein located in the early proximal tubule of a nephron (a kidney cell), which is responsible for the reabso...
  1. Farxiga is a brand (trade) name for dapagliflozin which may be used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
  2. Dapagliflozin works by blocking the sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) which is a protein located in the early proximal tubule of a nephron (a kidney cell), which is responsible for the reabso...
  3. Farxiga belongs to the class of medicines called SGLT-2 inhibitors.

Response and Effectiveness

  1. May be used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes alongside diet modification and increased exercise.
  2. Can also be given to reduce the risk of hospitalization for heart failure in people with type 2 diabetes who also have cardiovascular disease or risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
  3. Farxiga has also been approved for the treatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in people …
  1. May be used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes alongside diet modification and increased exercise.
  2. Can also be given to reduce the risk of hospitalization for heart failure in people with type 2 diabetes who also have cardiovascular disease or risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
  3. Farxiga has also been approved for the treatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in people either with or without type 2 diabetes at risk of progression. This approval is the most significant advan...
  4. Effective at reducing blood glucose levels, HbA1c, and it also reduces body weight.

Interactions

  • If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include: 1. Common side effects of Farxiga include low blood sugar levels, low blood pressure (especially when starting Farxiga), genital and urinary tract infections, a congested nose, back pain, increased urination, nausea, an…
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Further Information

  • Farxiga is an oral medication that is used alongside diet and exercise to lower blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes, often in addition to other medications. It may also be given to...
See more on drugs.com

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