Farxiga (dapagliflozin) can be described as an approved prescription drug that is utilized in conjunction with exercise and diet to reduce blood sugar levels in those suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). It is also used to decrease the risk of kidney and heart-related complications for patients suffering from certain medical ailments. Farxiga is not recommended for treating the symptoms of type 1, diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis, as well as chronic kidney diseases (CKD) for patients suffering from polycystic kidney disease.
What can Farxiga be used for?
Farxiga (dapagliflozin) is a prescribed sodium-glucose cotransporter (SGLT2) inhibitor that is produced by AstraZeneca. It has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA):
Together with exercise and diet, it is possible to increase blood sugar control for adults suffering from T2DM.
To decrease the chance of hospitalization due to heart failure in adult patients with T2DM or with existing cardiovascular disease or multiple heart risk factors.
To decrease the chance of dying from cardiovascular disease (heart attack stroke, heart attack) and hospitalization due to heart failure in adults suffering from heart failure that has a reduced Ejection Fraction (NYHA Class II IV).
To decrease the chance of sustained estimated glomerularfiltration rate (eGFR) decline and end-stage kidney disease heart failure, and hospitalization due to heart failure in patients with chronic kidney diseases (CKD) at the risk of progress.
What is Farxiga function?
Farxiga acts as an inhibitor of the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) located in the kidneys of your body. By blocking SGLT2 it reduces the reabsorption of glucose from your kidneys back into the bloodstream, and, consequently, increases glucose elimination. Farxiga reduces sodium reabsorption, as well as the preload and postload that your heart experiences, making it more efficient to circulate blood throughout your body.
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Which are the frequently prescribed dosages of Farxiga?
5 mg tablet
10 mg tablet
How do you use Farxiga
Take Farxiga exactly according to the prescription your doctor has given the medication to you. Don’t alter your Farxiga dosage without consulting your doctor.
Check out the complete prescribing information and Medication guide that your pharmacist will provide you with before you begin taking Farxiga and at each refill.
Farxiga is consumed by mouth every day, either whether or not food is included.
Follow your diet and exercise routine when taking Farxiga.
Farxiga may make your urine be positive for glucose.
You could be able to undergo certain tests for your blood to determine your blood sugar levels and HbA1c levels prior to starting Farxiga and throughout the course of your treatment.
If you are unable to take a dose, you must take it right away. If it’s almost time to take your next dose, take a break from the missed dose and take it when you are scheduled for the next time. Do not take additional doses of Farxiga in order to fill in for a missed dose.
If you are taking excessive amounts of Farxiga contact your doctor or visit the nearest emergency room immediately.
Farxiga contraindications
Farxiga is not recommended if you:
Are prone to a serious hypersensitivity reactions to Farxiga or any of its active components.
Are you a dialysis patient.
Farxiga warnings
Be aware of signs and symptoms of ketoacidosis or metabolic acidosis (nausea vomiting, nausea abdominal pain, difficulty breathing). Farxiga should be stopped and ketoacidosis treatment initiated when it is diagnosed.
Farxiga could increase the chance of becoming dehydrated and causing volume loss. Your physician should examine your kidney function prior to starting Farxiga if you suffer from kidney disease, are older or taking loop diuretics. Inform your doctor about any symptoms or signs of kidney issues or depletion of volume in the course of Farxiga treatment (decreased urine output dry mouth, frequent thirst and heart rate increase and dizziness, as well as fainting).
Check for symptoms and signs of pyelonephritis and urosepsis (urinary tract infections) and treat as needed.
The dosage of insulin secretagogue, also known as insulin, may require a reduction when you begin Farxiga to lower the chance of developing hypoglycemia (low levels of blood sugar).
Farxiga increases the chance of developing a potentially fatal Genital infection (Fournier’s Gangrene) in both males as well as females. It is imperative to seek treatment immediately when you experience symptoms like redness, tenderness, pain and swelling in the perineal or genital area as well as fatigue and fever.
It is recommended to be watched as well as treated for any genital mycotic infection (yeast infections) when taking Farxiga.
Before beginning Farxiga inform your doctor whether you suffer from the condition of pancreatitis (swelling in your pancreas) or have undergone surgery for the pancreas.
Allergic reactions of severe severity have been reported when taking Farxiga. It is recommended to stop taking Farxiga immediately and consult a physician in the event of an allergic reaction.
Based on research in animals that have shown negative effects on kidneys, Farxiga is not recommended in the third or second trimesters of pregnancy.
It isn’t known whether Farxiga can be found within human milk, or what it could do to the infant who is breastfed if it’s present. But, due to the risk of serious adverse reactions in breastfed infants, using Farxiga is not advised while breastfeeding.
Farxiga drug interactions
The combination of Farxiga together with other medications may alter the way they perform. It can also increase the severity and frequency of some side consequences. Be sure that your physician is aware of every medication you are taking, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines as well as vitamins and herbal supplements. The most significant drug interactions for Farxiga are:
Diuretics can cause increased urine volume and frequency that can cause the loss of volume and hypotension (low blood pressure).
Secretagogues of insulin (sulfonylurea) also known as insulin – increases your risk of having Hypoglycemia (low levels of blood sugar).
The side effects of Farxiga
Common side effects of Farxiga can include:
Urinary tract infections (UTI)
Genital mycotic infections in females (yeast infection)
Common cold symptoms
Back back pain
Urinary frequency increases
Nausea
Weight loss
Constipation
Farxiga can cause serious side effects, including:
The condition is known as ketoacidosis (increased ketones in your urine or blood)
Volume depletion
Fournier’s Gangrene
Higher risk of hypoglycemia combined with insulin secretagogues, insulin
Severe allergic reactions
Farxiga alternatives
If Farxiga isn’t right to you, then there’s several different type 2 diabetes drugs that your doctor 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 is part of a class of drugs known as SGLT2 inhibitors. It decreases the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream, and also increases the excretion of glucose through urine.
Metformin can be classified as majoruanide. It makes it easier for your cells to absorb and utilize sugar. It also decreases how much sugar that you absorb from your diet and reduces the production of liver sugar. Metformin is the most popular option for treating patients who suffer from Type 2 Diabetes. Farxiga is typically used as an treatment as an add-on or in the event that you’ve failed to take other medications for diabetes. Farxiga can also help protect you from heart and kidney disease-related complications.
There aren’t any studies that directly evaluate their efficacy. But, metformin has been shown to reduce HbA1c levels by up to 22%, while Farxiga reduces it by 1percent.
The price is the biggest distinction in price between Farxiga as well as metformin. Metformin is comparatively affordable and is priced at around 8 dollars for one month’s worth of #60 tablets, 500mg. Farxiga is more expensive and costs around $500 for one month’s worth of #30 tablets, 10 mg.
Farxiga FAQs
Does Farxiga work for patients with heart failure if they do not suffer from type 2 diabetes?
Yes clinical trials have proven that Farxiga is effective for those suffering from heart failure whether or not they have type 2 diabetes.
What is the role of Farxiga in heart failure?
Farxiga aids in preventing heart problems by reducing sodium reabsorption , and increasing the excretion of sodium. This eases the burden the heart has to bear, which makes the process easier for you to move blood around your body.
Can I shed weight using Farxiga?
Farxiga is not recommended to lose weight, but it is possible to lose weight when you take it. In clinical trials, patients who took Farxiga shed up to seven pounds (3kg) after six months treatment.
How long will Farxiga remain within the body?
Based on a half-life of nearly 13 hours after a single dose taken by mouth of 10 mg of Farxiga It will stay within the bloodstream a just over 2.5 days.
How can I keep Farxiga?
Farxiga is best stored at room temperature , ranging from 68 degF and 77 degF (20degC up to 25degC) far from humidity and light.
How long will it take for Farxiga to begin working?
The blood glucose levels of your patients should begin to decrease in the initial week after beginning Farxiga.
Do I need to have my labs to be monitored while taking Farxiga?
Your doctor can conduct urine and blood tests to test the kidney and liver function as well as blood sugar levels, hemoglobin A1c levels, cholesterol levels, and ketones prior to you begin Farxiga and during the time you are taking it.
Is there a generic term for Farxiga?
There is currently no an alternative to Farxiga that is available. But, you can get brand name drugs such as Farxiga by using NiceRx.