What is Farxiga?
Farxiga (dapagliflozin) is a medication used primarily in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease (CKD). It works by inhibiting the protein that reabsorbs glucose in the kidneys , allowing excess glucose to be excreted in the urine. This can help lower blood sugar levels and improve other health markers.
The medication is marketed by AstraZeneca and is available in 5 mg and 10 mg tablets. It is generally well-tolerated, with common side effects including urinary tract infections and genital yeast infections.
In May 2020, Farxiga was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in adults with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). This followed promising results from a clinical trial , which showed that the medication improved outcomes for patients, including reducing the risk of hospitalizations and cardiovascular events.
While Farxiga is primarily used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, heart failure, and CKD, it is being studied for potential use in a range of other conditions, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and urinary tract infections.
It is important to note that Farxiga is not suitable for everyone and may interact with certain medications or medical conditions. It is important to speak with a healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Frequently Asked Questions about farxiga
It works by helping your kidneys remove sugar (glucose) from your blood through the urine, which decreases your blood sugar. It can also be used to lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and hospitalization for heart failure in people with type 2 diabetes.
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.
AstraZeneca launches full-cycle production of Forxiga in Russia.
For adults with type 2 diabetes, FARXIGA reduces the risk of landing in the hospital from heart failure in those with heart disease or risks for it and it improves blood sugar control along with diet and exercise.
For adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD), FARXIGA is a prescription medicine approved to reduce the risk of further worsening of kidney disease, end-stage kidney disease, death due to cardiovascular disease, and hospitalization for heart failure.
No, Farxiga isn't safe for people with all stages of kidney disease. If you have end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) or are receiving dialysis, you should not take Farxiga. ESKD (also called kidney failure) occurs when a person's eGFR (a marker of kidney function) is less than 15 mL/min.
Farxiga was originally approved in 2014 to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes in addition to diet and exercise. Farxiga received Fast Track, Breakthrough Therapy and Priority Review designations for the indication being approved today.
Years of research and testing are needed to ensure that brand-name drugs are safe and effective. This testing can make the drugs expensive. The manufacturer of a brand-name drug can sell the drug for up to 20 years. After that, other drug makers can create generic versions.
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.
The more common side effects of Farxiga can include:
- genital yeast infection.
- respiratory infections, such as the common cold or the flu.
- urinary tract infection.
- increased urination.
- back pain.
- nausea.
- increased cholesterol levels.
- constipation.
Farxiga is approved to treat 3 conditions: type 2 diabetes, heart failure and CKD. When it comes to CKD, it works for people with or without diabetes. “Farxiga is meant to slow the progression of chronic kidney disease and help prevent end-stage kidney disease,” says James J.
SGLT-2 inhibitors (applies to Farxiga) liver dysfunction
Sotagliflozin is not recommended for use in patients with moderate to severe hepatic impairment. Dapagliflozin has not been studied in patients with severe hepatic impairment and caution is recommended.
The absolute risk reduction (ARR) was 5.3% over the median time in study of 2.4 years. Farxiga also significantly reduced the relative risk of death from any cause by 31% (ARR=2.1%, p=0.0035) compared to placebo.
The bottom line
Farxiga is an SGLT2 inhibitor that's FDA approved to treat chronic kidney disease (CKD) in adults, among other uses. It can help prevent kidney function from worsening and lower the risk of heart-related complications.
Farxiga interacts with insulin, sulfonylureas, and glinides. It also interacts with diuretics and lithium. Some of these medications raise the risk of experiencing hypoglycemia or dehydration. Complications from Farxiga interactions can usually be avoided with proper monitoring and dose changes.
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.
