Farxiga (Dapagliflozin)

Generic name: Dapagliflozin (Oral route)
Drug class: SGLT-2 inhibitors

Brand name

In the U.S.

Farxiga

Available Dosage Forms:

Tablet

Therapeutic Class: Hypoglycemic

Pharmacologic Class: Sodium Glucose Co-Transporter 2 Inhibitor

Uses for Farxiga

Farxiga is used along with a healthy diet and exercise to combat Type 2 Diabetes. It works through the kidneys to stop sugar absorption (blood sugar). This reduces blood sugar levels. Dapagliflozin doesn’t help those suffering from insulin-dependent Type 1 diabetics. Type 1 diabetics must take insulin injections.

Farxiga can also be utilized to reduce the risk of hospitalization due to cardiac failure among patients suffering from type 2 diabetes as well as cardiovascular (heart or blood vessels) disease, or other heart risk factors. It is also utilized to reduce the risk of death from cardiovascular disease and hospitalization among patients suffering from heart failure and a reduced Ejection Fraction (the heart has weakened and is unable to supply enough blood to the body’s other organs).

Farxiga can also be utilized to reduce the chance of developing kidney disease, end-stage kidney disease, death from cardiovascular causes and hospitalization for heart failure among patients suffering from chronic kidney disease¶.

Farxiga is only available upon prescription by your physician.

Before making use of Farxiga

In making a decision to use any medicine, the dangers of using the medication must be evaluated against the benefits it can do. This is a decision that you as well as your physician make. In this case, to be considered, the following factors should be assessed:

Allergies

Discuss with your physician If you’ve ever experienced an unusual reaction or allergic reaction to this medicine, or other medications. Be sure to inform your health specialist if you suffer from any other kinds of allergies, for example, dyes, foods preservatives, animal products, or other substances. For non-prescription medications, review the label or the ingredients on the package carefully.

Pediatric

Studies that are appropriate have not been conducted on the relation of age to the effect of Farxiga on the children’s population. The safety and effectiveness of dapagliflozin have not been established.

Geriatric

Studies that are appropriate up to now haven’t revealed specific geriatric issues that could hinder the effectiveness of dapagliflozin among elderly patients. However, patients who are elderly tend to suffer undesirable side effects (eg low blood pressure, for instance) that may warrant cautiousness in those taking dapagliflozin.

Breastfeeding

There aren’t enough research studies on women to determine the risk to infants when taking this medication while breastfeeding. Consider the benefits and the risk of using this medication while nursing.

Interactions between medicines

Certain medicines shouldn’t be combined in any way In other instances, two medicines can be taken together, even if interactions could occur. In these instances, your doctor might want to alter the dosage or make other precautions required. If you’re taking this medication it is crucial that you inform your healthcare provider that you are using any one of these medications mentioned below. The following interactions were chosen based on their potential importance and may not be all-inclusive.

Utilizing Farxiga in conjunction in conjunction with the following medicines is typically not recommended, however, it could be necessary for certain situations. If both medications are prescribed in conjunction and your doctor recommends a change in the dosage or frequency you take either of the medications.

Balofloxacin
Besifloxacin
Chloroquine
Ciprofloxacin
Enoxacin
Fleroxacin
Flumequine
Gatifloxacin
Gemifloxacin
Hydroxychloroquine
Lanreotide
Levofloxacin
Lomefloxacin
Moxifloxacin
Nadifloxacin
Norfloxacin
Octreotide
Ofloxacin
Pasireotide
Pazufloxacin
Pefloxacin
Prulifloxacin
Rufloxacin
Sparfloxacin
Thioctic Acid
Tosufloxacin

The combination of this medication in conjunction with one of the following drugs could cause an increased risk of some side effects. However, taking both medications could be the best option for you. If you are prescribed both medications in combination, your physician might alter the dosage or frequency at which you take one or both medications.

Acebutolol
Atenolol
Betaxolol
Bisoprolol
Carteolol
Carvedilol
Celiprolol
Esmolol
Labetalol
Levobunolol
Metipranolol
Metoprolol
Nadolol
Nebivolol
Oxprenolol
Penbutolol
Pindolol
Practolol
Propranolol
Sotalol
Timolol

Interactions with alcohol/food/tobacco/food

Certain medications are not recommended to be taken at or near the time of taking food, or eating specific kinds of food, as interactions can happen. The use of tobacco or alcohol together with certain medications can result in interactions. Discuss with your physician the interaction of your medication when you are taking it with alcohol, food, or tobacco.

Other medical conditions

The presence of any other medical conditions could affect the effectiveness of this medication. It is important to inform your physician if there are any other medical conditions particularly:

The history of alcohol abuse
Congestive heart failure
Hypovolemia (low blood volume)
A deficiency in pancreatic insulin is a risk factor for more serious adverse side consequences.

Dehydration
Genital yeast (fungus) conditions (eg balanitis, VVovaginitis) The history, the cause and
The term hypotension refers to the condition of having low blood pressure (low blood pressure)
The condition is known as ketoacidosis (high ketones and acidity in the blood) or
Kidney disease
Pancreas-related problems (eg pancreatitis)
History of urinary tract infections (eg, pyelonephritis urosepsis)
Vitamin B12 deficiency — Use with care. It could make the condition worse.

Diabetic ketoacidosis (high ketones and acidity in the blood)
Kidney disease, particularly severe (eg polycystic kidney diseases)
Patients on dialysis who are
Diabetes type 1 or Type 2 diabetes is moderate to severe kidney disease – Should not be administered to those suffering from these conditions.

Fever or Infection or surgery
Use with caution. These conditions could cause issues with the control of blood sugar.

Proper use of Farxiga

Farxiga should be used only as prescribed by your physician. Do not take more than you need or use frequently and do not take it for longer than what your doctor has prescribed. Do not alter the dosage unless it is prescribed by your physician.

This medication should include a Medication, Manual. Follow these directions attentively. Talk to your doctor if have any concerns.

Be sure to follow the meal plan your doctor has given you. This is the primary aspect of managing your diabetes and will assist in the effective use of the medication. Do your exercise regularly and test for the presence of sugar in your urine or in your blood according to the directions.

Inform your physician if you are following a low-salt diet or sodium-based one.

You can take this medicine either with or without food.

Dosing

The dosage of Farxiga can differ for different people. Follow the doctor’s instructions or the instructions printed on your prescription. The information below is only the doses that are typical of this medication. If you have a dose that is different don’t alter it until your doctor advises you to change it.

The quantity of Farxiga you are taking is determined by your strength medication. In addition, the number of doses that you are taking each day, the interval between doses and the duration of time that you use the medication are contingent on the medical issue for which you’re taking the medication.

For oral dosage form (tablets):
- Type 2 diabetes:
  - Adults – At first, take 5 milligrams (mg) every day. Your physician may alter your dosage as necessary and as tolerated.
  - Children–Use and dosage must be prescribed by your physician.
- To reduce the chance of being hospitalized for heart failure among patients with Type 2 Diabetes and Cardiovascular (heart or blood vessels) disease:
  - Adults – 10 milligrams (mg) every day.
  - Children–Use and dosage must be determined by your physician.
- To decrease the risk of dying from cardiovascular diseases and hospitalization for patients suffering from heart failure:
  - Adults: 10 milligrams (mg) every day.
  - Children–Use and dosage must be approved by your physician.
- Reduce the risk of getting worse renal disease end-stage kidney disease, death from cardiovascular causes and hospitalization for heart failure among patients with chronic kidney disease
  - Adults: 10 milligrams (mg) every day.
  - Children–Use and dosage must be determined by your physician.

Missed dose

If you are missing the dose of this medication be sure to take it as fast as you can. If it’s close to the time for the next dose, you can skip the missed dose, and go back to your normal dose schedule. Don’t take double doses.

Storage

Place the medicine in a tightly sealed bottle at room temperatures, and away from moisture, heat and sunlight. Avoid getting frozen.

Keep away from the children’s reach.

Avoid keeping outdated medicines or medicines that are no longer required.

Discuss with your doctor what you can do with any medication you don’t take.

Use caution when using Farxiga.

It is crucial to have your doctor monitor your progress regularly particularly during the initial few weeks you’re taking this medication. Urine and blood tests could be necessary to detect undesirable side effects.

Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting can be a result of the medication. It’s more likely to happen when you suffer from kidney disease, blood pressure that is low or taking diuretics (water pills). Drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day can aid. Drink plenty of water when your workouts or in the heat. Talk to your doctor in case you experience severe nausea, vomiting or diarrhea that doesn’t end. This could cause you to lose excessive water.

Ketoacidosis (high ketones and acid levels in the blood) can occur when you take this medicine. It is a life-threatening condition and requires medical attention immediately. The doctor might prescribe insulin, fluids, or carbohydrate replacement in order to manage this condition. Inform your doctor immediately when you experience nausea or vomiting difficulty breathing and urination, the thirst that is increased or stomach discomfort.

Inform your doctor if are experiencing bloody urine, a reduce the amount or frequency you have to urinate. You may also experience pain or difficult urine as well as lower back pain or side chills, pain, fever and rapid weight gain or swelling on the fingers, face or lower leg. These are signs of a kidney issue that is serious.

This medication may increase the chances of developing urinary tract infections such as Urosepsis or pyelonephritis. Consult your physician now if you are experiencing urinary discomfort, bloody or cloudy urine, difficulty, burning or painful urination in addition to the lower back, or side discomfort.

The medicine can cause vaginal yeast infection in women as well as yeast infections of the penis of males. It is more frequent in those with a background of genital yeast infections, or for men who aren’t circumcised. Women can experience Vaginal discharge or itching or smell. Men may experience swelling, redness, itching or pain around the penis or a discharge that has an unpleasant odour that comes due to the penis. Consult your physician promptly if you experience any of these signs.

This medication could cause a serious, rare bacterial infection, known as necrotizing fasciitis of perineum or Fournier’s Gangrene, that can result in damage to the tissue beneath the skin, in the region between and between the genitals and anus (perineum). Fournier’s gangrene can cause hospitalization, multiple operations, or even death. Talk to your doctor whenever you notice an unusually tired or feverish feeling, weakness, or redness, tenderness, or swelling in the area between your genitals and your anus.

This medication can cause hyperglycemia (low glucose levels). This is more frequent when taking this medication in conjunction with other diabetes medications (eg insulin, glipizide, insulin or Glyburide). The signs associated with low blood sugar need to be addressed before they cause you to fall ill. There are many different signs and symptoms associated with lower blood sugar levels. It is essential to know which symptoms you typically experience so that you can address it swiftly. A few signs that indicate low blood sugar are behaviours that appear like being drunk blurred vision, chills, confusion, pale, cold skin, difficulty in thinking, drowsiness or hunger, rapid heartbeat or headaches that persist nausea, shakiness, slurred speech, or fatigue or weakness. Consult your physician regarding the best way to treat low blood sugar levels.

Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) can occur when you don’t take enough or miss the dosage of your diabetes medication and overeat or don’t adhere to your diet regimen and you are suffering from an infection or fever or don’t exercise as often as you normally. The signs that indicate high blood sugar are blurred vision, sleepiness, dry mouth, dry and flushed skin, a fruity breath odor, an increase in frequency and frequency of urination, ketones present in the urine, a loss of appetite nausea or vomiting rapid and rapid breathing, fatigue or unusual thirst. If you notice signs of elevated blood sugar are present, you should check your blood sugar levels and consult your physician to get the proper treatment.

It is important that your dentist or doctor who treats you is aware that you’re taking this medication. The medicine could alter the results of some medical tests (eg the urine glucose test might not be precise). In addition, you might have be able to discontinue this medication at least three days before the day of the procedure.

Be sure to inform your doctor that you are expecting or are planning to be pregnant. If you are pregnant while you are taking dapagliflozin your doctor might switch you to a different medicine to regulate the blood sugar levels. Discuss with your doctor the best method to manage your blood sugar levels if you’re planning to get pregnant or are expecting.

Avoid using this medicine in conjunction with or recently received a medicine that reduces your immune system’s strength to treat kidney disease.

Do not take any other medications without discussing them with your physician. This includes prescription and non-prescription (over-the-counter OTC) medications as well as herbal or vitamin supplements.

Farxiga side effects

Alongside its necessary effects, some medicines may result in unwanted adverse effects. Although not all negative side effects are likely to be present, if they do occur, they might require medical attention.

Talk to your doctor immediately in the event that any of these adverse effects happen:

More commonly

Anxiety
Pain in the bladder
Bloody or cloudy urine
blurred vision
chills
cold sweats
confusion
cool, pale skin
reduced frequency or quantity of the amount of urine
Depression
uncomfortable to urinate, painful, or burning urinary tract
dizziness
fast heartbeat
the constant urge to urinate
headache
an increase in appetite
an increase in thirst
Vagina itching or itching of the genitals or vagina
Appetit loss
loss of consciousness
Side or lower back or side
nausea
nightmares
seizures
Shaking
Speech slurred
swelling of the fingers, face or lower legs
Vaginal discharge is thick and white with a mild or no scent
Trouble breathing
unusual weakness or fatigue
vomiting
weight gain

Less well-known

The smelly discharge of the penis
irritation in the skin in the penis
The penis is prone to rash.
redness, itching and swelling or redness of the penis

Rare

Cough
difficulty swallowing
dizziness, faintness or lightheadedness after rising abruptly from a sitting or lying or seated
dry mouth
fainting
an increase in heart rate
Large, hive-like swellings on the eyes, face mouth, lips and throat, hands feet, legs, or the genitals
lightheadedness
The swelling or puffiness of the eyelids and around the eyes the lips, face or the tongue
rapid breathing
itching, hives, or itching
sunken eyes
sweating
The chest is tight
wrinkled skin

Incidence unknown

Fever
Dry, flushed skin
fruity breath odor
loss of consciousness
Redness, tenderness, pain or swelling of the region between the anus as well as the genitals
stomach pain
Unexplained weight loss that is not explained

Certain side effects can be experienced but they usually don’t require medical treatment. These symptoms may disappear after treatment, as your body adapts. Additionally your health professional might be able to inform you how to prevent or minimize certain adverse effects. Talk to your doctor for any of these adverse effects persist or are troubling or if there are any concerns regarding these: