Farxiga
PrescriptionWhat is Farxiga?
Farxiga is a prescription medication that contains dapagliflozin. It belongs to a class of drugs called SGLT2 inhibitors. These medications help manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes.
Farxiga also treats heart failure and chronic kidney disease in certain patients. The medication works by helping your kidneys remove excess sugar through urine. This reduces blood sugar levels without requiring insulin.
Your doctor will prescribe Farxiga based on your specific health needs. It comes as a tablet you take once daily. Most people take it in the morning with or without food.
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Common uses
- Type 2 diabetes management when diet and exercise alone are not enough
- Reducing the risk of hospitalization for heart failure in adults with type 2 diabetes
- Treating heart failure with reduced ejection fraction in adults
- Slowing kidney disease progression in adults at risk of disease progression
- Reducing the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization in heart failure patients
How it works
Farxiga blocks a protein in your kidneys called SGLT2. This protein normally helps your kidneys reabsorb sugar from urine back into your blood. When Farxiga blocks SGLT2, your kidneys remove more sugar through urine instead.
This process lowers blood sugar levels without forcing your pancreas to make more insulin. Farxiga also helps reduce fluid buildup in your body. This extra benefit makes it useful for treating heart failure and protecting kidney function.
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Dosage information
The typical starting dose is 5 mg taken once daily in the morning. Your doctor may increase your dose to 10 mg daily based on your response and condition being treated. For heart failure and kidney disease, the recommended dose is usually 10 mg daily. Your healthcare provider will determine the right dose for your specific situation.
Side effects
- Vaginal yeast infections in women
- Urinary tract infections
- Increased urination
- Thirst and dry mouth
- Nausea
- Back pain
Serious side effects include diabetic ketoacidosis, serious urinary tract infections, low blood pressure, and kidney problems. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience unusual fatigue, trouble breathing, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain. Rare cases of serious genital infections requiring surgery have occurred. Seek emergency care for fever, pain, or tenderness in the genital area.
Drug interactions
- Insulin or insulin-releasing medications may increase low blood sugar risk
- Diuretics or water pills may increase dehydration and low blood pressure risk
- Blood pressure medications may cause excessive blood pressure lowering
- Not recommended if you are on dialysis or have severe kidney disease
- May interact with lithium by increasing lithium levels in blood
- Tell your doctor about all medications including supplements and herbs
Blood test monitoring
Regular blood sugar monitoring is essential when taking Farxiga. Your doctor will check your hemoglobin A1C every 3 to 6 months to track long-term blood sugar control. Kidney function tests including eGFR and creatinine should be checked before starting Farxiga and regularly during treatment. These tests ensure the medication is safe for your kidneys and working properly. Your doctor may also monitor your blood pressure and electrolyte levels.
Related blood tests
Taking Farxiga? Monitor your levels.
- Track how your body responds
- Catch side effects early with blood work
- Share results with your doctor
Frequently asked questions
Rite Aid pharmacy services are returning soon. You can currently register your interest and learn about Farxiga while we prepare to serve you. Farxiga requires a prescription from your healthcare provider.
Farxiga begins lowering blood sugar within a few days of starting treatment. You may notice increased urination within the first few days. Full benefits for blood sugar control typically develop over 2 to 4 weeks of consistent use.
No, Farxiga is not approved for type 1 diabetes treatment. It is designed specifically for type 2 diabetes, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease. People with type 1 diabetes require insulin therapy.
You should monitor blood glucose, hemoglobin A1C, and kidney function regularly. Rite Aid offers blood testing with 200 plus biomarkers for $349 per year. This includes 2 tests per year to track these important health markers while on Farxiga.
Many people lose a modest amount of weight while taking Farxiga. The average weight loss is 4 to 6 pounds over several months. This happens because your body removes extra sugar and some water through urine.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember on the same day. If you remember the next day, skip the missed dose and take your regular dose. Never take 2 doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.
Alcohol can affect your blood sugar levels and increase the risk of side effects. Talk to your doctor about safe alcohol consumption while taking Farxiga. Limit alcohol intake and never drink on an empty stomach.
Yes, yeast infections are a common side effect of Farxiga, especially in women. The extra sugar in urine creates an environment where yeast can grow. Contact your doctor if you develop symptoms like itching, burning, or unusual discharge.
Farxiga can help slow kidney disease progression in many patients. However, it may not be suitable if your kidney function is severely reduced. Your doctor will check your eGFR before prescribing Farxiga and monitor it regularly.
You should continue following a healthy eating plan as recommended by your doctor. Stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Farxiga increases urination, so adequate fluid intake is important to prevent dehydration.