What is Farxiga?
Farxiga is a medication used for controlling blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus, particularly in conjunction with diet and exercise. Dapagliflozin, the active ingredient in Farxiga, helps the kidneys eliminate glucose from the bloodstream. This medication is not meant for treating type 1 diabetes.
Farxiga is also used to reduce the risk of death from heart attack, stroke, or heart failure in adults with type 2 diabetes who also have heart disease. In addition, it is used to reduce the risk of needing hospitalization for heart failure in adults with type 2 diabetes who also have heart disease. For adults with chronic kidney disease, Farxiga can also lower the risk of further worsening of kidney disease, end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), death due to cardiovascular disease, and hospitalization for heart failure.
However, there are some precautions that one should take while using Farxiga. If an individual has diabetic ketoacidosis, severe kidney disease, or is on dialysis, then they should avoid using Farxiga. If one experiences vomiting or diarrhea, eats or drinks less than usual, or feels weak or dizzy after using Farxiga, they should inform their doctor immediately.
Farxiga can also cause severe infections in the penis or vagina, which can lead to burning, itching, odor, discharge, pain, tenderness, redness, or swelling in the genital or rectal area. If one has any of these symptoms or fever, they should consult a doctor immediately.
Before taking Farxiga, an individual should inform their doctor if they have ever had polycystic kidney disease, liver disease, bladder infections or other urination problems, problems with their pancreas, alcoholism, or if they are on a low salt diet. If an individual is pregnant or becomes pregnant while using Farxiga, they should follow their doctor’s instructions on controlling diabetes during pregnancy.
To take Farxiga, follow the instructions on the prescription label and medication guides or instruction sheets. The individual may take Farxiga with or without food. Blood sugar needs to be checked frequently, and the level of ketones in the urine also needs to be tested. Stress, illness, surgery, exercise, alcohol use, and skipping meals can affect blood sugar levels. Low blood sugar can make one feel very hungry, dizzy, irritable, or shaky, and severe hypoglycemia may require glucagon injection. If one is sick with vomiting or diarrhea or eats or drinks less than usual, they may get dehydrated and should inform their doctor. Finally, this medication may affect the results of certain medical tests, so inform any doctor who treats you that you are using Farxiga.
