Farxiga® (Dapagliflozin) 10 mg, 28 tablets

What is Farxiga® (Dapagliflozin) 10 mg?

Farxiga® (Dapagliflozin) 10 mg is a medication designed for adults with type 2 diabetes, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease.

Each tablet includes 10 mg of dapagliflozin, which works by helping the body remove excess glucose through urine, thereby reducing blood sugar levels.

This process not only aids in diabetes management but also provides protective benefits for the heart and kidneys in eligible patients.

Typically taken once a day, Farxiga® can be used alone or alongside other diabetes treatments, as recommended by a healthcare provider.

What Are the Main Uses of Farxiga®?

Farxiga® is indicated for the treatment of the following conditions:

1. Type 2 Diabetes: Helps lower blood glucose in patients whose levels are not sufficiently controlled by diet and exercise alone.
2. Heart Failure: Reduces the risk of hospitalization and improves symptoms of chronic heart failure in adults.
3. Chronic Kidney Disease: Slows the progression of kidney disease, especially in people with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney conditions.

Who Should Avoid Taking Farxiga®?

Farxiga® is contraindicated for certain individuals, including those with:

• Type 1 diabetes or a history of diabetic ketoacidosis
• Severe kidney impairment with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) below 25 ml/min/1.73 m²
• Liver dysfunction or lactose intolerance
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women, as safety data is not available

It is recommended that patients consult their healthcare provider before starting treatment, particularly if they have conditions that may interact with dapagliflozin.

How Should Farxiga® Be Taken?

The recommended dosage is 10 mg once daily, taken whole, with or without food.

• For type 2 diabetes: The standard dose is 10 mg once daily.
• For heart failure and chronic kidney disease: A dose of 10 mg once per day is also recommended.
• When used with insulin or insulin-stimulating drugs like sulfonylureas, dose adjustments of these medications may be necessary to prevent hypoglycemia.

How Should Farxiga® Be Stored?

To ensure the medication remains effective, store Farxiga® at temperatures below 30°C (86°F), in a dry, dark location out of children’s reach. Do not use the product after the expiration date.

What Are the Potential Side Effects of Farxiga®?

Farxiga® is generally well-tolerated but may cause some side effects:

• Very common: Hypoglycemia, especially when used with insulin or sulfonylureas.
• Common: Urinary tract infections, yeast infections, dizziness, rash, and back pain.
• Less common: Fungal infections, dry mouth, reduced blood volume, hypotension, and thirst.
• Rare: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA); symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain, extreme thirst, and labored breathing require immediate medical attention.
• Very rare: Necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum (Fournier’s gangrene), a severe infection needing urgent medical intervention.

What Precautions Should Be Taken While Using Farxiga®?

Certain patients require special attention when using Farxiga®. Key precautions include:

• Monitor blood pressure: Farxiga® can cause dehydration and low blood pressure, especially in patients taking diuretics.
• Observe kidney and liver function: Since effectiveness may vary based on kidney and liver health, it’s essential to monitor these functions.
• Risk of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA): Though rare, DKA is a potential risk, especially in patients with limited food intake or dehydration risk. If DKA symptoms occur, dapagliflozin treatment should be stopped immediately.
• Urinary tract infections: Increased glucose excretion may raise the risk of UTIs, and serious infections may require temporary discontinuation of Farxiga®.

How Does Farxiga® Interact with Other Medications?

Farxiga® may interact with certain medications, so it is essential to consider these to enhance safety and avoid side effects:

• Diuretics: Farxiga® enhances the diuretic effect, which increases the risk of dehydration and hypotension.
• Insulin and insulin stimulators: These medications may increase the risk of hypoglycemia, so dose adjustments may be necessary.
• Lithium preparations: Farxiga® can lower blood lithium levels, requiring additional lithium monitoring when starting or changing the dose of dapagliflozin.

What Should You Do in Case of an Overdose or Missed Dose?

• Overdose: Dapagliflozin is safe in doses up to 500 mg, which is significantly higher than the recommended dose. Supportive therapy is advised in case of an overdose.
• Missed dose: If it’s more than 12 hours before the next dose, the missed dose can be taken once remembered. If less than 12 hours remain, skip the missed dose and take the next one as scheduled.