What is Farxiga used for?

In this article:

• FDA-approved Farxiga uses
• Off-label uses of Farxiga
• Farxiga side effects, warnings, and interactions

In this article

• FDA-approved Farxiga uses
• Off-label uses of Farxiga
• Farxiga side effects, warnings, and interactions

Farxiga is a prescription drug that is part of a class of medications known as sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. It works by blocking the kidneys’ sodium-glucose cotransporter. This action prevents blood sugar (glucose) from being reabsorbed into the blood, causing it to be cleared through the urine and thus lowering blood sugar levels. As a result, it’s typically used to manage Type 2 diabetes. 

While it’s an effective treatment option for managing blood sugar levels, it has also been shown to benefit the heart and kidneys. Therefore, it may be a long-term treatment for multiple health conditions. However, it is still only approved for certain conditions, with other conditions being potential off-label uses. As a prescription medication, Farxiga should only be used with guidance from a healthcare provider.

Read on to learn more about the uses of Farxiga. 

FDA-approved Farxiga uses

Farxiga, known by its generic name dapagliflozin, first received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2014. Various clinical trials have shown that it is generally effective and safe for specific conditions, which include the following.

Farxiga for Type 2 diabetes

Farxiga is FDA-approved to help control blood sugar levels in adults with Type 2 diabetes. When combined with diet and exercise, this medication can be an effective part of a diabetes management plan. Although it can be used alone to treat Type 2 diabetes, it’s typically prescribed along with metformin or other diabetes medications to boost blood sugar control. 

Metformin and lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, are generally the first-line options for Type 2 diabetes. However, Farxiga may be an option to consider, as it is well-tolerated and effective for reducing blood sugar levels. It may be especially useful for people with heart disease or chronic kidney disease in addition to Type 2 diabetes. 

Farxiga for chronic heart failure

Farxiga is approved to reduce the risk of hospitalization, urgent heart failure visits, and death in adults with chronic heart failure. Clinical studies have found that Farxiga is beneficial for patients with a specific type of heart failure, namely heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. The medication may help take stress off the heart, allowing it to pump blood more effectively and potentially preventing the progression of heart failure.

Farxiga may also be prescribed to reduce the risk of hospitalization in adults with Type 2 diabetes who have either heart disease or multiple risk factors for heart disease, such as obesity and high blood pressure.

Farxiga for chronic kidney disease

Farxiga is approved to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death, worsening kidney function, end-stage kidney disease, and hospital visits for heart failure in adults with chronic kidney disease. More specifically, it is approved for this purpose when there is a significant likelihood of chronic kidney disease progression. Factors that show a person may be at high risk include reduced kidney function, protein in the urine, high blood pressure, or past heart problems.

Off-label uses of Farxiga

While Farxiga is approved for specific uses, healthcare providers may prescribe it for off-label uses based on clinical research. An off-label use means the medication is prescribed for a condition other than those approved by the FDA.

Type 1 diabetes

Studies like the DEPICT-2 trial have found that Farxiga is linked to a reduction in HbA1c and body weight in adults with Type 1 diabetes. These results suggest potential benefits for those who struggle to control their blood sugar levels through insulin alone. However, the study also found that Farxiga may increase the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a serious and potentially life-threatening condition.

Farxiga was once approved in Europe for Type 1 diabetes but was withdrawn due to safety concerns. Despite the FDA’s initial rejection in July 2019, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommended dapagliflozin for adults with Type 1 diabetes and a body mass index (BMI) over 27 kg/m² when insulin alone is not enough to manage blood sugar levels effectively. However, due to a higher risk of DKA, AstraZeneca, in agreement with regulatory authorities, stopped the use of dapagliflozin 5 mg for treating patients with Type 1 diabetes in October 2021.

Weight loss

Farxiga is not FDA-approved to promote weight loss. However, clinical studies detailed on the drug label show promising results for using Farxiga in weight management plans. 

Patients have experienced an average weight loss of around 6 pounds after 24 weeks of using Farxiga alone. When used alongside metformin, patients experienced slightly greater weight loss results, shedding around 7 pounds over the same 24-week period. Farxiga may help with weight loss by making the kidneys remove extra glucose, which means getting rid of extra calories through urine.

Another study of obese adults without diabetes found that a combination of Farxiga and another diabetes medication called Byetta led to an average weight loss of around 9 pounds after 24 weeks. About 36% of individuals on the dual therapy achieved over 5% weight loss, compared to only 4.2% with the placebo. The treatment also reduced the risk of prediabetes and lowered systolic blood pressure.

When considering off-label medication use, patients and healthcare providers should weigh the potential benefits against possible risks. Regular doctor visits may be needed to ensure the medication is being used safely and effectively.

Farxiga side effects, warnings, and interactions

Farxiga has a range of different side effects, warnings, and interactions. Although it’s generally considered safe and effective, it may be helpful to be aware of the potential risks of taking this medication. 

Common Farxiga side effects

When people take Farxiga, they might experience side effects, some of which are more common than others. Not everyone will encounter these issues, and their occurrence doesn’t mean that Farxiga isn’t an appropriate medication for managing certain health conditions. Common side effects of Farxiga include:

• Changes in urination – Including an increased need to urinate and to urinate in larger amounts 
• Common cold symptoms – Including sore throat and stuffy or runny nose
• Yeast infections – In both men and women, with symptoms that include itching, burning, redness, and unusual discharge
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs), some serious – Because Farxiga increases blood sugar levels in urine, making it easier for bacteria to grow in the urinary tract 

Changes in urination and common cold symptoms are typically mild and manageable. In many cases, these side effects subside over time. However, UTIs generally require medical guidance and antibiotics. Rarely, UTIs may become severe and frequent.

This is not an exhaustive list of the possible side effects patients may experience while on Farxiga. Consult a healthcare provider for medical advice if you notice any side effects or have concerns about this medication.

Farxiga warnings and interactions

Farxiga is associated with potentially serious side effects. These serious side effects may include:

• Diabetic ketoacidosis: Farxiga may increase the risk of developing DKA, a serious condition where the body produces high levels of blood acids called ketones. DKA symptoms may include excessive thirst, frequent urination, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, confusion, and fruity-scented breath.
• Dehydration: Taking Farxiga can lead to dehydration due to increased urination. Symptoms of dehydration include dry mouth, extreme thirst, dark yellow urine, fatigue, dizziness, and confusion. It’s important to stay hydrated while on this medication.
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia): Farxiga can potentially lower blood sugar levels, especially when combined with other antidiabetic medications. Symptoms of hypoglycemia may include sweating, shaking, weakness, hunger, confusion, and dizziness. 
• Fournier’s gangrene: Although rare, Fournier’s gangrene is a severe infection of the genital area that may occur with Farxiga use. Symptoms include sudden severe pain in the genital or anal area, swelling, redness, and fever.
• Allergic reactions: Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to Farxiga, leading to symptoms such as rash, itching, swelling (especially of the face, tongue, or throat), severe dizziness, and trouble breathing. Seek immediate medical help if any allergic reaction is suspected.

Farxiga may interact with other medications, potentially leading to harmful effects or reducing the effectiveness of either drug. For example, combining Farxiga with insulin or insulin secretagogues may lead to hypoglycemia due to the additive effects of lowering blood sugar levels. You may need to monitor blood sugar levels closely and consult a healthcare provider to adjust dosages when combining Farxiga with insulin or insulin secretagogues.

Drugs that may interact with Farxiga include:

• Insulin
• Diamicron (gliclazide) 
• Prandin (repaglinide) 
• Amaryl (glimepiride) 
• Micronase (glyburide) 
• Glucotrol (glipizide) 
• Starlix (nateglinide)

Consult a healthcare provider before combining Farxiga with any other medication, and discuss all drugs and supplements you’re currently taking to avoid harmful interactions. Review the prescribing information and medication guide for more information on Farxiga’s potential risks and interactions.

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