Living with diabetes can be challenging, but managing your blood sugar levels can become more manageable with the right treatment. One medication that has recently gained attention in diabetes treatment is Farxiga.
This medication has been shown to lower blood sugar levels in diabetic patients and has been approved by the FDA for use in both type 2 diabetes and heart failure patients.
If you’re looking for a new treatment option, read on to learn more about Farxiga – how to use it, what dosage is appropriate for you, and potential side effects to watch out for.
What is Farxiga?
Faxiga is a brand name for dapagliflozin, a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. It is marketed by AstraZeneca, a multinational pharmaceutical company headquartered in the UK. Dapagliflozin works by blocking the reabsorption of glucose by the kidneys, resulting in increased glucose excretion through urine.
This helps to lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Faxiga is typically used with diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes.
It is available in tablet form and should be taken once daily, with or without food. Like all medications, Faxiga may cause side effects, such as urinary tract infections, yeast infections, and increased urination.
It is important to discuss any potential risks and benefits of using Faxiga with a healthcare provider before starting treatment.
Read – how rapid is weight loss with farxiga?
What is Farxiga used for?
Farxiga is a medication that is used to treat type 2 diabetes. Its active ingredient is dapagliflozin, which belongs to a class of drugs called SGLT-2 inhibitors. These drugs work by blocking glucose reabsorption in the kidneys, which helps lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
Farxiga is typically used with diet and exercise to manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. It can be used independently or with other diabetes medications such as metformin or insulin. Farxiga is not recommended for people with type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.
In addition to its blood sugar-lowering effects, Farxiga has also been shown to have other health benefits. For example, it can help to reduce blood pressure, promote weight loss, and improve kidney function in people with diabetes.
As with all medications, taking Farxiga exactly as your doctor prescribes is important. This medication can have side effects, including dehydration, urinary tract infections, and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Your doctor will monitor your blood sugar levels and kidney function regularly while you are taking Farxiga.
Read – what is farxiga 10 mg used for?
Farxiga side effects
Like all medications, Farxiga can cause side effects, some of which can be serious. Here are some of the most common side effects associated with Farxiga:
- Increased urination: Dapagliflozin increases the amount of glucose excreted in the urine. This can cause an increase in urination.
- Dehydration: Because Farxiga increases urination, it can also lead to dehydration if you don’t drink enough fluids.
- Hypoglycemia: Sometimes, dapagliflozin can cause low blood sugar levels. This is more likely to occur if you take Farxiga with other diabetes medications.
- Urinary tract infections: Because Farxiga increases the amount of glucose in the urine, it can create an environment more conducive to bacterial growth, leading to urinary tract infections.
- Genital yeast infections: Dapagliflozin can also increase the risk of genital yeast infections.
- Ketoacidosis: In rare cases, Farxiga can cause a serious condition called ketoacidosis, which occurs when there is too much acid in the blood.
It is important to talk to your doctor about any potential side effects before starting treatment with Farxiga. If you experience any unusual symptoms while taking this medication, you should immediately seek medical attention.
Read – why is farxiga so expensive?
How rapid is weight loss with Farxiga?
The speed of weight loss with Farxiga can vary depending on several factors, including the individual’s starting weight, diet, and exercise habits.
In clinical studies, patients taking Farxiga lost an average of 5-7% of their body weight over 24-26 weeks. This is a significant amount of weight loss, and it can positively impact overall health and well-being.
However, it is important to note that weight loss with Farxiga is not immediate and may take several weeks before noticeable changes occur.
It is also important to remember that Farxiga is not a magic solution for weight loss. It should be used with a healthy diet and exercise program to achieve maximum results.
Individuals can achieve rapid and sustainable weight loss by making lifestyle changes and incorporating Farxiga into a weight loss plan.
Read – how much does farxiga cost per month?
Farxiga dosage
The recommended dosage for Farxiga, a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes, is either 5mg or 10mg once daily. The dosage prescribed will depend on several factors, including the patient’s age, weight, and medical history.
In general, patients just starting treatment with Farxiga will be prescribed a lower dose of 5mg once daily. This allows the patient’s body to adjust to the medication and helps prevent potential side effects.
After a certain period, usually several weeks, the dosage may be increased to 10mg once daily if necessary. However, it is important to follow the dosage instructions provided by your doctor, as taking too much Farxiga can be dangerous.
If you have any questions or concerns about your Farxiga dosage, discuss them with your healthcare provider.
Read – how much water should you drink when taking farxiga?
Who can & can not take Farxiga Pill?
Farxiga is a prescription medicine that is used to treat type 2 diabetes. It works by helping the body to remove excess sugar through urine.
While Farxiga can be beneficial for many people with type 2 diabetes, certain groups of people should not take this medication.
People with type 1 diabetes, kidney problems, or a history of ketoacidosis should not take Farxiga. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also avoid this medication as it can harm the fetus or nursing infant. Additionally, people allergic to any ingredients in Farxiga should not take this medication.
It is important to talk to your doctor before taking Farxiga to determine if it is the right medication for you. Your doctor may perform tests to determine if you have any underlying conditions that would make Farxiga unsafe.
They may also recommend alternative treatments if Farxiga is not appropriate for your condition.
Read – can i take farxiga at night?
Farxiga and Metformin combination
Farxiga and Metformin are two medications commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes. Farxiga works by increasing the amount of glucose excreted in the urine, while Metformin works by reducing the amount of glucose produced by the liver and improving insulin sensitivity.
Combined, these two medications can effectively control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
The combination of Farxiga and Metformin is typically prescribed for people who cannot control their blood sugar levels with either medication alone. By combining the two medications, doctors can target different aspects of the disease and improve overall glycemic control. This combination is often preferred over adding insulin to a treatment regimen, as it carries fewer risks and side effects.
However, it is important to note that, like all medications, Farxiga and Metformin can have side effects, which may be exacerbated when combined. Common side effects of Farxiga include urinary tract infections and dehydration, while Metformin can cause gastrointestinal issues such as nausea and diarrhoea.
Patients taking these medications should be monitored closely by their healthcare provider to ensure that any side effects are promptly addressed.
Overall, the combination of Farxiga and Metformin can be a highly effective treatment for type 2 diabetes, but it should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Read – how long does farxiga stay in your system?
Drug Interactions of Farxiga
Like any medication, it can interact with other drugs, supplements, and foods. Here are some of the common drug interactions with Farxiga:
- Other diabetes medications: Using multiple diabetes medications together can increase the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
- Diuretics: Farxiga is a diuretic, so using it with other diuretics can increase the risk of dehydration and kidney problems.
- Insulin: Combining Farxiga with insulin can increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
- Blood pressure medications: Farxiga can lower blood pressure, so using it with other medications can cause excessive drops in blood pressure.
- NSAIDs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and aspirin can reduce the effectiveness of Farxiga.
It is important to inform your doctor of all medications, supplements, and foods before starting Farxiga to avoid any potential interactions.
Read – how long does farxiga stay in your system?