Farxiga is a medication that aids in reducing blood glucose levels by encouraging the kidneys eliminate glucose from blood and eliminate it through urine. The drug aids in weight loss but can increase the risk of developing genital thrush as well as urinary tract infections.
Since Farxiga is a relatively new drug the long-term effects of the drug over a period of time remain to be determined.
How Farxiga Helps In Diabetes And Weight Loss
Farxiga aids in reducing the level of blood glucose by assisting the body eliminate excess glucose from the blood. Additionally, it is effective in cutting down blood glucose levels through the process of removing glucose from the body, energy in excreted glucose is also pumped out.
It is vital however to ensure that you are eating a balanced diet and regularly engage in physical activity along with taking Forxiga to keep your heart and remainder of your body in good health.
Mechanism Of Action
Farxiga is part of a category of drugs known as SGLT2 inhibitors. They work by targeting and helping prevent sodium-glucose transporters to prevent glucose that is filtered from the blood by kidneys to be absorbed into blood.
It is believed that the SGLT2 proteins account for more than 90% of the glucose that is absorbed back into the blood. Through blocking SGLT2 protein, Farxiga permits a large amount of glucose in the blood to be eliminated from the kidneys and eliminated through urine.
Who Should Use Farxiga
The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) has granted approval to Forxiga as a dual therapy drug to be used in conjunction alongside metformin for adult patients who reside in England as well as Wales who are unable to endure Sulphonylureas medicines.
In Scotland Forxiga is approved for adults suffering from type 2 diabetes, either as one medication (monotherapy) and as an additional treatment option for those taking metformin, Sulphonylureas and insulin.
Who Is Not Safe To Take Farxiga?
Dapagliflozin is not recommended for those who:
- Have type 1 diabetes
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have a low level of kidney function.
- Are galactose intolerant
- Are they suffering from low levels of salt in their bodies.
- Are you under the age of 18 or over 75
- Anyone taking Actos (pioglitazone) or loop diuretics should not be taking Forxiga.
Usage
Farxiga is available in tablet form in doses of 10 mg. Drink it once a day and without or with. Make sure to take Farxiga at the same time every day. Don’t consume more than one dose during the 12 hours.
If you do not take your dose and you have to take your next dose after 12 hours you must wait till the dose you missed before you begin the treatment.
Storage
Dapagliflozin tablets must be stored in the original container and kept at temperatures at room temperature. Also, ensure the medication is away from the in the reach of children.
Side Effects Of Farxiga
Farxiga may cause side effects. Forxiga could include:
- Hypoglycemia when it is taken along in conjunction with insulin or sulphonylureas
- Thrush
- Infections of the urinary tract
- More frequent trips to your toilet ( polyuria )
- The pain when you urinate
- Changes in blood levels fats
- Lowering blood pressure
Note that the above list isn’t exhaustive. Consult the leaflet for patients that comes with the medication for a complete list of possible side negative effects.
What Do You Do If You Have Taken An Overdose
If you have taken an excessive amount of Forxiga take a call to your health care provider immediately for assistance.
Long-term Safety
Clinical trials have shown small increases in the number of patients suffering from prostate, bladder and breast cancers when who took Forxiga compared to those who were on an untreated placebo. The increase in the incidence for these types of cancers were judged to be insignificant statistically.
The bladder cancer danger has attracted special attention because the rise of sugar in urine of those taking the drug may create favorable conditions for the growth of tumors within the bladder.
As previously mentioned, however, the trials so far have not yet demonstrate a significant increase in risk however.
The tests performed on pregnant rats revealed kidney damage in the developing foetuses. The increase in the damage to kidneys is not apparent in humans or adult mammals during clinical trials.
However, it is imperative that to check your kidneys regularly (at at least once per year) when you are taking Farxiga.
Another similar drug, Invokana, which is part of the same class as Forxiga is associated with a decrease in eGFR an indicator that is used to evaluate kidney function.
There are some questions about whether SGLT2 inhibitors could cause harm to kidneys in the long run in patients who are taking these medications or not.