Farxiga is available for purchase in various strengths and quantities such as 5mg and 10mg. Farxiga is also known as Forziga Internationally.

Why is Farxiga prescribed?

Farxiga (Dapagliflozin) is used along with diet and exercise, and sometimes with other medications, to lower blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes (condition in which blood sugar is too high because the body does not produce or use insulin normally). Dapagliflozin is in a class of medications called sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. It lowers blood sugar by causing the kidneys to get rid of more glucose in the urine. Dapagliflozin is not used to treat type 1 diabetes (condition in which the body does not produce insulin and, therefore, cannot control the amount of sugar in the blood) or diabetic ketoacidosis (a serious condition that may develop if high blood sugar is not treated).

Over time, people who have diabetes and high blood sugar can develop serious or life-threatening complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney problems, nerve damage, and eye problems. Taking dapagliflozin, making lifestyle changes (e.g., diet, exercise, quitting smoking), and regularly checking your blood sugar may help to manage your diabetes and improve your health. This therapy may also decrease your chances of having a heart attack, stroke, or other diabetes-related complications such as kidney failure, nerve damage (numb, cold legs or feet; decreased sexual ability in men and women), eye problems, including changes or loss of vision, or gum disease. Your doctor and other healthcare providers will talk to you about the best way to manage your diabetes. 

What is the most effective way to take Farxiga?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose.

• Farxiga (Dapagliflozin) is usually taken once per day in the morning.
• Dapagliflozin comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is taken usually with or without food once a day in the morning.
• Take dapagliflozin at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.
• Take dapagliflozin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor may start you on a low dose of dapagliflozin and increase your dose if needed.
• Dapagliflozin controls type 2 diabetes but does not cure it. Continue to take dapagliflozin even if you feel well.
• Do not stop taking dapagliflozin without talking to your doctor.

Before taking dapagliflozin,

• tell your doctor if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other drug allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
• tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: low blood pressure, kidney disease or failure, heart failure, dehydration, use/abuse of alcohol, history of yeast infections
• You may experience blurred vision or dizziness/drowsiness due to extremely low or high blood sugar. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely.
• Limit alcohol while taking this medication because it can increase your risk of developing low blood sugar and a high ketone level.
• It may be harder to control your blood sugar when your body is stressed (such as due to fever, infection, injury, or surgery).
• If you are eating less or not able to eat due to these conditions or any illness, this can lead to a high ketone level while you are taking this medication. Consult your doctor because this may require a change in your treatment plan.
• Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
• Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially dizziness (usually when standing), dehydration, and kidney disease.
• During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
• Pregnancy may cause or worsen diabetes. Discuss a plan with your doctor for managing your blood sugar while pregnant. Your doctor may change your treatment of diabetes during your pregnancy (such as diet and medications).
• It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Common Farxiga side effects may include:

• genital yeast infection
• more frequent urination
• sore throat and runny nose (flu-like symptoms)

Get emergency medical help:

• if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Farxiga: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• if you have signs of a genital infection (penis or vagina): burning, itching, odor, discharge, pain, tenderness, redness or swelling of the genital or rectal area, fever, not feeling well. These symptoms may get worse quickly.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• little or no urination
• dehydration symptoms - dizziness, weakness, feeling light-headed (like you might pass out)
• ketoacidosis (too much acid in the blood) - nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, confusion, unusual drowsiness, or trouble breathing
• signs of a bladder infection - including pain or burning when you urinate, increased urination, blood in your urine, fever, pain in your pelvis or back.

Some people taking this medicine have had bladder cancer, but it is not clear if dapagliflozin was the actual cause.

Side effects may be more likely to occur in older adults.

Why is Farxiga prescribed?

Farxiga is used together with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2

Are there any known drug interactions with Farxiga?

Yes, insulin or other oral diabetes medicines or a diuretic or "water pill" both effect Farxiga. This is not a complete list, talk to your doctor for more details.

What do I do if I forget a dose of Farxiga?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

How should I keep this medicine?

Store Farxiga at room temperature away from moisture and heat (not the bathroom).