What Is Farxiga 10 mg Used For?

Farxiga (dapagliflozin) 10 mg is a prescription medication belonging to a class of drugs called sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. It works by helping the kidneys remove excess glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream through urine. Beyond its role in blood sugar control, Farxiga has demonstrated significant benefits in heart and kidney health.

How Farxiga Works

• Blocks SGLT2 proteins in the kidney, reducing glucose reabsorption
• Promotes urinary glucose excretion, lowering blood sugar levels
• Reduces fluid overload by increasing urine output, aiding heart function

FDA-Approved Uses of Farxiga 10 mg

1. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
   • As an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control.
   • Often prescribed when first-line therapies (e.g., metformin) are inadequate.

2. Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction (HFrEF)
   • Based on the DAPA-HF trial (McMurray et al., Lancet 2019), Farxiga reduced the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure in patients with an ejection fraction ≤ 40%.
   • Benefits seen regardless of whether a patient has diabetes.

3. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
   • The DAPA-CKD trial (Heerspink et al., N Engl J Med 2020) showed Farxiga slowed kidney function decline and lowered the risk of kidney failure or death in patients with CKD, with or without type 2 diabetes.

Key Clinical Evidence

• DAPA-HF (McMurray JJV et al., 2019):
  • Population: Patients with HFrEF, mean age ~66 years
  • Outcome: 26% relative risk reduction in CV death or heart failure hospitalization

• DAPA-CKD (Heerspink HJL et al., 2020):
  • Population: CKD patients, eGFR 25-75 mL/min/1.73 m², elevated albuminuria
  • Outcome: 39% relative risk reduction in composite of sustained decline in kidney function, end-stage kidney disease, or renal/CV death

Potential Benefits

• Improved blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes
• Lower risk of heart failure hospitalization and cardiovascular death
• Slower progression of chronic kidney disease
• Modest weight loss through glucose excretion and mild diuretic effect
• Potential blood pressure reduction (due to mild diuresis)

Common Side Effects

• Genital yeast infections (men and women)
• Urinary tract infections
• Increased urination and thirst
• Potential dehydration, dizziness, or low blood pressure

Less Common but Serious Risks

• Ketoacidosis (a buildup of acids called ketones in the blood)
• Acute kidney injury (rare)
• Serious urinary tract infections
• Fournier’s gangrene (rare, serious genital infection)

Always report signs of serious reactions—such as rapid breathing, confusion, severe abdominal pain, or signs of infection—to your healthcare provider immediately.

Precautions and Considerations

• Not approved for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis treatment
• Use caution if you have low blood pressure, dehydration, or kidney impairment
• Discuss any history of genital infections or urinary tract infections with your doctor
• May interact with diuretics, blood pressure medications, or other glucose-lowering drugs

Monitoring and Follow-Up

• Regular kidney function tests (eGFR, serum creatinine)
• Blood glucose and HbA1c monitoring in diabetes
• Electrolytes and blood pressure checks
• Assess for symptoms of heart failure (shortness of breath, swelling)

When to Seek Medical Advice

If you experience:

• Sudden weight gain, leg swelling, or worsening shortness of breath
• Signs of ketoacidosis (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, confusion)
• High fever or severe urinary/genital pain
• Dizziness, fainting, or signs of low blood pressure

…you should speak to a healthcare professional without delay. You might also consider doing a free, online symptom check for to help you decide whether urgent care is needed.

Talking to Your Doctor

Farxiga can offer benefits for diabetes, heart failure, and kidney disease, but it’s not right for everyone. Always discuss:

• Your full medical history
• Current medications and supplements
• Any allergies or past drug reactions
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding plans

Never stop or change your dose of Farxiga without your doctor’s approval.

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Remember: This information is for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. If you’re experiencing life-threatening symptoms or serious concerns, please call your doctor or emergency services immediately.