Life past 65: What drugs should not be taken with farxiga?

Life Past 65: What Drugs Should Not Be Taken With Farxiga?
Farxiga (dapagliflozin) is a medication used to lower blood sugar in type 2 diabetes and reduce the risk of heart and kidney problems. As we age past 65, our bodies handle medicines differently. Some drugs can interact with Farxiga, increasing the risk of side effects like low blood pressure, dehydration, kidney issues or low blood sugar. Here’s what you need to know:

Common Drug Interactions to Watch For
• Diuretics (“water pills”)
– Loop diuretics (e.g., furosemide) and thiazide diuretics (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide) can add to Farxiga’s effect of pulling fluid out of the body.
– Increased risk of dehydration, low blood pressure and kidney stress.
– If you’re on both, your doctor may adjust doses or monitor your blood pressure and kidney function more often.

• Blood Pressure Medications
– ACE inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril), ARBs (e.g., losartan) and nitrates can also lower blood pressure.
– Combined with Farxiga, there’s a higher chance of dizziness or fainting, especially when standing up.
– Monitor your blood pressure regularly; report any lightheadedness to your doctor.

• Insulin and Insulin Secretagogues
– Taking Farxiga with insulin or drugs that boost insulin release (e.g., sulfonylureas like glipizide) raises the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
– Signs include sweating, shakiness, confusion or a fast heartbeat.
– Your doctor may lower your insulin or sulfonylurea dose when starting Farxiga.

• Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
– Common pain relievers (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen) can reduce kidney blood flow.
– Combined with Farxiga’s fluid-loss effect, there’s a greater chance of kidney injury, especially if you’re dehydrated.
– Use NSAIDs sparingly; stay well hydrated and have your kidney function checked.

• Lithium
– Lithium levels can rise if kidney function drops, leading to toxicity (tremors, confusion, seizures).
– Farxiga can affect kidney filtration, so lithium levels should be checked more often if you take both.

• Potent CYP3A4 Inducers and Inhibitors
– Farxiga is processed partly by the liver enzyme CYP3A4.
– Strong inducers (e.g., rifampin, phenytoin, carbamazepine) can lower Farxiga levels, reducing its benefit.
– Strong inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, ritonavir) may raise Farxiga levels, potentially increasing side effects.
– Your doctor may adjust your Farxiga dose or choose alternative medications.

Special Considerations in Liver Disease
According to the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) and D’Amico et al., patients with cirrhosis or significant liver impairment handle medications differently.
• Farxiga is not recommended in severe liver disease:
– Liver injury can slow drug clearance, raising the risk of low blood sugar and other effects.
– Your doctor will assess liver function tests (AST, ALT, bilirubin) before prescribing.

• When liver function is moderately impaired, close monitoring is key:
– Watch for symptoms of fluid overload or dehydration.
– Adjust doses of blood pressure and diuretic drugs accordingly.

Why These Interactions Matter in Older Adults
• Age-related kidney and liver changes make drug effects stronger and longer lasting.
• Older adults often take multiple medications (polypharmacy), raising the chance of interactions.
• Side effects like dizziness or dehydration can lead to falls, fractures or hospital stays.

Practical Tips to Stay Safe

1. Keep an up-to-date medication list.
   – Include prescription drugs, over-the-counter meds, supplements and herbal products.
   – Share this list with every healthcare provider you see.
2. Monitor blood pressure and blood sugar at home.
   – Record readings and symptoms (dizziness, thirst, weakness).
   – Bring your log to appointments.
3. Stay hydrated—especially if you’re on diuretics or Farxiga.
   – Sip water throughout the day unless your doctor tells you to limit fluids.
4. Report any new symptoms promptly.
   – Dizziness, lightheadedness, rapid heartbeat, sudden weight changes or confusion warrant attention.
   – You might consider doing a free, online symptom check for anything that feels off.
5. Schedule regular blood and urine tests.
   – Kidney function (creatinine, eGFR), liver tests and electrolytes help your doctor catch problems early.

When to Speak to a Doctor
Even if an interaction seems mild, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider before starting, stopping or changing any medication. Some interactions can lead to serious or life-threatening issues:
• Severe dehydration or kidney injury
• Dangerous lows in blood sugar or blood pressure
• Lithium toxicity or other drug toxicities

Always speak to a doctor or pharmacist about any concerns or before making changes to your treatment plan. Your health and safety come first.