Over 65? Farxiga Benefits vs Risks (Dehydration, UTIs, Dizziness)

Over 65? Farxiga Benefits vs Risks (Dehydration, UTIs, Dizziness)

If you are over 65 and have been prescribed farxiga (dapagliflozin), it’s normal to want a clear, balanced explanation of what it can help with—and what to watch for. Farxiga is widely used and well-studied, including in older adults, but age can change how your body responds to medications. Below is a practical, plain‑language guide to the benefits and risks of farxiga, with special attention to dehydration, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and dizziness.

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What Is Farxiga?

Farxiga is a prescription medication in a class called SGLT2 inhibitors. It works by helping your kidneys remove excess sugar through the urine.

Doctors prescribe farxiga for several conditions, including:

• Type 2 diabetes
• Heart failure (even in people without diabetes)
• Chronic kidney disease (CKD)

Because these conditions are more common after age 65, farxiga is frequently used in older adults.

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Benefits of Farxiga for People Over 65

Large clinical studies and real‑world use show that farxiga offers meaningful benefits, even later in life.

1. Blood Sugar Control (Type 2 Diabetes)

Farxiga lowers blood sugar without relying on insulin.

Why this matters for older adults:

• Lower risk of dangerously low blood sugar compared to some older diabetes drugs
• Once‑daily dosing is simple and convenient
• Can help when other medications are no longer enough

2. Heart Failure Protection

Farxiga reduces the risk of hospitalization for heart failure and can improve symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue.

Key advantages:

• Benefits seen in people with and without diabetes
• Helps the heart pump more efficiently
• Particularly helpful for older adults with recurrent hospital stays

3. Kidney Protection

Farxiga slows the progression of chronic kidney disease.

For those over 65:

• Helps preserve kidney function longer
• Reduces the risk of kidney failure
• Can delay the need for dialysis in some patients

4. Modest Weight and Blood Pressure Reduction

Farxiga may cause mild weight loss and slightly lower blood pressure.

• This can be helpful for metabolic health
• However, it can also contribute to dizziness if not monitored

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Key Risks of Farxiga in Older Adults

While farxiga has real benefits, certain side effects deserve extra attention after age 65.

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Dehydration: A Top Concern

Why Dehydration Can Happen

Farxiga makes you urinate more to remove sugar from the body. This can also cause fluid loss.

Older adults are more vulnerable because:

• Thirst signals may be weaker
• Kidney function naturally declines with age
• Other medications (like diuretics or blood pressure drugs) may increase fluid loss

Possible Signs of Dehydration

• Dry mouth or lips
• Dark‑colored urine
• Fatigue or weakness
• Dizziness, especially when standing
• Confusion in more severe cases

If you’re unsure whether your symptoms might be related to fluid loss, you may want to consider a free, online symptom check for Dehydration to help decide next steps.

Reducing Dehydration Risk

• Drink fluids regularly throughout the day
• Be extra cautious during hot weather or illness
• Ask your doctor if medication doses need adjustment
• Stand up slowly from sitting or lying positions

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Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Why UTIs Are More Common

Because farxiga increases sugar in the urine, it can create an environment where bacteria grow more easily.

Older adults may already be at higher risk due to:

• Weakened immune response
• Incomplete bladder emptying
• History of UTIs

Symptoms to Watch For

• Burning or pain when urinating
• Frequent urge to urinate
• Cloudy or foul‑smelling urine
• Lower abdominal discomfort
• Fever (in more serious cases)

Most UTIs linked to farxiga are mild and treatable, especially when caught early.

Lowering UTI Risk

• Stay well hydrated
• Maintain good personal hygiene
• Urinate regularly and fully
• Report symptoms promptly—don’t wait

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Dizziness and Lightheadedness

Why It Happens

Farxiga can lower blood pressure slightly. In older adults, this may cause:

• Dizziness when standing (orthostatic hypotension)
• Feeling faint or unsteady
• Increased fall risk

This is more likely if you:

• Take blood pressure medications
• Are dehydrated
• Have a history of falls

Practical Safety Tips

• Rise slowly from bed or chairs
• Use support when standing if needed
• Monitor blood pressure at home if advised
• Tell your doctor if dizziness persists

Falls are not an inevitable part of aging, and medication adjustments can often reduce this risk.

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Other Side Effects to Know About

Less common but important side effects include:

• Genital yeast infections (more common but usually mild)
• Temporary changes in kidney blood tests when starting treatment
• Rare serious infections (uncommon, but require urgent care)

Your healthcare provider will typically monitor kidney function and overall health through regular blood tests.

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Who Should Be Extra Cautious with Farxiga?

You may need closer monitoring or a different treatment if you:

• Have frequent dehydration episodes
• Have recurrent UTIs
• Are prone to falls
• Have very advanced kidney disease
• Are taking multiple medications that lower blood pressure

This does not mean farxiga is unsafe—but it does mean personalized care is essential.

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Talking to Your Doctor: Questions to Ask

Before starting or continuing farxiga, consider discussing:

• How much fluid you should drink daily
• Whether other medications should be adjusted
• What symptoms require urgent attention
• How often labs and checkups are needed
• What to do during illness, vomiting, or diarrhea

Always speak to a doctor right away if you experience symptoms that feel severe, sudden, or life‑threatening, such as fainting, confusion, high fever, or signs of a serious infection.

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The Bottom Line for Adults Over 65

Farxiga offers real, evidence‑based benefits for blood sugar control, heart failure, and kidney protection—even in older adults. For many people over 65, these benefits outweigh the risks when the medication is used thoughtfully and monitored closely.

At the same time, dehydration, UTIs, and dizziness are not side effects to ignore. The good news is that most risks can be reduced with:

• Proper hydration
• Early symptom awareness
• Regular communication with your healthcare provider

If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and speak to a doctor. Medications work best when they fit your body, your health goals, and your stage of life.

With the right guidance, farxiga can be a helpful part of staying healthier and more independent as you age.