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Is farxiga for diabetes?

Farxiga (dapagliflozin) is an FDA‑approved sodium‑glucose cotransporter‑2 (SGLT2) inhibitor used to help manage high blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). It works by blocking glucose and sodium reabsorption in the kidneys, promoting their excretion in urine.

What is Farxiga approved for?

  • As an adjunct to diet and exercise to lower blood sugar in adults with T2DM
  • To reduce risk of hospitalization for heart failure in patients with heart disease or cardiovascular risk factors
  • To slow progression of chronic kidney disease and reduce kidney‑related and cardiovascular death risk in CKD patients
  • Not approved for type 1 diabetes or treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis

How does Farxiga work?

By inhibiting the SGLT2 protein in the proximal renal tubules, Farxiga prevents glucose and sodium from being reabsorbed into the bloodstream, leading to increased urinary glucose excretion and lowered plasma glucose levels.

Side effects

Common side effects

  • Increased urination and thirst
  • Genital yeast infections
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Nasopharyngitis (cold symptoms)
  • Nausea and upset stomach
  • Weight loss

Serious side effects

  • Diabetic ketoacidosis (rare; symptoms: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, confusion, fruity breath)
  • Dehydration and hypotension (risk factors: diuretic use, low‑salt diet, elderly, renal impairment)
  • Life‑threatening allergic reactions (angioedema, anaphylaxis)
  • Hypoglycemia when combined with insulin or sulfonylureas
  • Pancreatitis (severe abdominal pain radiating to back, nausea, vomiting)
  • Fournier’s gangrene (necrotizing fasciitis of perineum)

Monitoring and precautions

  • Take Farxiga daily; do not discontinue without consulting your provider
  • Monitor blood glucose regularly and report persistent hyperglycemia
  • Test for ketones if nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain occur
  • Stay hydrated to reduce risk of dehydration and kidney injury
  • Follow up with HbA1C tests every 3–6 months

Drug interactions

  • Diuretics: increased risk of dehydration and hypotension
  • Insulin or sulfonylureas: increased hypoglycemia risk
  • ACE inhibitors and NSAIDs: potential for worsened renal function

Sources

  • Farxiga (dapagliflozin) tablets, for oral use [package insert]. AstraZeneca; last updated 5/2023. Accessed Apr 18, 2025.