Farxiga (Dapagliflozin) for Heart Disease

Overview
Farxiga is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death, hospitalization for heart failure, and urgent heart failure visits in adults with heart failure. Farxiga is also known by its drug name, dapagliflozin.

Dapagliflozin belongs to a class of drugs called sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. It works by blocking a protein in the kidneys that allows blood glucose (sugar) to be reabsorbed into the bloodstream. By preventing this reabsorption, dapagliflozin lowers blood glucose levels and helps reduce fluid buildup, which can relieve stress on the heart and improve heart function in people with heart failure.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Farxiga is taken as an oral tablet, typically once daily, for the management of heart failure. It is important to take Farxiga exactly as prescribed by a health care provider.

Side effects
Prescribing information states that common side effects of Farxiga include urinary tract infections, nasopharyngitis (cold-like symptoms), and genital yeast infections, which are more frequent in females. 

Rare but serious side effects may include diabetic ketoacidosis (a condition with high levels of acid in the blood) in people with type 1 diabetes and other ketoacidosis; severe urinary tract infections such as urosepsis or pyelonephritis (kidney infections); volume depletion (excessive loss of bodily fluids that can cause dehydration, dizziness, and low blood pressure); hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels, particularly when used with insulin or other medications that lower blood sugar); and necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum (a serious infection also known as Fournier’s gangrene). Individuals taking this medication should be monitored for these conditions and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms appear.

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Label: Farxiga — Dapagliflozin Tablet, Film Coated — DailyMed

Dapagliflozin — MedlinePlus