dapagliflozin

What is dapagliflozin, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?

Dapagliflozin (Farxiga) is an oral medication used to improve glycemia (blood glucose) control in patients with type 2 diabetes. Dapagliflozin is a sodium-glucose cotransporter (SGLT2) inhibitor. It is similar to canagliflozin (Invokana) and empagliflozin (Jardiance). SGLT2 is found in the kidney tubules and is responsible for reabsorbing the majority of glucose filtered out of the blood by the kidneys. By inhibiting SGLT2 dapagliflozin reduces the reabsorption of filtered glucose and consequently increases excretion of glucose in the urine. Dapagliflozin is not recommended for use in patients with moderate to severe kidney disease. Dapagliflozin was approved by the US FDA in January 2014.

What brand names are available for dapagliflozin?

Farxiga

Is dapagliflozin available as a generic drug?

GENERIC AVAILABLE: No

Do I need a prescription for dapagliflozin?

Yes

What are the side effects of dapagliflozin?

The most common side effects associated with dapagliflozin were:

Other reported side effects include:

What is the dosage for dapagliflozin?

  • The recommended starting dose of dapagliflozin is 5 mg by mouth once daily in the morning.
  • Dapagliflozin may be taken with or without food.
  • The dose may be increased to 10 mg once daily in patients who require additional glycemic control. Kidney function must be assessed before starting treatment.
  • Dapagliflozin should not be used in patient whose estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is <60 ml/min/1.73m2.

Which drugs or supplements interact with dapagliflozin?

: No significant drug interactions have been reported with dapagliflozin use.

QUESTION

______________ is another term for type 2 diabetes. See Answer

Is dapagliflozin safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?

It is not known if dapagliflozin is excreted in human breast milk. However, dapagliflozin is secreted in the milk of lactating rats, and exposure showed risk to the developing kidneys in the rat fetus. Currently, the manufacturer does not recommend use of this medication while nursing.

What else should I know about dapagliflozin?

What preparations of dapagliflozin are available?

Oral tablets: 5 and 10 mg

How should I keep dapagliflozin stored?

Tablets may be stored at room temperature, between 20 C to 25 C (68 F to 77 F).

Summary

Dapagliflozin (Farxiga) is an oral prescription medication used to improve blood glucose (glycemia) control in adults with type 2 diabetes. Side effects, drug interactions, dosing, storage, and pregnancy safety should be reviewed prior to taking this medication.

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References
Medically reviewed by John Cunha, DO

REFERENCE: FDA Prescribing Information.