- What is dapagliflozin, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
- What brand names are available for dapagliflozin?
- Is dapagliflozin available as a generic drug?
- Do I need a prescription for dapagliflozin?
- What are the side effects of dapagliflozin?
- What is the dosage for dapagliflozin?
- Which drugs or supplements interact with dapagliflozin?
- Is dapagliflozin safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
- What else should I know about 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 are the side effects of dapagliflozin?
The most common side effects associated with dapagliflozin were:
- vaginal yeast infections,
- yeast infections of the penis,
- nasopharyngitis (upper respiratory tract infections usually with associated sore throat, runny nose, nasal congestion, and sneezing),
- urinary tract infections (UTIs), and
- changes in urination (urinary urgency, urinating more often and in larger amounts).
Other reported side effects include:
- hypotension (decrease in blood pressure),
- kidney dysfunction,
- dehydration,
- hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when co-administered with insulin or insulin secretagogues,
- increase in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C),
- bladder cancer, and
- hypersensitivity reactions.
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 AnswerIs 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.
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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Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2)
Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. The two types of diabetes are referred to as type 1 (insulin dependent) and type 2 (non-insulin dependent). Symptoms of diabetes include increased urine output, thirst, hunger, and fatigue. Treatment of diabetes depends on the type.
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Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that may be reversible with diet and lifestyle changes. Symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, fatigue, and an unusual odor to your urine. Most people don't know they have type 2 diabetes until they have a routine blood test. Treatment options include medications, a type 2 diabetes diet, and other lifestyle changes.
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Diabetes Treatment: Medication, Diet, and Insulin
The major goal in treating diabetes is controlling elevated blood sugar without causing abnormally low levels of blood sugar. Type 1 diabetes is treated with: insulin, exercise, and a diabetic diet. Type 2 diabetes is first treated with: weight reduction, a diabetic diet, and exercise. When these measures fail to control the elevated blood sugar, oral medications are used. If oral medications are still insufficient, insulin medications are considered.
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Type 1 vs. Type 2 Diabetes: Differences
Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic condition in which a person's blood sugar (glucose) levels are too high. Over 29.1 million children and adults in the US have diabetes. Of that, 8.1 million people have diabetes and don't even know it. Type 1 diabetes (insulin-dependent, juvenile) is caused by a problem with insulin production by the pancreas. Type 2 diabetes (non-insulin dependent) is caused by: Eating a lot of foods and drinking beverages with simple carbohydrates (pizza, white breads, pastas, cereals, pastries, etc.) and simple sugars (donuts, candy, etc.) Consuming too many products with artificial sweeteners (We found out that they are bad for us!) Lack of activity Exercise Stress Genetics While the signs and symptoms of both types of diabetes are the same, which include: Increased urination Increased hunger Increased thirst Unexplained weight loss. However, the treatments are different. Type 1 diabetes is insulin dependent, which means a person with this type of diabetes requires treatment with insulin. People with type 2 diabetes require medication, lifestyle changes like eating a healthy diet, and getting regular exercise.
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Managing your diabetes is a full time commitment. The goal of diabetic therapy is to control blood glucose levels and prevent the complications of diabetes. Information about exercise, diet, and medication will help you manage your diabetes better. Blood glucose reagent strips, blood glucose meters, urine glucose tests, tests for urinary ketones, continuous glucose sensors, and Hemoglobin A1C testing information will enable you to mange your diabetes at home successfully.
Treatment & Diagnosis
Medications & Supplements

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
REFERENCE: FDA Prescribing Information.