Adverse Effects of Farxiga: Frequent, Infrequent, and Severe
In the realm of diabetes management, Farxiga has emerged as a significant player. This oral tablet, belonging to the sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor class, has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for improving blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes.
Farxiga's active ingredient is dapagliflozin, and it is available in two strengths: 5 mg and 10 mg. This medication helps prevent worsening kidney function in certain adults with chronic kidney disease and lowers the risk of hospitalization for heart failure in adults who have type 2 diabetes, heart failure, or chronic kidney disease.
However, like any medication, Farxiga comes with potential side effects. Common side effects include increased urination, urinary tract infections (UTIs), genital yeast infections, dehydration, low blood pressure, nausea, and nasopharyngitis (throat and nasal inflammation). Mild side effects may also include dry mouth, dizziness, skin rash, increased thirst, and fatigue.
More serious side effects, although less common, can include ketoacidosis, acute kidney injury, severe UTIs, hypoglycemia (especially when combined with insulin or other diabetes medications), necrotizing fasciitis (a rare serious skin infection around the genital/anal area), and allergic reactions.
Dehydration is a particular concern with Farxiga, as the medication causes increased urination, leading to the body reabsorbing more water from the intestines. This can be exacerbated in older adults (age 65 years or older), those with kidney problems, or those on a low salt diet. Dehydration can lead to other problems, such as low blood pressure and acute kidney failure.
To help manage the risk of dehydration, it's important to drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids, such as water.
Genital yeast infections are another potential side effect, particularly in females, and can be characterized by vaginal discharge, irritation, burning, itching, or soreness of the vagina or vulva, and pain when urinating or having sex. In males, symptoms can include irritation, soreness, burning, or itching around the head of the penis and under the foreskin, pain when urinating or having sex, blotchy rash with white patches around the head of the penis, trouble pulling back the foreskin, and discharge from the penis that's thick, white, and smells unpleasant.
To help reduce the risk of genital yeast infections, patients are advised to avoid wearing tight-fitting pants, leggings, tights, and underwear, wear loose-fitting clothing made from natural fibers, such as cotton, linen, or silk, promptly change wet clothing such as swimwear and clothing they've exercised in, eat natural yogurt or take supplements with lactobacillus to boost healthy bacteria in the genital area, frequently change menstrual products, such as tampons, avoid vaginal douching, and avoid using perfumed products on the genitals.
It's important to note that Farxiga is not approved for weight loss, although it can cause weight loss as a side effect. Taking medications called diuretics can also increase your risk of this side effect.
Lastly, patients are advised to stay well hydrated, monitor for symptoms like frequent urination or infections, and consult their healthcare provider if experiencing any severe or persistent side effects. The medication is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data.
In summary, Farxiga, as an SGLT2 inhibitor, offers benefits in managing blood sugar levels, preventing kidney problems, and reducing the risk of heart failure hospitalization. However, it's crucial for patients to be aware of its potential side effects and take necessary precautions to manage them.
- Farxiga, an SGLT2 inhibitor, has emerged as a significant player in diabetes management, particularly in improving blood sugar levels for adults with type 2 diabetes.
- The active ingredient in Farxiga is dapagliflozin, available in two strengths: 5 mg and 10 mg.
- Farxiga prevents worsening kidney function in certain adults with chronic kidney disease and lowers the risk of hospitalization for heart failure in adults with type 2 diabetes, heart failure, or chronic kidney disease.
- Despite its benefits, Farxiga comes with potential side effects, such as increased urination, UTIs, genital yeast infections, dehydration, low blood pressure, nausea, nasopharyngitis, dry mouth, dizziness, skin rash, increased thirst, and fatigue.
- Mild side effects may also include acute kidney injury, severe UTIs, hypoglycemia, necrotizing fasciitis, and allergic reactions.
- Dehydration, a concern with Farxiga, can be exacerbated in older adults, those with kidney problems, or those on a low salt diet.
- To manage the risk of dehydration, it's important to drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids, such as water.
- Genital yeast infections, another potential side effect, can be managed by avoiding tight-fitting clothing and using natural fibers, promptly changing wet clothing, boosting healthy bacteria in the genital area, frequently changing menstrual products, and avoiding vaginal douching and perfumed products.
- Farxiga is not approved for weight loss, although it can cause weight loss as a side effect when combined with diuretics.
- Patients should stay well-hydrated, monitor for symptoms, and consult their healthcare provider if experiencing any severe or persistent side effects.
- Farxiga is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data.
- In summary, Farxiga offers benefits in managing blood sugar levels, preventing kidney problems, and reducing the risk of heart failure hospitalization, but it's crucial for patients to be aware of its potential side effects and take necessary precautions.
- This discussion on Farxiga highlights the importance of understanding the effects, side effects, and precautions associated with various treatments for atopic dermatitis, depression, COPD, colitis, CKD, diabetes, macular degeneration, obesity, ulcerative colitis, cancer, and other health-and-wellness medical conditions in the realm of science and medical treatments.
