From the Guidelines
Farxiga (dapagliflozin) does not have a known association with causing hyperpigmentation in extremities or genitalia, based on the most recent and highest quality evidence available. The medication is an SGLT2 inhibitor primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease. According to the 2025 ACC/AHA/ACEP/NAEMSP/SCAI guideline for the management of patients with acute coronary syndromes 1, the common side effects of SGLT2 inhibitors include urinary tract infection, genital mycotic infection, hypovolemia, and acute kidney injury, but hyperpigmentation is not mentioned. Similarly, the 2018 ACC expert consensus decision pathway on novel therapies for cardiovascular risk reduction in patients with type 2 diabetes and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease 1 highlights the risk of genital mycotic infections and the importance of meticulous personal hygiene, but does not discuss hyperpigmentation as a potential side effect.
Some key points to consider when evaluating skin changes in patients taking Farxiga include:
- Patients with diabetes may experience skin changes, including hyperpigmentation, due to the underlying disease process, such as acanthosis nigricans or diabetic dermopathy.
- Genital yeast infections and rashes are known side effects of Farxiga, but these are distinct from hyperpigmentation.
- If a patient taking Farxiga notices unusual skin darkening, they should consult their healthcare provider to evaluate other potential causes, including diabetes-related skin conditions, other medications, or unrelated dermatological issues.
- The provider may need to examine the affected areas and potentially adjust the treatment plan based on their findings, as suggested by the guidelines 1.
From the Research
Hyperpigmentation and Farxiga
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies that links Farxiga (dapagliflozin) to hyperpigmentation in extremities or genitalia 2, 3, 4, 5.
- The studies primarily focus on the efficacy and safety of dapagliflozin in treating type 2 diabetes and heart failure, with common adverse effects including genital infections, hypoglycemia, and urinary tract infections 2, 3, 4, 5.
- A study on pigmentation disorders provides general information on the diagnosis and management of hyperpigmentation conditions, but does not mention dapagliflozin or Farxiga as a potential cause 6.
- Genital infections, which are a known side effect of dapagliflozin, may potentially cause skin discoloration or hyperpigmentation in the genital area, but this is not explicitly stated in the provided studies 2, 3, 4.