From the Guidelines
Bexagliflozin is a low-cost medication similar to Farxiga (dapagliflozin) that starts with the letter B, with a median monthly cost of $47, making it a more affordable option for patients with type 2 diabetes. According to the most recent evidence from 1, Bexagliflozin works through the same mechanism as other SGLT2 inhibitors, preventing glucose reabsorption in the kidneys and increasing glucose excretion in urine, leading to lower blood sugar levels. The typical dosage for Bexagliflozin is 20 mg once daily, taken in the morning with or without food.
Some key benefits of Bexagliflozin include:
- Potential cardiovascular and kidney protection
- Lower risk of hypoglycemia compared to other diabetes medications
- Improved glycemic control
However, patients should be aware of common side effects, which may include:
- Genital yeast infections
- Urinary tract infections
- Increased urination
It's essential to maintain adequate hydration while taking this medication and to consult with a healthcare provider before starting, as it may not be appropriate for patients with certain kidney conditions or those at risk for diabetic ketoacidosis. As noted in 1, the use of SGLT inhibitors, including Bexagliflozin, requires careful assessment of the underlying susceptibility to diabetic ketoacidosis and provision of education regarding the risks, symptoms, and prevention strategies.
In terms of cost, Bexagliflozin is significantly more affordable than other SGLT2 inhibitors, such as Dapagliflozin, with a median monthly cost of $47 compared to $664 for Dapagliflozin, as reported in 1. This makes Bexagliflozin a more accessible option for patients with type 2 diabetes who require SGLT2 inhibition therapy.
From the Research
Low-Cost Medication Similar to Farxiga (Dapagliflozin)
There are no research papers that directly compare the cost of medications similar to Farxiga (dapagliflozin) that start with the letter B. However, some studies mention the following medications that may be considered as alternatives:
- Empagliflozin, an SGLT2 inhibitor, which has a similar mechanism of action to dapagliflozin 2
- Exenatide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, which has been shown to be effective in reducing HbA1c levels and weight 3, 4
- Other SGLT2 inhibitors, such as canagliflozin, which have been shown to be effective in reducing HbA1c levels and weight 5
Key Points
- Empagliflozin has been shown to reduce HbA1c levels and weight, and has a similar mechanism of action to dapagliflozin 2
- Exenatide has been shown to be effective in reducing HbA1c levels and weight, and may be considered as an alternative to dapagliflozin 3, 4
- Other SGLT2 inhibitors, such as canagliflozin, may also be considered as alternatives to dapagliflozin 5
- The choice of medication will depend on individual patient factors, such as cost, efficacy, and tolerability.
Medications Starting with the Letter B
- Bydureon (exenatide), a GLP-1 receptor agonist, which has been shown to be effective in reducing HbA1c levels and weight 4