Patient Education for Starting Farxiga (Dapagliflozin)
Farxiga (dapagliflozin) is a medication that works by increasing sugar excretion through your urine, which can help manage your condition while providing heart and kidney benefits, but requires specific self-care practices to prevent potential side effects.
How Farxiga Works
- Farxiga belongs to a class of medications called SGLT2 inhibitors
- It works by preventing your kidneys from reabsorbing sugar, causing excess sugar to be eliminated through urine
- This mechanism leads to several effects:
- Improved blood sugar control (if you have diabetes)
- Reduced risk of heart failure hospitalization
- Potential kidney protection benefits
Daily Medication Instructions
- Take 10 mg once daily, at the same time each day
- Can be taken with or without food
- Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your healthcare provider
- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but don't double dose
Important Fluid Management
- Drink 8-12 cups (2-3 liters) of water daily to prevent dehydration 1
- Increase fluid intake during hot weather, exercise, or illness
- Monitor for signs of dehydration:
- Excessive thirst
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when standing up
- Decreased urination
- Unusual fatigue
"Sick Day" Management
Temporarily stop taking Farxiga if you experience: 2
- Vomiting or diarrhea with significant fluid loss
- Inability to eat or drink normally
- Fever with dehydration
When to restart:
- Resume your regular dose after you can eat and drink normally for 24-48 hours
- Never restart without being able to maintain adequate fluid intake
When to seek medical help:
- Symptoms not improving after 72 hours
- Unable to keep fluids down
- Experiencing severe dizziness or confusion
- Difficulty breathing
Potential Side Effects
Common Side Effects
- Increased urination
- Genital yeast infections (more common in women)
- Urinary tract infections
- Mild decrease in blood pressure
Serious Side Effects (Rare but Important)
- Diabetic ketoacidosis: Can occur even with normal blood sugar levels. Watch for:
- Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Unusual fatigue
- Sweet or fruity breath odor
- Volume depletion: Dizziness, lightheadedness, feeling faint
- Fournier's gangrene: A rare but serious infection affecting the genital area. Seek immediate medical attention for:
- Pain, tenderness, redness, or swelling in the genital or perineal area
- Fever above 100.4°F
- General feeling of being unwell
Special Precautions
- Hypoglycemia risk: If you take insulin or sulfonylureas with Farxiga, your doctor may adjust these medications to prevent low blood sugar 3
- Surgery: Inform your healthcare provider about upcoming procedures; Farxiga should be stopped at least 3 days before major surgery 3
- Kidney function: Your healthcare provider will monitor your kidney function regularly
- Genital hygiene: Maintain good genital hygiene to reduce the risk of infections
Monitoring Recommendations
- Check blood sugar regularly if you have diabetes
- Monitor for signs of urinary tract or genital infections
- Keep all follow-up appointments for lab work and check-ups
- Weigh yourself regularly and report significant weight changes
When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider
- Signs of infection (genital area or urinary tract)
- Persistent dizziness or lightheadedness
- Inability to maintain hydration during illness
- Severe or persistent side effects
- Before starting any new medications (including over-the-counter drugs)
Remember that the benefits of Farxiga include not only improved blood sugar control but also protection for your heart and kidneys. Maintaining proper hydration and following these guidelines will help you get the most benefit from this medication while minimizing risks.