From the Guidelines
Farxiga (dapagliflozin) is primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes, reduce the risk of hospitalization for heart failure, and treat heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, as well as chronic kidney disease at risk of progression. The medication works by causing the kidneys to remove excess sugar from the body through urine, and it belongs to a class called SGLT2 inhibitors, which block glucose reabsorption in the kidneys, leading to increased glucose excretion and lower blood sugar levels 1. This mechanism provides both glycemic control and cardiovascular/renal protective effects, making it a versatile medication for multiple related conditions. Some of the key benefits of Farxiga include:
- Reducing the risk of hospitalization for heart failure in adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease or multiple cardiovascular risk factors 1
- Treating heart failure with reduced ejection fraction to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization, even in patients without diabetes 1
- Treating chronic kidney disease at risk of progression, helping to slow kidney function decline 1
- Providing glycemic control and cardiovascular/renal protective effects, making it a versatile medication for multiple related conditions 1 It's worth noting that the recommended dose of Farxiga is 10 mg PO daily, and it should be initiated at the lowest dose tested in CV and renal outcomes trials, with no further dose titration needed for CV or renal risk reduction 1. However, dose increases may provide further glucose reduction benefits if indicated. Overall, Farxiga is a valuable medication for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease, and its use should be considered in patients with these conditions.
From the FDA Drug Label
DAPAGLIFLOZIN TABLETS are a prescription medicine used: ∘ to reduce the risk of further worsening of your kidney disease, end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), death due to cardiovascular disease, and hospitalization for heart failure in adults with chronic kidney disease ∘ to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death, hospitalization for heart failure and urgent heart failure visit in adults with heart failure, when the heart cannot pump enough blood to the rest of your body ∘ to reduce the risk of hospitalization for heart failure in adults with type 2 diabetes who also have known cardiovascular disease or multiple cardiovascular risk factors ∘ along with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar (glucose) control in adults and children who are 10 years of age and older with type 2 diabetes
The purpose of DAPAGLIFLOZIN TABLETS is to:
- Reduce the risk of kidney disease progression and cardiovascular events in adults with chronic kidney disease
- Reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure in adults with heart failure
- Reduce the risk of hospitalization for heart failure in adults with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease or risk factors
- Improve blood sugar control in adults and children with type 2 diabetes, in combination with diet and exercise 2 2 2
From the Research
FARXIGA Purpose
The purpose of FARXIGA (dapagliflozin) is to:
- Treat type 2 diabetes 3, 4, 5
- Reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure in patients with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease 3, 4, 6
- Treat chronic kidney disease 3
- Treat heart failure with reduced ejection fraction 3
- Treat heart failure with preserved ejection fraction 3
Mechanism of Action
Dapagliflozin works by:
- Inhibiting the sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) in the renal proximal tubule, increasing urinary glucose excretion and reducing blood glucose levels 3, 5
- Reducing renal glucose reabsorption 5
- Increasing glucosuria 3
Benefits
The benefits of dapagliflozin include:
- Effective glycemic control without the risk of hypoglycemia 3, 4
- Reduced body weight and blood pressure 4, 5
- Reduced risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure 3, 4, 6
- Potential superiority in preventing heart failure compared to other SGLT-2 inhibitors 3
Adverse Effects
The adverse effects of dapagliflozin include: