What is Farxiga?
Farxiga (dapagliflozin) is an oral antidiabetic agent that belongs to the class of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. It works by inhibiting the enzyme DPP-4, which is involved in the breakdown of incretin hormones. By blocking this enzyme, Farxiga increases the levels of these hormones, leading to an increase in insulin secretion and a decrease in glucose production in the liver, resulting in improved glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
What is Farxiga used for?
Farxiga (dapagliflozin) is an oral antidiabetic medication that belongs to the class of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. It was first approved by the US FDA in 2014 for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus as an adjunct to diet and exercise alone or with other medications, such as metformin. Farxiga works by inhibiting the enzyme DPP-4, which breaks down incretin hormones that stimulate insulin release from the pancreas. By preventing the breakdown of these hormones, Farxiga enhances glucose-dependent insulin secretion, leading to improved glycemic control.
The efficacy and safety of Farxiga have been extensively studied in clinical trials involving thousands of patients with type 2 diabetes. These studies have demonstrated that dapagliflozin significantly reduces HbA1c levels (a measure of average blood sugar control over a period) compared to placebo, and is generally well-tolerated, with a side effect profile similar to other DPP-4 inhibitors. In addition to its glycemic benefits, Farxiga has been shown to have cardiovascular benefits in patients with type 2 diabetes at high risk of cardiovascular events.
Farxiga’s mechanism of action as an SGLT2 (sodium-glucose cotransporter 2) inhibitor allows it to reduce glucose reabsorption in the kidneys and excrete excess glucose through urine. This unique aspect of Farxiga provides additional benefits, such as lowering blood pressure and reducing body weight, making it a valuable option for patients with type 2 diabetes and certain cardiovascular conditions.
In recent years, there has been increasing interest in exploring the use of dapagliflozin in other therapeutic areas, including heart failure, where evidence suggests that it may have beneficial effects on hospitalization rates and mortality. However, its efficacy and safety in these contexts are still being studied and debated by researchers.
Farxiga side effects
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Muscle and bone pain
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Increased urination
- Cough
- Sinusitis
- Upper respiratory tract infections
- Flu-like symptoms
- Back pain
- Joint pain
- Urinary tract infection
- Rash
- Pruritus (itching)
- Injection site reactions (for the IV formulation)
- Serious side effects:
- Pancreatitis
- Thiamine deficiency with acute worsening of diabetes
- Angioedema
- Increased risk of amputations in patients with diabetes
Disclaimer
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