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Forxiga (dapagliflozin, antidiabetic agent)

Written by Stephanie Nera, RPh, PharmD · Pharmacology


Updated May 30, 2021

Forxiga is the brand name of the drug dapagliflozin. Dapagliflozin helps to control blood sugar (glucose) levels in patients with diabetes. It should be part of a healthy diet, exercise, and medication regimen.

Forxiga

Uses

Uses of Forxiga

Forxiga is indicated in adults aged 18 years and older with type 2 diabetes mellitus to improve glycemic control as:

  • Monotherapy: When diet and exercise alone do not provide adequate glycemic control in patients for whom use of metformin is considered inappropriate due to intolerance.
  • Add-on combination therapy: In combination with other glucose-lowering medicinal products including insulin, when these, together with diet and exercise, do not provide adequate glycemic control.

How should I take Forxiga?

Use Forxiga as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

May be taken with or without food.

How do I store Forxiga?

This product is best stored at room temperature away from direct light and moisture. To prevent drug damage, you should not store it in the bathroom or the freezer. There may be different brands that may have different storage needs. It is important to always check the product package for instructions on storage, or ask your pharmacist. For safety, you should keep all medicines away from children and pets.

You should not flush this product down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. It is important to properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Precautions & warnings

What should I know before using Forxiga?

Before using this drug, tell your doctor if you are/have:

  • Pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • Taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, such as herbal and complementary medicines.
  • Allergy with any of the active or inactive ingredients of Forxiga or other medications.
  • Any other illnesses, disorders, or medical conditions.
  • Type 1 DM and/or experience diabetic ketoacidosis.
  • Hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, the Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption.

Is it safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

There are inadequate studies done in women for determining risk when using this drug during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Please always consult with your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before taking Forxiga.

Forxiga is a pregnancy risk category C, according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

FDA pregnancy risk category reference below:

  • A=No risk
  • B=No risk in some studies
  • C=There may be some risk
  • D=Positive evidence of risk
  • X=Contraindicated
  • N=Unknown

Side effects

What side effects can occur from Forxiga?

Side effects may include:

  • Hypoglycemia (in combination w/sulfonylurea or insulin)
  • Genital infections
  • UTI
  • Dizziness
  • Back pain
  • Dysuria
  • Polyuria
  • Increased hematocrit
  • Decreased renal creatinine clearance
  • Dyslipidemia

Not everyone experiences these side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have any concerns about a side-effect, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Interactions

What drugs may interact with Forxiga?

Forxiga may interact with other drugs that you are currently taking, which can change how your drug works or increase your risk for serious side effects. To avoid any potential drug interactions, you should keep a list of all the drugs you are using (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. For your safety, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any drugs without your doctor’s approval.

Products interact with this drug, such as:

  • Insulin or other oral diabetes medicine (e.g., repaglinide, glipizide) because the risk of low blood sugar may be increased.
  • Diuretics (e.g., furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, spironolactone) because the risk of low blood pressure may be increased.

Does food or alcohol interact with Forxiga?

Forxiga may interact with food or alcohol by altering the way the drug works or increase the risk for serious side effects. Please discuss with your doctor or pharmacist any potential food or alcohol interactions before using this drug.

What health conditions may interact with Forxiga?

Forxiga may interact with your health condition. This interaction may worsen your health condition or alter the way the drug works. It is important to always let your doctor and pharmacist know all the health conditions you currently have.

Dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for any medical advice. Therefore, you should always consult with your doctor or pharmacist before using any medication.

What is the dose for an adult?

Monotherapy and add-on combination therapy: 10 mg once daily.

Combination with insulin or insulin secretagogue: A lower dose of insulin or insulin secretagogue may be considered.

Initial combination therapy 10 mg dapagliflozin + 500 mg metformin once daily. Severe hepatic impairment Initially 5 mg, may be increased to 10 mg if well tolerated.

What is the dose for a child?

The dosage has not been established in pediatric patients. It may be unsafe for your child. It is always important to fully understand the safety of the drug before using. Please consult with your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How is Forxiga available?

Forxiga is available in the following dosage forms and strengths:

  • Film-coated tablets 10 mg

What should I do in case of an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or an overdose, call your local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your regular dose as scheduled. Do not take a double dose.

Disclaimer

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Written by

Stephanie Nera, RPh, PharmD

Pharmacology


Updated May 30, 2021

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