Farxiga has been used to assist patients with Type 2 diabetes in losing weight. The amount lost depends on the patient’s starting weight and the dose of Farxiga they take.
Farxiga is an oral drug that helps lower blood sugar levels and decreases the risk of heart failure and kidney disease in those living with type 2 diabetes.
Additionally, some individuals taking Farxiga report improved weight loss as a result of treatment.
It works as a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, meaning it causes your kidneys to excrete excess sugar from your blood through urine. This may lead to frequent urination and dehydration.
Is Farxiga the Key to Weight Loss?
Taking Farxiga
Farxiga (dapagliflozin) can aid weight loss by regulating your blood sugar and helping the body excrete excess glucose through urine. This may reduce the risk of heart failure and other health complications related to high blood sugar levels.
Due to Farxiga, you may increase your likelihood of contracting urinary tract infections (UTIs). These infections can be extremely dangerous and require antibiotic treatment in order to be fully resolved.
Clinical studies have indicated that up to 6% of people taking Farxiga experienced UTIs. Symptoms can include pain or burning when urinating, blood in the urine, and a fever.
Ketoacidosis, a rare but potentially life-threatening side effect of Farxiga, occurs when your blood sugar level becomes too high and an accumulation of fatty acids known as ketones occurs in your circulation.
Dehydration is an uncommon side effect of Farxiga that was not observed during clinical studies. If left untreated, dehydration can lead to kidney damage. You’re more susceptible to this adverse effect if you’re dehydrated or have other medical conditions that could impact your kidneys.
Side effects
Farxiga has the primary aim of reducing blood sugar, but it may also be used for weight loss. This is because it aids the body in flushing out extra sugar and decreasing fat storage.
Farxiga can help you manage your weight and protect against diabetes-related health complications, such as heart disease and kidney damage. However, don’t solely rely on this benefit when considering taking Farxiga.
Farxiga belongs to a class of drugs known as sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. These agents help your kidneys release sugar into your urine, preventing it from building up in your blood and leading to high glucose levels.
Farxiga can cause genital yeast infections, which are usually mild and easily treatable with antifungal medication. Women are especially prone to these infections; however, men can also become affected. They can occur in the scrotum, penis, or nearby areas of the body.
Precautions
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breast feeding a child, speak with your doctor before taking Farxiga. It may affect the development of your baby’s kidneys during the first two years after birth.
Ketoacidosis, a potentially serious condition that could result in coma or death, is increased when your body breaks down fat for energy instead of glucose derived from food sources. This side effect occurs when glucose becomes unavailable to be broken down by the body.
Clinical studies have demonstrated that those taking Farxiga along with insulin or sulfonylurea drugs experienced more low blood sugar than those who took it alone. This may be because the sulfonylurea drugs help lower your glucose level by stimulating your liver to release more glucose into circulation.
It is essential to inform your doctor if you have had pancreatic problems or surgery, as these factors can increase the likelihood of developing ketoacidosis when taking Farxiga.
Call your physician right away if you experience symptoms like unusual swelling, weight loss, stomach pain, feeling very fatigued, headaches or feeling weak.
Cost
One of the best ways to reduce costs is by checking with your insurance provider before filling a prescription. Furthermore, AstraZeneca, the manufacturer, runs an online savings card program which may provide some financial assistance.
You might be pleasantly surprised that their drug itself is actually quite affordable! Furthermore, AstraZeneca even provides free mobile apps to assist with paperwork and claims processing.
For those needing more hands-on help though, your local pharmacy might be able to help out too.
Save even more money by forgoing the traditional copay, deductible and premiums by using your insurance to cover part or all of your prescription costs. Giving it a shot can be worth the effort – the rewards are sure to please!
How Long Does It Take to Lose Weight on Farxiga?
Farxiga can help people living with type 2 diabetes regulate their blood sugar levels and reduce hemoglobin A1c (A1C)* levels.
In clinical studies, those taking the drug experienced an average loss of 7 pounds (3 kilograms) over 24 weeks of treatment.
Lowering your blood glucose level is essential for managing diabetes and reducing the likelihood of serious health complications.
Exercise also gives your heart more energy to pump blood and strengthens its walls, making it stronger against stress and muscle thickening that could lead to heart failure.
Additionally, this drug reduces water retention in your body and boosts urine production – potentially leading to weight loss.
Your doctor can offer tips to help you lose weight while on Farxiga, such as drinking plenty of water and eating nutritious meals. They may also suggest ways to ensure you get enough exercise and maintain good health.
If you are overweight, it may take longer to lose weight on Farxiga than if you are normal weight. Furthermore, any extra pounds that accumulate while taking Farxiga must be addressed gradually over time; so keep track of your progress and reach out if any questions or problems arise along the way.
Additionally, inform your doctor of any medications you are taking – including over-the-counter drugs, supplements or herbs. This information can help them decide what dosage to give you and how best to keep you safe while on Farxiga.
How Does Farxiga Work?
Farxiga, a first-in-class oral, once daily SGLT2 inhibitor, lowers blood sugar and the risk of hospitalization or death among adults with type 2 diabetes who also have heart failure or kidney disease.
It works by increasing the rate at which your body eliminates sugar through urine. Furthermore, it lowers blood pressure and puts less strain on heart, kidneys, and vessels.
Do I Need to Drink a lot of Water While Taking Farxiga?
Your blood pressure could drop drastically or become dehydrated (not being able to drink enough fluids) when taking Farxiga. Your healthcare provider will monitor your blood pressure regularly while on this medication.
Do I Need to Avoid Alcohol?
Drinking excessive amounts of alcoholic beverages can exacerbate the side effects of Farxiga, particularly if you have high blood pressure or a history of liver disease. Therefore, it is essential that you stop drinking while on this medication.
Are there any other drugs, foods or supplements that interact with Farxiga?
It is important to inform your doctor of all drugs, foods and supplements you take. They can help determine if there are any interactions between Farxiga and these items and how best to avoid them.
Does Farxiga Affect Appetite?
Farxiga is a medication used to lower blood sugar levels and treat Type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a class of drugs called sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, which aid the body in eliminating extra sugar through urine excretion.
Side Effects
Taking Farxiga may cause some side effects, such as rash and itching on the skin.
It also increases your likelihood of contracting a urinary tract infection or genital yeast infections; though these infections usually resolve on their own after some time has passed, it’s wise to consult your doctor if you experience them.
Weight Loss
Farxiga has been used to assist patients with Type 2 diabetes in losing weight. The amount lost depends on the patient’s starting weight and the dose of Farxiga they take.
Weight loss usually occurs within 24 weeks of beginning treatment with the drug, though this timeline may differ depending on a patient’s diet and response to the drug.
Ketoacidosis
Ketoacidosis, a rare but potentially lethal side effect of Farxiga, is ketoacidosis: an accumulation of fatty acids in the blood that can be life-threatening. This condition is most common among those with Type 1 diabetes but may also occur in Type 2 diabetics.
Dehydration
Farxiga may dehydrate you, leading to low blood pressure and other side effects. Therefore, it’s essential that you drink enough water and other fluids during treatment with Farxiga.
