Understanding Farxiga 10 mg

In this article:

• Uses
• What to expect when taking it
• 5 mg vs. 10 mg
• Usage instructions
• Cost
• Alternatives

In this article

• Uses
• What to expect when taking it
• 5 mg vs. 10 mg
• Usage instructions
• Cost
• Alternatives

Farxiga (dapagliflozin) is a prescription drug, commonly taken as a 10 mg oral tablet once daily, to lower blood glucose levels in Type 2 diabetes mellitus, reduce the risk of hospitalization and cardiovascular death in congestive heart failure (CHF), and lower the risk of progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The diverse uses for Farxiga are attributable to its mechanism of action as a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, which increases glucose and water excretion into the urine, lowering bodily glucose levels and fluid load. Understanding why Farxiga 10mg tablets are prescribed, as well as what possible side effects can be expected, helps people to be an informed member of their own healthcare team and stay safer during treatment.

Save up to 80% on Farxiga with SingleCare

Different pharmacies offer different prices for the same medication. SingleCare helps find the best price for you.

Farxiga 10 mg (30 tablets)

23666 - Hampton, VA

$360.20

i Price with signup

Get free coupon

$404.49

i Price with signup

Get free coupon

See Farxiga prices at all pharmacies

What is Farxiga 10 mg used for?

Controlling blood sugar levels in Type 2 diabetes often requires multiple medications. SGLT2 inhibitors are a favored option because their side benefits include better long-term heart and kidney health. In addition, they do not cause weight gain or dangerous hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels) unless combined with diabetes drugs like insulin or sulfonylureas, such as glipizide. Once-daily Farxiga 10 mg is the highest dose for Type 2 diabetes, usually starting at a 5 mg daily dose.

Conversely, when prescribed for CHF, Farxiga is started at 10 mg once daily. According to national guidelines, SGLT2 inhibitors’ proven efficacy in reducing cardiovascular death rates and hospitalizations for CHF has led them to be preferred agents for treating this disease. This utility is secondary to the drugs’ ability to coax the kidneys to eliminate more fluid from the body.

Farxiga’s mechanism of action within the kidney may explain why clinical studies have shown benefit in preserving kidney function, thereby preventing the progression to end-stage kidney disease and the need for dialysis. The findings led the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to grant the drug a separate indication for use in reducing the risk of progression of CKD. The prescription is begun as Farxiga 10 mg taken once daily for this use.

What to expect when taking it

By increasing the sugar content of urine, Farxiga creates a urinary environment that may be more prone to infection. According to the drug’s label, about 6% of Farxiga users experience urinary tract infection (UTI) compared to 4% taking a placebo. Eight percent of females and 3% of males taking the drug develop a genital yeast infection. These common side effects of Farxiga require medical care.

It is critical to watch out for and report to a healthcare provider any urinary or genital symptoms, like burning with urination and redness or discomfort in the genital area. More severe side effects can occur. A UTI within the kidney, called pyelonephritis, is usually associated with fever and can lead to sepsis. Fournier’s gangrene is a life-threatening type of necrotizing fasciitis or skin infection of the genital region.

Lowering bodily fluid content by increasing urinary output is an expected consequence of taking Farxiga 10mg daily. If too much fluid is lost, orthostatic hypotension can result, meaning low blood pressure precipitated by standing up. This can lead to dizziness, falls, and injury. A sudden drop in kidney function could also be experienced. Although it is not uncommon to use an SGLT2 inhibitor alongside a diuretic for CHF, the combination could prompt dehydration. Monitoring of blood pressure and kidney blood tests is often advised.

The elimination of glucose via urinary excretion can have other secondary consequences, both good and bad. Favorably, Farxiga is associated with weight loss, about 5% of body weight, half of which is lost within about 30 weeks, according to an analysis published in 2024. 

Unfortunately, SGLT2 inhibitors have also been tied to cases of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). This dangerous complication is typified by weakness, trouble breathing, confusion, and vomiting, and is associated with the presence of urinary and blood ketones. DKA occurs more commonly in Type 1 diabetes but has been reported in Type 2 diabetes. Other risk factors for DKA include ketogenic diets, past pancreatitis, alcohol abuse, fever, a missed insulin dose, and surgery. Getting emergency medical help for DKA is vital.

Farxiga 5 mg vs. 10 mg

Farxiga is only indicated as a 10 mg daily dose when used for renal protection in CKD and for CHF. When prescribed for Type 2 diabetes, it is typically begun as a 5 mg daily dose and increased to 10 mg daily after four to twelve weeks if needed to achieve better glucose control. An early drug study showed that 5 mg of Farxiga daily was associated with a 0.77% drop in HbA1C levels, compared to a 0.89% drop seen with 10 mg of the drug daily. Lower HbA1C values are associated with lower average blood sugar, indicating better diabetes control.

How to take Farxiga 10 mg

Farxiga is titrated from 5 mg to 10 mg if control of Type 2 diabetes has not reached an individual’s goal HbA1C. Dose titration is not necessary for CKD or CHF. In any of the settings, Farxiga can be stopped suddenly, without tapering, if advised by a healthcare provider. The drug’s prescribing information recommends temporary discontinuation at least 3 days prior to major surgery.

The Farxiga 10mg tablet is simple to take. It can be taken with or without food. While it can be taken at any time of day, morning dosing is often preferred to lessen urinary frequency at night, which could disrupt sleep.

How much does Farxiga 10 mg cost?

Thirty 10 mg tablets of Farxiga can retail for about $830 without insurance. That monthly price can seem staggering, but a SingleCare coupon can bring it down to $470. The drug’s generic version, dapagliflozin, is available and has the same active ingredient. With the use of a free SingleCare discount card or coupon, the price for a one-month supply of dapagliflozin 10 mg tablets is $360, a savings of over $400 per month and over $5000 per year compared to the retail price of brand-name Farxiga.

With insurance, Farxiga is usually covered, such as with the Aetna Standard Plan and Humana Medicare Advantage Plan. The drug formularies for most plans may include the drug, but the plan details may require a substantial copay or could require the prescribing provider to obtain a prior authorization beforehand or try step therapy, in which less expensive alternatives are tried first. Each individual must review their plan’s formulary and details to determine their options and out-of-pocket costs.

Farxiga 10 mg alternatives

If insurance coverage or pricing is a barrier to starting or continuing Farxiga, it may be worthwhile to check into other SGLT2 inhibitors. Jardiance (empagliflozin) is another member of the drug class, with similar efficacy and side effects.

When side effects are a deterrent to taking Farxiga, stepping away from SGLT2 inhibitors could be considered. The biguanide metformin and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP1) receptor agonists, like Ozempic (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide), could be recommended instead. Analyzing the different benefits and adverse effects of these drug classes is complicated. Decisions like this require the medical advice of a healthcare professional, taking into account one’s medical history and looking out for drug interactions with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter meds, and supplements.