On January 8, 2014, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced its approval of Farxiga for treatment of type 2 diabetes. Currently, over 24 million people have type 2 diabetes and suffer from tremendous health complications as a result. These health complications include heart disease, kidney damage, blindness and nerve damage. Farxiga may be able to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes and help them avoid additional illnesses.
Description of Farxiga
Farxiga is a prescription medicine that is used to lower blood sugar levels in adults who have type 2 diabetes. The drug should be used with regular exercise and a balanced diet. The generic name of Farxiga is "dapagliflozin." Farxiga recently received FDA approval on January 8, 2014. This drug is manufactured by the Bristol-Myers Squibb and AstraZeneca.
Functions of Farxiga
As a sodium-glucose co-transporter (SGLT2), Farxiga works to block the absorption of glucose in the kidneys. Farxiga also increases the excretion of glucose and lowers blood glucose levels. It seems that Farxiga may prove to be a safe and effective treatment option for adults who have type 2 diabetes. Patients should be aware that Farxiga may not be used to treat type 1 diabetes.
Statistics Behind Use of Farxiga
In a 24-week clinical trial studying the effects of Farxiga in patients with type 2 diabetes, the trial revealed that adults enjoyed significant reductions in HbA1c of -0.7 and -0.8 percent. Patients also experienced a placebo plus metformin reduction of -0.3 percent.
Research Studies Revealing the Effectiveness of Farxiga
In the press release announcing its approval of Farxiga, the FDA also cited the effectiveness of Farxiga in 16 clinical trials. Over 16 clinical trials were conducted with 9,400 patients who had type 2 diabetes. Overall, the clinical trials showed that patients experienced an improvement in blood sugar control when they used Farxiga. The prescription drug is not recommended for patients with active bladder cancer. During the clinical trials, an increased number of patients were diagnosed with bladder cancer.
The FDA is requiring that the drug manufacturers produce six additional research studies to assess the effectiveness of Faxiga. The companies must conduct trial studies assessing cardiovascular outcomes, bladder cancer risk, safety of this drug use in pediatric patients, pregnancy outcomes, liver abnormalities and urinary composition changes. The FDA is also recommending that the drug manufacturers pursue an animal study to assess bladder changes in rodents. The drug manufacturers anticipate releasing additional research studies in April of 2014.
Benefits of Farxiga
Farxiga is an oral medication that may be taken to balance blood glucose levels. By preventing the kidneys from absorbing glucose, patients may be protected from the ill effects of excess sugar in the bloodstream. Farxiga aims to assist type 2 diabetes patients in reaching their blood sugar goals on a daily basis.
The recommended dosage for Farxiga is 5 mg every morning. The drug should be taken in the morning, and it can be consumed with or without food. Those who are able to tolerate the 5 mg can increase their dosage to 10 mg a day. The drug is part of a new class of drugs that aims to provide effective treatment in type 2 diabetes patients. Those who have diabetes often must resort to intrusive measures and several prescription drugs to control blood sugar levels. Farxiga may be able to eliminate some of these intrusive methods or the need for multiple prescription drugs. Patients may find that using Farxiga is more convenient than other methods for treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Farxiga may also help patients who suffer from frequent urination. Frequent urination may be an indication that an individual has type 2 diabetes. It is the body's natural method of releasing extra glucose that is stored in it. After taking Farxiga, patients may be able to treat type 2 diabetes and also avoid frequent urination. Frequent urination can be very uncomfortable during the nighttime or while a person is at work. Farxiga may be able to eliminate unnecessary urination throughout the day by protecting the kidneys from absorption of glucose.
Patients who are considering Farxiga should meet with their physicians first. A physician can thoroughly discuss whether Farxiga is appropriate for one's own medical situation.
