How Quickly Does Farxiga Create Weight Loss?
Medically reviewed by Mary Choy, PharmD
Farxiga (dapagliflozin) is an orally administered, brand-name medication classified as a sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor. SGLT2 inhibitors help lower blood sugar by causing the kidneys to eliminate more sugar in the urine.
Farxiga is used alongside diet and exercise and, in some cases, other medications to help control blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes.
This drug is also used as a treatment option to prevent worsening chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is also used to reduce the risk of hospitalization in those with heart failure.
As weight loss is a common side effect of certain diabetes medications, many people want to know if Farxiga will cause weight loss and, if so, how fast it will occur.
The short answer is that Farxiga may cause some weight loss, though the amount and how quickly this occurs varies on various factors.
Continue reading to learn more about the safe use of Farxiga and its effects on weight.
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Fast Facts: Diabetes vs. CKD
The following statistics outline the prevalence of diabetes and CKD within the United States.
Diabetes statistics include:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 37 million people (about 10% of Americans) in the United States have diabetes. Of these, up to 95% have type 2 diabetes.
Although type 2 diabetes is more common in adults 45 years and older, it is becoming more common in younger people.
According to the Diabetes Research Institute (DRI), diabetes is increasing at an alarming rate in the United States. Diabetes, if not well-controlled, can cause many complications as well as hospitalizations.
CKD statistics include:
The CDC reports that over 35 million adults in the United States (more than 1 in 7 adults, or 14%) have CKD.
Most people (90%) with CKD do not know they have it, and about one-third of people with severe CKD do not know they have it.
The Role of SGLT2 Inhibitors
SGLT2 inhibitors work by blocking the kidneys from absorbing glucose (sugar).
They help the kidneys eliminate excess sugar in the urine. Increasing the amount of sugar that leaves the body helps improve blood sugar levels.
SGLT2 inhibitors may also cause some weight loss and a slight lowering of blood pressure.
They can help improve outcomes in individuals who have conditions like heart failure, kidney disease, or heart disease.
Brand-Name SGLT2 Inhibitors
SGLT2 inhibitors, which currently are only available as brand-name drugs, include:
Brenzavvy (bexagliflozin)
Jardiance (empagliflozin)
Many of these medications are also available as combination medications.
Combinational SGLT2 Inhibitors
For example, the ingredient in Farxiga, dapagliflozin, can also be found in Qtern (dapagliflozin/saxagliptin), a brand-name product used for the treatment of high blood sugar in those with type 2 diabetes.
What Is Farxiga?
Farxiga is a brand-name medication that contains the active ingredient dapagliflozin. It is not available in generic form.
Farxiga is available as a tablet taken orally, in 5 milligrams (mg) and 10 mg. Farxiga is not approved for use in children or adolescents (people younger than 18 years old).
Uses
Farxiga is Food and Drug Administration (FDA)–approved in adults for the following:
To treat type 2 diabetes (used alongside a stringent diet and exercise routine)
To lower the risk of hospitalizations and mortality in people with CKD, heart failure, or type 2 diabetes who may experience heart disease or other related risk factors, such as high blood pressure (HBP), high cholesterol, or a smoking addiction
To lower the risk of hospitalization for heart failure in people with type 2 diabetes and heart disease
To lower the risk of hospitalization, urgent heart failure visits, and mortality in people with heart failure
Farxiga is not approved for the following:
People with type 1 diabetes
The treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis (a severe condition that can occur if high blood sugar is not treated)
People with type 2 diabetes and kidney problems
Off-Label Use
Sometimes, healthcare providers may prescribe a drug to treat a condition for which the drug was not FDA-approved initially to treat. This is called off-label prescribing.
Healthcare providers may prescribe Farxiga off-label for weight loss.
Dapagliflozin in Other Products
The active ingredient in Farxiga, dapagliflozin, can also be found in the following combination medications:
Qtern (dapagliflozin/saxagliptin)
Xigduo XR (dapagliflozin/metformin)
This article focuses on the single-ingredient product, Farxiga.
Farxiga and Weight Loss
As mentioned above, Farxiga is not FDA-approved for weight loss. Therefore, taking Farxiga for weight loss would be considered an off-label use.
SGLT2 inhibitors like Farxiga are thought to help with weight loss by regulating metabolism, which can help people lose fat.
These medications can eliminate about 75 grams (g) of glucose daily, equivalent to 300 calories.
Weight loss from SGLT2 inhibitors (like any other type of weight loss) may also affect lean body mass, so it is essential to talk to your healthcare provider about exercises you can do, such as strength training, to help preserve muscle.
The American Diabetes Association lists SGLT2 inhibitors, including Farxiga, as intermediate to high in terms of efficacy in lowering blood sugar.
For weight loss, SGLT2 inhibitors are ranked as intermediate in efficacy. They rank higher than Glumetza (metformin), but lower than newer injectable drugs, such as Mounjaro (tirzepatide).
How Fast Can I Lose Weight With Farxiga?
Because all bodies are different, it's impossible to determine how fast individuals will lose weight.
Regarding the speed of weight loss, study results have revealed the following, in chronological order:
A 2013 study that reviewed several clinical trials found SGLT2 inhibitors to result in about a 4-pound weight loss.
In a 2014 study, people took Farxiga and metformin for six months, and their progress was followed for 18 months. The results found that people who took Farxiga and metformin lost more weight than those who took a placebo (inactive medicine). People who took Farxiga and metformin reported ongoing weight loss and improved quality of life (physical health, self-esteem, and overall quality of life) at weeks 24 (six months), 50 (one year), and 102 (almost two years).
Another 2014 study examined people taking Farxiga and other diabetes medications, such as Amaryl (glimepiride), for 48 weeks (11 months). The average weight loss was 4 pounds, depending on the dose of Farxiga.
A 2019 review of studies found that people who took metformin plus Farxiga for six months lost about 5 pounds. They also reduced their waist measurement and fat mass. The first few weeks of treatment may cause faster weight loss, thought to be from fluid loss, before a gradual weight loss decline. People maintained these losses over 102 weeks (almost two years). People with heart failure who took Farxiga with or without other medication lost about 6 pounds.
A 2019 review of studies of SGLT2 inhibitors and another drug class for diabetes noted that generally, people who take an SGLT2 inhibitor lose about 5 to 7 pounds. The researchers noted that this weight loss is similar whether Farxiga is taken alone or combined with other medications. The review did note that one study found that people who took Farxiga lost about 10 pounds after six months, and then the weight loss plateaued.
Study Takeaways
Overall, it's difficult to pinpoint precisely how much a person could expect to lose with Farxiga, as various factors, such as preexisting medication conditions, height, weight, or lifestyle habits, may affect Farxiga's ability to expedite weight loss.
People who make lifestyle changes like diet and exercise may see faster results. Always check with a healthcare provider before you change your diet and exercise regimen.
If possible, and if approved by your healthcare provider, you may want to work your way up to the guidelines for physical activity recommended by the American Heart Association (AHA), which include:
150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity cardiovascular activity, such as walking, which can be broken up, for instance, into five segments of 30 minutes each or a similar combination
At least two days a week of strength-training exercises
The AHA recommends increasing the amount and intensity gradually over time.
Dosing Guidelines
For type 2 diabetes, the Farxiga starting dose is generally 5 mg by mouth once daily. If needed, your healthcare provider may increase the dose to 10 mg by mouth once daily.
Farxiga should be used along with diet and exercise.
For all other indications, the dose of Farxiga is 10 mg orally once daily.
Safely Taking Farxiga
Here are some tips for safely taking Farxiga:
You can take Farxiga with or without food.
Farxiga is taken once daily.
Farxiga may cause dehydration (losing too much body fluids). Ask your healthcare provider what you should do to prevent dehydration, including how much you should drink every day.
Talk to your healthcare provider about other possible serious side effects, including ketoacidosis, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and yeast infections.
If you miss a dose of Farxiga, take it as soon as you remember. However, you can skip the missed dose if it is almost time for the next dose. Resume taking the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take two doses at the same time.
Side Effects & Safety
Like all drugs, Farxiga carries the potential for adverse effects.
Therefore, monitor yourself or a loved one for side effects, especially those that don't go away or worsen over time.
If you're concerned over your or a loved one's ability to tolerate Farxiga effectively, speak with a healthcare provider; they may alter your dose.
Call 911 if your symptoms feel life-threatening or if you think you have a medical emergency.
Common Side Effects
Common side effects associated with the use of Farxiga include:
Severe Side Effects.
Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:
Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction): Seek emergency medical help if you develop urticaria (hives), difficulty breathing, or edema (swelling)
Cloudy, red, pink, brown, or strong-smelling urine
Vaginal odor, discharge (which may be lumpy or have a cottage cheese-like appearance), or itching
Redness, itching, swelling, or rash of the penis or the skin around the penis; bad-smelling discharge from the penis
Constant feelings of lethargy
When to Avoid Farxiga
Farxiga is only appropriate for some people as not everyone is a candidate to take it. Before taking Farxiga, tell your healthcare provider about the following:
Allergies to medications
Medical conditions you currently have
Medical conditions you have previously had
Family history
All of the medications you take, including prescription medicines, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and vitamins or supplements
You should not take this medication if allergic to dapagliflozin or any inactive ingredients in Farxiga.
Other people who should not take Farxiga include:
People with type 1 diabetes or in ketoacidosis
Individuals who are pregnant (especially in the second or third trimester) or breastfeeding
Summary
Having high blood sugar over a long period can increase the risk of diabetes complications, such as nerve damage, kidney problems, and vision problems.
Keeping blood sugar tightly controlled helps to prevent these complications.
SGLT2 inhibitors, such as Farxiga, are one of many drugs used to help control blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes, along with diet and exercise.
Farxiga also has other uses for kidney disease and heart failure. Farxiga may be associated with a modest amount of weight loss, with past studies indicating consistent use over several months to years can result in around 4 to 7 pounds lost.
As with any medication, there are benefits and risks to consider. Ask your healthcare provider for more information on Farxiga and whether the drug is appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I store Farxiga?
Store Farxiga at room temperature (68-77 degrees F). Keep away from direct light, heat, and moisture. Do not store it in a bathroom or any area susceptible to high moisture levels.
Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use. Keep this medication out of reach or sight for children and pets.
What is the connection between type 2 diabetes and the risk for CKD?
Having high blood sugar from diabetes causes damage to the kidneys over time. Also, many individuals with diabetes have high blood pressure, which can damage the kidneys.
However, staying as healthy as possible by controlling blood sugar, eating a healthy diet, staying physically active, and taking your medications as prescribed can lower the risk of kidney problems.
How can Farxiga slow the progression of CKD?
Farxiga may help slow the progression of kidney disease in various ways, including decreasing pressure and blood flow in the kidneys, lowering blood pressure, and lowering blood sugar, uric acid, and triglyceride levels.
Read the original article on Verywell Health.
