Dapagliflozin (Farxiga / Forxiga) tablets

Dapagliflozin is a prescription oral medicine in the SGLT2 inhibitor class used in type 2 diabetes care and, for some patients, certain heart or kidney conditions. This page summarizes how the medication works, what to expect with dosing formats, key safety topics, and practical storage basics. It also explains how prescriptions are handled on a cash-pay basis for people without insurance.

What Farxiga Is and How It Works

Farxiga (also marketed as Forxiga in some countries) contains dapagliflozin, a sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor. SGLT2 inhibitors work in the kidneys by reducing glucose reabsorption in the proximal tubules, which increases glucose excretion in urine. This mechanism can lower blood glucose and may also cause a mild diuretic (fluid-losing) effect. For broader context on this class, see the SGLT2 Inhibitors hub.

CanadianInsulin is a prescription referral service, and prescription details may be confirmed with the prescriber when required. Ships from Canada to US.

Because this medicine affects urinary glucose and fluid balance, some effects can show up as more frequent urination, thirst, or genital yeast infections. These are not the only considerations. Indications and warnings differ by country and by the specific product monograph, so it is important to rely on the directions provided with the dispensed medication. If you want a plain-language overview of typical labeled uses, the Farxiga Uses Overview article can provide background for discussion with a clinician.

Who It’s For

A clinician may prescribe Dapagliflozin for adults with type 2 diabetes as part of an overall plan that includes nutrition, activity, and other medications. In some settings, dapagliflozin is also prescribed for certain patients with heart failure or chronic kidney disease, even when diabetes is not the primary issue. Browse related condition hubs for background: Type 2 Diabetes, Heart Failure, and Chronic Kidney Disease.

Not everyone is an appropriate candidate. This therapy is generally not used for type 1 diabetes and is not used to treat diabetic ketoacidosis (a dangerous buildup of acids in the blood). It may also be inappropriate in people on dialysis, and it may be limited in those with significantly reduced kidney function depending on the labeled indication. A prescriber will also consider frequent urinary tract infections, recurrent genital infections, low blood pressure, dehydration risk, and current diuretic use.

Why it matters: The same mechanism that lowers glucose can increase urination and fluid loss.

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and pediatric use require special review because labeling and evidence vary. For patients with multiple conditions, clinicians typically prioritize kidney function, cardiovascular history, and current diabetes regimen to reduce avoidable complications.

Dosage and Usage

For Dapagliflozin, labeled dosing is commonly once daily by mouth, with or without food. The starting dose and whether it is increased depends on the indication, kidney function, and other therapies in the regimen. Many product labels describe 5 mg once daily as an initial option in type 2 diabetes, with a possible increase to 10 mg once daily when appropriate. For certain heart or kidney indications, 10 mg once daily may be the standard labeled dose.

Tablets are usually taken at the same time each day to support routine adherence. If a dose is missed, official labeling often advises taking it when remembered unless it is close to the next scheduled dose. Patients should not double doses to “catch up.” If vomiting, prolonged fasting, or major illness occurs, a clinician may advise temporary interruption because SGLT2 inhibitors have been associated with ketoacidosis in some situations.

For a deeper explanation of typical schedules and how clinicians think about dose selection, see the Farxiga Dosing Guide. Always follow the directions on the pharmacy label for the specific product dispensed.

Strengths and Forms

Dapagliflozin is commonly available as an oral tablet in 5 mg and 10 mg strengths, often described as Dapagliflozin tablets 5 mg and Dapagliflozin tablets 10 mg. The brand name of dapagliflozin is Farxiga in the U.S., and Forxiga in many other regions. Some listings may refer to a Farxiga tab or “Forxiga 10,” which typically indicates the 10 mg tablet strength.

Combination products also exist (for example, dapagliflozin with metformin), which can simplify regimens for some patients. Those combinations have different dosing rules and precautions than a standalone tablet. Availability and packaging can vary by country, manufacturer, and dispensing pharmacy.

If you are browsing non-insulin options, the Non Insulin Medications category can help organize related therapies by class.

Storage and Travel Basics

Most dapagliflozin tablets are stored at controlled room temperature and kept in the original container until use. Avoid excessive heat, moisture, and direct sunlight. Bathrooms and kitchen areas near sinks can expose tablets to humidity, which can affect tablet integrity over time. Keep all prescription medicines out of reach of children and pets.

When traveling, keep tablets in carry-on luggage to reduce exposure to temperature extremes. Carry the pharmacy-labeled container or a copy of the prescription information in case documentation is requested. If you use multiple diabetes medicines, a simple written list of drug names and strengths can help reduce confusion, especially when time zones change.

Quick tip: Keep a few days’ extra doses in case of travel delays.

Do not transfer tablets into unmarked containers for long periods. If a tablet looks chipped, discolored, or unusually soft, consult the dispensing pharmacy for handling guidance rather than guessing.

Side Effects and Safety

With Dapagliflozin, common side effects may include increased urination, thirst, and genital yeast infections. Some people experience urinary tract infections, mild dizziness, or changes in blood pressure related to fluid loss. When used with insulin or sulfonylureas, the overall regimen may raise the chance of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), even though SGLT2 inhibitors alone have a lower hypoglycemia risk.

Serious risks are less common but important to recognize early. Ketoacidosis has been reported, sometimes with only modestly elevated blood glucose. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, unusual fatigue, or rapid breathing. Rare but urgent infections of the genital or perineal area (including Fournier’s gangrene) have also been reported. Volume depletion can contribute to kidney injury in susceptible patients, particularly during vomiting, diarrhea, heavy sweating, or when combined with diuretics.

For a structured review of common and serious reactions discussed in patient-oriented language, the Farxiga Side Effects resource can support informed conversations with a healthcare professional.

CanadianInsulin coordinates access through licensed Canadian pharmacies that dispense after required checks.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Before starting Dapagliflozin, clinicians typically review the full medication list, including non-prescription drugs and supplements. Diuretics (“water pills”) can add to the fluid-lowering effect and increase dizziness or low blood pressure. Insulin and insulin secretagogues (such as sulfonylureas) may increase hypoglycemia risk when combined with an SGLT2 inhibitor, which is why prescribers may adjust the overall regimen.

Kidney function affects both safety and effectiveness for this drug class. Prescribers may check estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and monitor it over time. Temporary interruption may be considered around major surgery or periods of prolonged fasting to reduce ketoacidosis risk, based on labeling and clinical judgment. Patients should report symptoms of infection promptly, especially genital symptoms, fever, or painful urination.

For related background on how the class is used in cardiovascular care, the SGLT2 Inhibitors And Heart Failure article summarizes common clinical themes without replacing individualized care.

Compare With Alternatives

Dapagliflozin is one of several SGLT2 inhibitors, and alternatives may be considered based on kidney function, cardiovascular history, tolerability, and formulary access. Empagliflozin (Jardiance) and canagliflozin (Invokana) are commonly referenced comparators in the same class. Each product has its own labeled indications, warnings, and dosing considerations, so switching within the class is not automatic.

Other non-insulin oral options include DPP-4 inhibitors and combination products with metformin. These work through different mechanisms and have different side-effect profiles. A clinician may select a class based on A1C targets, weight considerations, hypoglycemia risk, kidney status, and other comorbidities.

• SGLT2 inhibitor alternatives: similar glucose-lowering mechanism.
• DPP-4 inhibitors: incretin pathway support.
• Metformin combinations: fewer tablets for some.

Related product listings for comparison purposes include Jardiance 10 And 25 Mg and Invokana 100 Mg And 300 Mg.

Pricing and Access for Dapagliflozin

Dapagliflozin pricing varies by strength, manufacturer (brand versus generic), and the dispensing pharmacy’s acquisition terms. People comparing Dapagliflozin cost often also look at whether they are using a combination product, because combination tablets can change overall monthly spend. If a prescriber writes for a brand like Farxiga 10 mg or an equivalent generic, the dispensed product may differ in appearance while containing the same active ingredient.

For those paying without insurance, cash-pay considerations typically include prescription validity, required documentation, and any needed prescriber confirmation. CanadianInsulin can facilitate cross-border access by routing eligible prescriptions to a dispensing pharmacy within its network.

When required, prescriptions are verified with the prescriber before the pharmacy dispenses. If you are comparing options across diabetes therapies, the Diabetes Medications and Diabetes categories can help you browse by class and condition.

Authoritative Sources

These official references support core safety and indication information and are useful for confirming labeling details:

• FDA prescribing information listings for Farxiga labeling
• MedlinePlus patient medication information for dapagliflozin

If you are submitting a prescription request through the site, include complete prescriber and pharmacy directions; select prompt, express, cold-chain shipping if your order includes temperature-sensitive items.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.