Forxiga

• Forxiga is a brand name for dapagliflozin
• Forxiga helps to lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes (usually type 2)
• Forxiga works by encouraging the kidneys to remove excess sugar in the urine, in turn lowering blood sugar levels
• Forxiga should be taken in combination with lifestyle and dietary modifications for the best clinical outcome
• Forxiga is sometimes prescribed if another diabetes medication, metformin, does not suit you
• It is important to read the patient leaflet for a full list of side effects and cautions.

Our bodies rely on insulin which is made by the pancreas. Insulin helps to control the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood. If the body starts to make less insulin, our blood sugar levels are left to rise unchecked. In some people, the body has also stopped responding properly to any insulin that is being produced. The rising blood sugar levels will lead to diabetes.

High levels of glucose in the blood over a prolonged period can cause damage to the blood vessels, nerves, kidneys, and eyes. Some patients will eventually require amputation of extremities including the toes or feet. It is therefore very important to keep your blood glucose levels under control, even if you currently feel well.

As well as taking Forxiga, it is important to eat healthily and remain physically active.

Forxiga works by increasing the amount of sugar that is removed from the blood by the kidneys. The sugar leaves the body in the urine, helping to lower blood sugar levels.

Unlike some medications taken for diabetes, Forxiga should not cause you to gain weight.

Forxiga is a tablet that should be swallowed whole with some water. It can be taken with or without food. It is best to take Forxiga at the same time every day to help you remember to take it.

You may need to monitor your blood sugar levels at home, as well as complete urine testing, to monitor your response to Forxiga.

Forxiga tablets are available in two strengths, 5mg and 10mg.

The recommended dose of Forxiga is 10mg once a day. 

People with severe liver disease may be prescribed the lower dose of 5mg daily initially, and this may later be increased to 10mg depending on your response.

Like all medications, Forxiga can have some side effects. The most common side effects include:

• Back pain
• Passing urine more often, or in greater volumes, than usual
• Feeling dizzy
• Thrush (fungal infection)
• Mild skin rashes.

These side effects are likely to settle down, but if they persist or become troublesome you should speak to your doctor for further advice. If you develop thrush, you should speak to a pharmacist or doctor as treatment may be required.

Serious allergic reactions happen very rarely. If you have a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) including breathlessness, lip swelling or tongue swelling, call 999 immediately.

Occasionally, Forxiga can cause blood sugar levels to fall too low. This is known as hypoglycaemia or a hypo, and is more common if you are taking more than one type of antidiabetic medication. When taking Forxiga, you should be aware of the early signs of low blood sugar. These include:

• Feeling hungry
• Trembling or shaking
• Struggling to concentrate or feeling confused
• Sweating.

If a hypo occurs, you should eat or drink a fast acting carbohydrate such as sugary fruit juice, sweets or a sugar cube. If you still feel unwell, seek immediate medical advice.

Forxiga may not be suitable for everyone. You should tell your prescriber if you:

• Have severe kidney or liver disease
• Have heart disease
• Have low blood pressure (hypotension)
• Often get urinary tract infections (UTIs or water infections)
• Are awaiting an operation
• Have a lactose allergy
• Are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding

Some medications can interact with Forxiga. You may be advised that Forxiga will not suit you if you already take:

• Diuretic medications (water tablets)
• Other medications that lower blood sugar levels.

Because Forxiga may not suit everyone, we will complete a Consultation with you including a health questionnaire. This will ensure that the medication will be suitable for you.

A qualified prescriber will review your current medications, including any herbal remedies or supplements, to ensure that Forxiga will not interact with them. 

Once prescribed, Forxiga will be ordered on your behalf via electronic prescription. Forxiga will then be conveniently dispatched from one of our partner pharmacies.