Are you tired of diets that don’t deliver? This guide explains how Farxiga helps reduce body fat and increase calorie burning, offering a new way to tackle stubborn weight. Farxiga is not a weight loss medication. Moreover, it is primarily used to treat Type 2 Diabetes, Chronic Kidney Disease, and heart failure. However, one of its side effects can be weight loss.
What is Farxiga?
Dapagliflozin [¹], sold as Farxiga, is an oral medicine for Type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and heart failure available as tablets. It works by stopping the kidneys from absorbing glucose, so the sugar leaves the body through urine.
Besides helping control blood sugar, Farxiga can reduce the chance of hospital stays from heart failure in diabetic patients with heart disease or high risk. It can also lower the risk of heart-related death. Moreover, while it helps with weight loss, its main uses are to control blood sugar and improve heart health. Moreover, how Rapid is Weight Loss with Farxiga can depend on various factors, including diet and lifestyle.
How Rapid Is Weight Loss With Farxiga?
The FDA has approved Farxiga for adults with type 2 diabetes, and chronic kidney disease [²] at risk of progression. First approved in 2014 for type 2 diabetes, it stops the kidneys from absorbing glucose.
In April 2021, the FDA fast-tracked it for its new use to prevent heart failure and other heart conditions because of its potential benefits. While Farxiga isn’t mainly for weight loss, some people might lose weight as a side effect. How rapid is weight Loss with Farxiga can depend on your diet, lifestyle, and how your body reacts to the medication.
The 2014 study on farxiga [³] shows it’s becoming important for managing type 2 diabetes and is linked to weight loss. This drug helps remove sugar from the body through urine, which may help with weight loss. While clinical trials have shown significant weight loss compared to a placebo, researchers have not yet fully studied its effects on deep belly fat and heart health, indicating the need for more research.
It’s important to note that Farxiga is not a weight loss drug; any weight loss is a secondary effect. If you’re interested in Farxiga for weight loss, discuss it with your healthcare provider. It’s important to note that Farxiga is a medication for type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease, and weight loss is a potential side effect.
The Science Behind Farxiga
Farxiga works as an SGLT2 inhibitor, which affects the kidneys. It targets proteins that usually help the body reabsorb sugar back into the blood. Moreover, farxiga stops these proteins, so instead, the kidneys remove this sugar through urine, helping to lower blood sugar levels.
Moreover, this process of excreting excess glucose has several implications for the body:
1. Lowering Blood Pressure
Additionally, farxiga helps remove excess sugar through urine, which can lower blood volume and reduce blood pressure. This is helpful for people with type 2 diabetes who often also have high blood pressure.
2. Modest Weight Loss Reduction
Patients might lose weight while taking Farxiga as a side effect as it helps remove excess sugar through urine. This sugar contributes calories, so its excretion can lead to a calorie deficit. Healthcare professionals should monitor this weight change, which is usually modest or gradual, to ensure overall health and maintenance of muscle mass.
3. Impact on Lean Body Mass
Additionally, while Farxiga mainly targets excess sugar, rapid weight loss might also affect muscle mass. It’s important to eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly to help keep muscle while using Farxiga.
Disclaimer: Please remember that Farxiga is a prescription medication approved for adults with Type 2 Diabetes, Chronic Kidney Disease, and Heart Failure. While weight loss may occur as a side effect of this drug, it is not the main purpose of this medication. Always talk to a healthcare professional before using any medication for purposes other than those it is approved for.
Exploring the Multifaceted Benefits of Farxiga
Aside from the implications mentioned, Farxiga (dapagliflozin) also provides several advantages for people with type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and certain heart conditions, including:
1. Blood Pressure Reduction
Farxiga helps remove excess sugar and some sodium through urine, which can contribute to lower blood pressure. This is beneficial for heart health.
2. Heart Failure Benefits
Additionally, farxiga is approved to reduce the risk of hospital stays for heart failure in patients with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease or multiple heart risk factors. Clinical trials suggest that Farxiga may improve heart health by lowering the risk of heart-related death or worsening heart failure.
3. Kidney Protection
Farxiga is linked to slower kidney disease progression in people with type 2 diabetes, which may help protect the kidneys.
4. Flexibility in Treatment
Moreover, farxiga can be used by itself or with other diabetes medications to help manage type 2 diabetes.
Common Side Effects and Overdose Symptoms of Farxiga
Besides weight loss and low blood pressure, there are other adverse reactions of taking this drug such as:
1. Urinary Tract Infections
Farxiga can cause dehydration due to its mechanism of action as an SGLT2 inhibitor, increasing the removal of glucose and fluids from the body. It works by obstructing glucose reabsorption in the kidneys, which leads to more glucose being excreted in the urine. As a result, excessive urination can cause significant fluid loss, leading to extreme thirst, dry mouth, and little urine.
2. Dehydration
Moreover, farxiga helps remove excess glucose from the body through urine. This can lead to a mild diuretic effect that can result in dehydration to some people. Dehydration may lead to low blood pressure, particularly in patients who are also treating high blood pressure.
3. Kidney Function
Additionally, it’s important for healthcare professionals to carefully consider a patient’s individual kidney function. In advanced stages of chronic kidney disease, Farxiga might be less effective.
4. Hypoglycemia
Moreover, when combined with other diabetes drugs like insulin or sulfonylureas, Farxiga may raise the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). This medical condition is shown by shaking, sweating, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, hunger, headache, and irritability.
5. Genital Yeast Infections
Both men and women may experience genital fungal infections due to the increased glucose in the urinary tract, creating an environment conducive to yeast growth.
6. Ketoacidosis
Moreover, a rare but serious side effect of this medication is ketoacidosis, where the body makes too many blood acids known as ketones, even when blood sugar isn’t very high. In rare cases, an improper use of Farxiga might increase the risk of ketoacidosis, which can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, rapid breathing, and confusion.
7. Hypotension
Overdosing may lower blood pressure, causing dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting when standing.
8. Electrolyte Imbalances
Moreover, you might feel weak, confused, or have irregular heartbeats due to changes in body salts like potassium or sodium.
Who Should Avoid Farxiga?
Farxiga (dapagliflozin) may not be suitable for everyone. Certain individuals should avoid taking it or use it with caution due to potential health risks or interactions with existing conditions:
- Individuals with Type 1 Diabetes
- Patients with Severe Kidney Impairment or Dialysis
- People with a History of Diabetic Ketoacidosis
- Patients with Active Bladder Cancer
- Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women
- Individuals with Allergies to Dapagliflozin
- People with Severe Liver Disease
Conclusion: Is Farxiga the Right Choice for Your Weight Loss Journey?
Farxiga is a medication prescribed for adults with type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and heart failure. While weight loss can be a side effect for some people taking Farxiga, it’s not the main purpose of this medication.
Moreover, for the best results, it should be used alongside a healthy diet and regular exercise. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting Farxiga to ensure it’s suitable for your needs and to discuss any potential risks based on your health history.
Ready to take control of your health? Explore how Farxiga can help manage Type 2 Diabetes and promote weight loss. Learn about its benefits, side effects, and how rapid weight loss with Farxiga can be. Check out our blog and kickstart your journey with our 14-Day Diabetes Control Quick Start Program!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Fast Can I Lose Weight With Farxiga?
As fast as 24 weeks.
In a clinical study, individuals who were administered Farxiga as a standalone treatment, in dosages of either 10 mg or 5 mg per day, experienced a moderate weight loss of approximately 6 pounds during a period of 24 weeks.
However, weight loss with Farxiga varies by diet, exercise, and metabolism. Significant weight loss requires combining Farxiga with healthy habits.
When to Avoid Farxiga?
Avoid Farxiga if you have advanced chronic kidney disease or conditions where lowering blood pressure is risky. Moreover, be cautious, as rapid weight loss could affect your health.
Will I need to use this drug long-term?
Whether you need to use Farxiga long-term depends on your health and how the medication controls your symptoms. It’s often used as a long-term treatment for type 2 diabetes to keep blood sugar stable and prevent complications.
Does Farxiga affect appetite?
Farxiga (dapagliflozin) doesn’t directly affect appetite, but by removing sugar through urine, it might indirectly change hunger or eating patterns. Additionally, if Farxiga impacts your appetite or eating habits, discuss it with your healthcare provider to understand if it’s a normal response or needs more attention.
Does Farxiga make you tired?
Farxiga mainly controls blood sugar and isn’t directly linked to fatigue. However, changes in blood sugar and possible dehydration from increased urination might make you feel tired. If you’re unusually fatigued while taking Farxiga, consult your healthcare provider.
Does Farxiga cause constipation?
Farxiga (dapagliflozin) usually doesn’t cause constipation. Instead, its diuretic effect may lead to dehydration, which could indirectly cause constipation. Always stay hydrated and monitor your body’s response to the medication.
Rick Kaselj MS, is a leading kinesiologist and injury specialist as well as co-creator of the best-selling Unlock Your Hip Flexors program. Rick creates exercise programs that help people heal injuries and eliminate pain, so they can go back to living a full, active, healthy life.
