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dapagliflozin

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Brand names: Farxiga

SGLT2 Inhibitor Rx

Dapagliflozin (Farxiga) helps lower blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes. It also helps adults with heart failure or chronic kidney disease.

Drug Pricing (NADAC)

Brand Price

$18.63/unit

Generic Price

$11.38/unit

Generic Savings

39%

Generic Available

Yes (0 manufacturers)

Pricing data from NADAC (CMS), effective December 18, 2024. Compare all drug costs →

What it does

This medicine can help adults with chronic kidney disease by reducing the risk of kidney problems, heart problems, and needing to go to the hospital for heart failure.

Common side effects

Yeast infections of the vagina, Common cold, Urinary tract infections

Key warnings

Dapagliflozin can cause a serious condition called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), especially if you have type 1 diabetes.

How It Works

Dapagliflozin is a type of medicine called an SGLT2 inhibitor. It works in the kidneys to remove extra sugar from your body through your urine. This helps to lower your blood sugar levels.

How to Take It

Take dapagliflozin once a day by mouth. If you are taking it for blood sugar control, your doctor may start you on 5 mg or 10 mg. For other conditions, the usual dose is 10 mg daily. You can take it with or without food.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

This medicine may harm your unborn baby, especially during the second and third trimesters. It is not recommended while breastfeeding.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time.

Storage

Store dapagliflozin at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

Side Effects (from patient reports)

Based on 24,729 FDA adverse event reports.

Death
7,017
Tiredness
2,250
Feeling sick to your stomach
2,218
Feeling lightheaded
2,096
Loose stools
2,074
Difficulty breathing
1,970
High blood sugar
1,862
Weight loss
1,827
Using the medicine for something it's not approved for
1,716
Sudden kidney damage
1,699

FDA Adverse Event Report Analysis

Detailed analysis of 50,521 reports from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Reports span 2008–2025.

Total Reports

50,521

Death-Related Reports

8,602

Hospitalization Reports

14,338

Top Indication

Product Used For Unknown Indication

Gender Distribution

Female 20,350 (46%)
Male 24,261 (54%)

Age Distribution

0–17 282
18–44 1,931
45–64 9,055
65–74 6,794
75+ 7,092

Most Reported Adverse Reactions (FAERS)

# Reaction Reports
1 DEATH 7,017
2 FATIGUE 2,250
3 NAUSEA 2,218
4 DIZZINESS 2,096
5 DIARRHOEA 2,074
6 DYSPNOEA 1,969
7 BLOOD GLUCOSE INCREASED 1,861
8 WEIGHT DECREASED 1,827
9 OFF LABEL USE 1,716
10 ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY 1,699
11 VOMITING 1,621
12 DIABETIC KETOACIDOSIS 1,524
13 HEADACHE 1,479
14 PAIN 1,372
15 MALAISE 1,368

Reactions in Death Reports

DEATH 7,012
CARDIAC FAILURE 189
ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY 150
PNEUMONIA 145
DYSPNOEA 98
HYPOTENSION 86
MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION 84
RENAL FAILURE 84
CARDIAC ARREST 83
DIARRHOEA 80

Reactions in Hospitalization Reports

ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY 1,305
DIABETIC KETOACIDOSIS 1,061
DYSPNOEA 866
NAUSEA 759
VOMITING 724
DIARRHOEA 715
DEHYDRATION 682
HYPOTENSION 604
URINARY TRACT INFECTION 600
CARDIAC FAILURE 598

Source: FDA FAERS (Adverse Event Reporting System) FDA FAERS (Adverse Event Reporting System) Reports are voluntary and do not establish causation

Serious Warnings

Dapagliflozin can cause a serious condition called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), especially if you have type 1 diabetes. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and trouble breathing. If you have these symptoms, stop taking this medicine and get medical help right away. This medicine can also cause serious infections in the area between your genitals and anus. Get medical help right away if you have pain, tenderness, redness, or swelling in this area, along with a fever or feeling unwell.

Known Drug Interactions

No dosing adjustments required for the following: Oral Antidiabetic Agents Metformin (1000 mg) 20 mg ↔ ↔ Pioglitazone (45 mg) 50 mg ↔ ↔ Sitagliptin (100 mg) 20 mg ↔ ↔ Glimepiride (4 mg) 20 mg ↔ ↔ Voglibose (0.2 mg three times daily) 10 mg ↔ ↔ Other Medications Hydrochlorothiazide (25 mg) 50 mg ↔ ↔ Bumetanide (1 mg) 10 mg once daily for 7 days ↔ ↔ Valsartan (320 mg) 20 mg ↓12% [↓3%, ↓20%] ↔ Simvastatin (40 mg) 20 mg ↔ ↔ Anti-infective Agent Rifampin (600 mg once daily for 6 days) 10 mg ↓7% [↓22%, ↑11%] ↓22% [↓27%, ↓17%] Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Agent Mefenamic Acid (loading dose of 500...

Mechanism: These two drugs do not have a meaningful effect on each other's levels in the body.

What to do: You can take these medicines together without changing your dose.

No dosing adjustments required for the following: Oral Antidiabetic Agents Metformin (1000 mg) 20 mg ↔ ↔ Pioglitazone (45 mg) 50 mg ↔ ↔ Sitagliptin (100 mg) 20 mg ↔ ↔ Glimepiride (4 mg) 20 mg ↔ ↔ Voglibose (0.2 mg three times daily) 10 mg ↔ ↔ Other Medications Hydrochlorothiazide (25 mg) 50 mg ↔ ↔ Bumetanide (1 mg) 10 mg once daily for 7 days ↔ ↔ Valsartan (320 mg) 20 mg ↓12% [↓3%, ↓20%] ↔ Simvastatin (40 mg) 20 mg ↔ ↔ Anti-infective Agent Rifampin (600 mg once daily for 6 days) 10 mg ↓7% [↓22%, ↑11%] ↓22% [↓27%, ↓17%] Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Agent Mefenamic Acid (loading dose of 500...

Mechanism: These two drugs do not have a meaningful effect on each other's levels in the body.

What to do: You can take these medicines together without changing your dose.

No dosing adjustments required for the following: Oral Antidiabetic Agents Metformin (1000 mg) 20 mg ↔ ↔ Pioglitazone (45 mg) 50 mg ↔ ↔ Sitagliptin (100 mg) 20 mg ↔ ↔ Glimepiride (4 mg) 20 mg ↔ ↔ Voglibose (0.2 mg three times daily) 10 mg ↔ ↔ Other Medications Hydrochlorothiazide (25 mg) 50 mg ↔ ↔ Bumetanide (1 mg) 10 mg once daily for 7 days ↔ ↔ Valsartan (320 mg) 20 mg ↓12% [↓3%, ↓20%] ↔ Simvastatin (40 mg) 20 mg ↔ ↔ Anti-infective Agent Rifampin (600 mg once daily for 6 days) 10 mg ↓7% [↓22%, ↑11%] ↓22% [↓27%, ↓17%] Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Agent Mefenamic Acid (loading dose of 500...

Mechanism: These drugs do not significantly change how the body processes each other.

What to do: No dose adjustments are required for this combination.

No dosing adjustments required for the following: Oral Antidiabetic Agents Metformin (1000 mg) 20 mg ↔ ↔ Pioglitazone (45 mg) 50 mg ↔ ↔ Sitagliptin (100 mg) 20 mg ↔ ↔ Glimepiride (4 mg) 20 mg ↔ ↔ Voglibose (0.2 mg three times daily) 10 mg ↔ ↔ Other Medications Hydrochlorothiazide (25 mg) 50 mg ↔ ↔ Bumetanide (1 mg) 10 mg once daily for 7 days ↔ ↔ Valsartan (320 mg) 20 mg ↓12% [↓3%, ↓20%] ↔ Simvastatin (40 mg) 20 mg ↔ ↔ Anti-infective Agent Rifampin (600 mg once daily for 6 days) 10 mg ↓7% [↓22%, ↑11%] ↓22% [↓27%, ↓17%] Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Agent Mefenamic Acid (loading dose of 500...

Mechanism: These medicines do not have a meaningful effect on each other's levels in your system.

What to do: You do not need to change your dose when taking these medicines together.

No dosing adjustments required for the following: Oral Antidiabetic Agents Metformin (1000 mg) 20 mg ↔ ↔ Pioglitazone (45 mg) 50 mg ↔ ↔ Sitagliptin (100 mg) 20 mg ↔ ↔ Glimepiride (4 mg) 20 mg ↔ ↔ Voglibose (0.2 mg three times daily) 10 mg ↔ ↔ Other Medications Hydrochlorothiazide (25 mg) 50 mg ↔ ↔ Bumetanide (1 mg) 10 mg once daily for 7 days ↔ ↔ Valsartan (320 mg) 20 mg ↓12% [↓3%, ↓20%] ↔ Simvastatin (40 mg) 20 mg ↔ ↔ Anti-infective Agent Rifampin (600 mg once daily for 6 days) 10 mg ↓7% [↓22%, ↑11%] ↓22% [↓27%, ↓17%] Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Agent Mefenamic Acid (loading dose of 500...

Mechanism: There is a slight change in drug levels, but it is not large enough to affect how the medicine works.

What to do: Your doctor does not need to adjust your dosage for this combination.

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Common Questions

Can I take dapagliflozin if I have type 1 diabetes?
No, dapagliflozin is not recommended for people with type 1 diabetes.
What should I do if I think I have ketoacidosis?
Stop taking dapagliflozin and get medical help right away.
Can dapagliflozin cause low blood sugar?
Yes, especially if you are also taking insulin or other diabetes medicines.
Do I need to adjust my insulin dose when taking dapagliflozin?
Your doctor may need to lower your insulin dose to avoid low blood sugar.
Can dapagliflozin affect my kidneys?
Yes, it can cause kidney problems, especially if you are dehydrated.
Should I stop taking dapagliflozin before surgery?
Yes, if possible, stop taking it at least 3 days before major surgery.
Can dapagliflozin affect other medicines I am taking?
Yes, it can interact with insulin, some diabetes medicines, and lithium.
How will I know if dapagliflozin is working?
Your doctor will check your blood sugar levels and kidney function.
What if I get a urinary tract infection while taking this medicine?
See your doctor for treatment right away.
Can dapagliflozin cause weight loss?
Some people may lose weight while taking dapagliflozin.
What are the common side effects of dapagliflozin?
The most commonly reported side effects of dapagliflozin include Yeast infections of the vagina, Common cold, Urinary tract infections. Based on 24,729 FDA adverse event reports. Always consult your healthcare provider about potential side effects.
Does dapagliflozin interact with other medications?
Yes, dapagliflozin has 13 known drug interactions. Notable interactions include metformin, hydrochlorothiazide, simvastatin. Always inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.
What drug class is dapagliflozin?
dapagliflozin belongs to the SGLT2 Inhibitor drug class. It requires a prescription (Rx). This medicine can help adults with chronic kidney disease by reducing the risk of kidney problems, heart problems, and needing to go to the hospital for heart failure.
Is there a generic version of dapagliflozin?
Yes, generic dapagliflozin is available. The generic costs $11.38 per unit compared to $18.63 for the brand version, saving approximately 39%. Pricing is based on NADAC (National Average Drug Acquisition Cost) data from CMS.
Is dapagliflozin safe during pregnancy?
This medicine may harm your unborn baby, especially during the second and third trimesters. It is not recommended while breastfeeding. Always consult your healthcare provider before using any medication during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

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What the FDA Data Shows for dapagliflozin

The FDA label for dapagliflozin (sold under brand names such as Farxiga) classifies it as a prescription-only medication in the SGLT2 Inhibitor class. This medicine can help adults with chronic kidney disease by reducing the risk of kidney problems, heart problems, and needing to go to the hospital for heart failure. Official labeling lists 3 commonly reported side effects, including Yeast infections of the vagina, Common cold, Urinary tract infections.

Post-market surveillance from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) captures real-world experience. For this drug, FAERS contains 24,729 voluntary reports. The database also lists 13 documented drug interactions derived from FDA labeling, with the top-flagged interaction rated minor severity. NADAC pricing from CMS shows a generic unit cost of $11.38 versus $18.63 for the brand — a 39% generic savings.

Report counts do not establish causation — a FAERS entry documents a temporal association, not proof that the drug produced the outcome. Widely prescribed medications naturally accumulate more reports than niche therapies, so raw totals must be interpreted alongside total exposure. Shortage status, recall history, and patent information further shape supply and switching decisions. This page summarizes public FDA data for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice — always consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.

Data Sources

Drug labeling: FDA Drug Labels (SPL/DailyMed). Adverse events: FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Pricing: CMS National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC).

FAERS reports are voluntary and do not establish causation. Drug interactions are derived from FDA labeling and clinical references. Always consult a healthcare professional before making medication decisions.

Last updated: December 12, 2023

All federal data sources used on this page