What is Forxiga?
Forxiga contains the active ingredient dapagliflozin and is an SGLT2 inhibitor for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Like empagliflozin (Jardiance), it causes excess sugar to be excreted in the urine.
In addition to lowering blood sugar, Forxiga has proven benefits for the heart and kidneys and is also approved for the treatment of heart failure and chronic kidney disease.
Forxiga is manufactured by AstraZeneca.
Active Ingredients & Mechanism of Action
Active ingredient: Dapagliflozin
Dapagliflozin inhibits the SGLT2 transporter in the kidney:
Mechanism of action:
- Blocks the reabsorption of glucose in the renal tubules
- Approx. 70 g of glucose are excreted in the urine daily
- Calorie deficit of approx. 280 kcal/day
Other effects:
- Lowering of blood pressure (approx. 3-5 mmHg systolic)
- Weight reduction (approx. 2-3 kg in the first months)
- Lowering of uric acid
- Cardioprotective and nephroprotective effect
Study data: The DAPA-HF and DAPA-CKD trials demonstrated the benefit of dapagliflozin in heart failure and chronic kidney disease.
Who is it suitable for?
Forxiga is suitable for:
- Adults with type 2 diabetes as an adjunct to diet and exercise
- As monotherapy or in combination with other antidiabetic medications
- Diabetes patients with heart failure or chronic kidney disease
Not suitable:
- Type 1 diabetes
- Severe renal impairment (eGFR < 25 ml/min for diabetes)
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Frequent genital infections
Available Dosages
Available strength:
- 10 mg film-coated tablets
Dosage for type 2 diabetes:
- 10 mg once daily
No dose adjustment needed for:
- Mild to moderate renal impairment
- Mild to moderate hepatic impairment
Severe hepatic impairment: The recommended starting dose is 5 mg. If this is well tolerated, the dose can be increased to 10 mg.
Dosage form and pack sizes
The medicines catalogue lists 2 pack variants: 2 strengths in one pack size.
- Dosage form
- Filmtablette
- Strengths
- 5 mg, 10 mg
- Pack sizes
- 28 units
| Strength | Pack | PZN | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 mg | 28 units | 10330224 | 28 days |
| 10 mg | 28 units | 10330193 | 28 days |
Packs listed in the German medicines catalogue. Which of them are currently available and what they cost is shown in the price overview.
The Pharmazentralnummer (PZN) is the nationwide unique identifier of a pack in Germany.
Duration is the catalogue value for the usual dosage. How long a pack actually lasts depends on the dose your doctor prescribes.
How to Take
How to take:
- Once daily, at any time of day
- With or without meals
- Swallow the tablet whole with water, without chewing
Important notes:
- Drink enough fluids (at least 1.5-2 liters daily)
- Good intimate hygiene (prevention of fungal infections)
- In case of acute illness, fever or surgery: inform your doctor
- Regular check-ups (kidney values, blood sugar)
Contraindications
Forxiga must not be taken in case of:
- Hypersensitivity to dapagliflozin
Type 1 diabetes: Forxiga should not be used in type 1 diabetes, as diabetic ketoacidosis was reported frequently in studies of dapagliflozin in type 1 diabetes.
Caution in:
- Patients over 75 years of age (risk of dehydration)
- Diuretic therapy
- Recurrent urinary tract or genital infections
- Risk factors for diabetic ketoacidosis
Pregnancy/breastfeeding: Use during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy is not recommended. If pregnancy is detected, treatment with Forxiga should be discontinued. Forxiga should not be used during breastfeeding.
Possible Side Effects
Common (1-10%):
- Genital fungal infections (vulvovaginitis, balanitis)
- Urinary tract infections
- Increased urination
- Back pain
- Dizziness
- Dyslipidemia (lipid metabolism disorder)
Uncommon:
- Dehydration
- Hypotension (low blood pressure)
Rare:
- Diabetic ketoacidosis
Very rare:
- Fournier's gangrene
Note: Genital fungal infections are the most common side effect and occur mainly at the start of therapy. Good hygiene and, if necessary, local treatment help.
Interactions
Diuretics: Increased fluid loss. Adjust the dose if necessary.
Insulin and sulfonylureas: The risk of hypoglycemia increases. A dose reduction may be required.
No clinically relevant CYP interactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are SGLT2 inhibitors with a similar mechanism of action. Forxiga contains dapagliflozin, Jardiance contains empagliflozin. Both lower blood sugar, weight and blood pressure and have a protective effect on the heart and kidneys. Which one is more suitable is decided by the doctor on an individual basis.
Yes, a weight loss of 2-3 kg on average is common, because calories are lost in the urine every day in the form of glucose.
The increased sugar content in the urine promotes the growth of yeast fungi in the genital area. Good intimate hygiene, cotton underwear and drinking enough fluids help to prevent this. If symptoms occur, local antifungal treatment is effective.
Similar Medications
Is Forxiga right for you?
A licensed doctor will review your information and issue a prescription if suitable. Discreet and secure.
Important Notice
This information does not replace medical advice. If you have questions about your health or the suitability of this medication, please consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Important Safety Information
This service operates under German pharmaceutical law (HWG). For risks and side effects, read the package leaflet and consult your doctor or pharmacist. All medications are dispensed from a licensed pharmacy in Germany.