Forxiga (Dapagliflozin)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Quick Facts
What Is Forxiga Used For?
Forxiga contains dapagliflozin and belongs to a class of medicines called SGLT-2 inhibitors that you take by mouth to help manage several serious health conditions.
Primary Uses
Forxiga is used to lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus when combined with diet and exercise. It can also reduce hospitalizations for heart failure in adults with type 2 diabetes. Additionally, Forxiga is used with other medicines to treat heart failure and slow the progression of kidney disease in adults.
How It Works
Forxiga lowers your blood sugar by removing excess sugar from your body through urine. Unlike some diabetes medicines, Forxiga by itself is unlikely to cause dangerously low blood sugar because it doesn’t interfere with insulin. For heart failure, it helps protect your heart from getting weaker and improves symptoms while reducing hospital visits.
Good to know: Forxiga by itself is unlikely to cause low blood sugar because it doesn’t interfere with the insulin hormone that regulates blood sugar.
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How to Take Forxiga
Take Forxiga exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The standard dose is simple and convenient for daily management.
Dosage Instructions
Take one 10mg tablet once daily at any time of day, with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water. Taking it at the same time each day will help you remember and provide the best effect. Do not take more than one tablet per day.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss your usual dose, take it as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. This could be dangerous.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Irritation of the genitals caused by genital infection
- Back pain
- Headache
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Allergic reactions (shortness of breath, wheezing, swelling, skin rash)
- Low blood sugar when combined with other diabetes medicines
- Dehydration (dry mouth, severe thirst, dizziness, reduced urination)
- Genital infections (painful urination, soreness, unusual odor or discharge)
- Urinary tract infections (burning during urination, frequent urination, fever, blood in urine)
- Necrotising fasciitis (Fournier’s gangrene) – rare but serious genital/rectal area infection
- Diabetic ketoacidosis (nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, sweet breath odor, confusion)
Important Warnings
Before taking Forxiga, it’s crucial to discuss your medical history and current health conditions with your doctor to ensure safe use.
Who Should Not Take Forxiga
Do not take Forxiga if you are allergic to dapagliflozin or any ingredients in the medicine. Signs of allergic reaction include shortness of breath, wheezing, swelling of face/lips/tongue, skin rash, itching, hives, or feeling faint. Forxiga is not recommended for children under 18 years old.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: type 1 diabetes, kidney/liver/pancreas problems, frequent genital or urinary tract infections, illnesses causing dehydration, diabetic ketoacidosis, high blood pressure, or if you take water pills. Also mention if you’re lactose intolerant, as Forxiga tablets contain lactose.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Forxiga must not be used during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking Forxiga, stop immediately and contact your doctor. The safety during pregnancy hasn’t been established. Forxiga should not be used while breastfeeding as it’s unknown if it passes into breast milk.
Pregnancy Warning: Stop Forxiga immediately and contact your doctor if you become pregnant, as it must not be used in the second and third trimesters.
Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor about all medicines you’re taking, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements, as some may interact with Forxiga.
Important: Forxiga can be taken with most other medicines, but always check with your doctor or pharmacist about potential interactions.
- Lithium – Forxiga can lower lithium levels in your blood
- Insulin – may increase risk of low blood sugar
- Sulfonylureas (gliclazide, glimepiride, glibenclamide) – may increase risk of low blood sugar
- Water pills (diuretics) – discuss with doctor if taking for high blood pressure
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious with activities requiring alertness, as Forxiga may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery safely.
Alcohol
The source material does not provide specific information about alcohol interactions with Forxiga. Consult your doctor about alcohol consumption while taking this medication.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Although rare, Forxiga may cause dizziness in some people. Low blood sugar levels may also slow your reaction time and affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. Make sure you know how Forxiga affects you before driving or doing anything that could be dangerous if you’re dizzy or lightheaded.
Storage
Keep Forxiga tablets in the blister pack until you’re ready to take them, as they won’t keep well if removed early. Store in a cool, dry place where temperature stays below 30°C. Don’t store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills, as heat and dampness can destroy the medicine. Keep out of reach of children in a locked cupboard at least 1.5 meters above ground.
Overdose Information
If you think you’ve taken too much Forxiga, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Call the Poisons Information Centre at 13 11 26, contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, even if you don’t feel unwell or show signs of poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
The source doesn’t specify exact timing, but Forxiga works by removing excess sugar through urine. Your doctor will monitor your blood sugar levels and may perform regular tests to check how well it’s working for you.
Yes, Forxiga tablets can be taken with or without food at any time of day. Take it with a full glass of water and try to take it at the same time each day for best results.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one at the regular time. Never take two doses at once.
No, do not stop taking Forxiga without checking with your doctor first. Forxiga helps control your condition but doesn’t cure it, so you must take it every day as prescribed to maintain blood sugar control.
Signs include weakness, trembling, sweating, lightheadedness, dizziness, headache, lack of concentration, irritability, tearfulness, hunger, and numbness around lips and tongue. If untreated, this can progress to confusion, slurred speech, and loss of consciousness.
Yes, always remind any doctor, dentist, or pharmacist you visit that you’re taking Forxiga. Also discuss with your doctor before any surgery (including dental surgery) about when to stop and restart the medication.
Contact your doctor if you experience painful urination, soreness, irritation, redness, swelling of genitals, or unusual odor or discharge. These are potential side effects that need medical attention.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.