As an FDA-approved medication, Farxiga is recommended by doctors to treat chronic kidney diseases, type 2 diabetes, and heart issues. It is a brand name for Dapagliflozin, which was considered the 187th most commonly prescribed medicine in the USA in 2021.
Like most other similar medications like Ozempic, Farxiga also has the potential to reduce weight.
However, how rapid is weight loss with Farxiga and whether it is safe? Plus, does it really shed some pounds or is it just a popularity stunt by the brand? Let’s find out the answers to these burning questions in the discourse below.
What Is Farxiga?
Farxiga or Dapagliflozin is an FDA-approved medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. It does so by lowering blood sugar levels in your body.
What’s more, it also helps decrease the risk of death as a result of heart failure and kidney problems. In doing all of this, Farxiga may also cause weight loss in people using it to treat diabetes.
However, it is imperative to note that this oral tablet doesn’t reduce weight on its own. You must follow a strict diet and regular exercise routine to get your desired weight.
Does Farxiga Really Reduce Your Weight?
As stated above, Farxiga can reduce weight, even though it isn’t a weight-loss drug. As per a few clinical studies, people who took 5mg or 10mg of Farxiga’s daily dose, lost around 6 pounds after 24 weeks. The modest weight loss caused by the medication is greater than that with Metformin. However, it is less and slower than with Ozempic consumption.
But How Does It Reduce Weight?
Farxiga belongs to a category of medications known as sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. This medicine reduces weight by eliminating any extra glucose or sugar from your blood.
The excess glucose leaves your body through your urine. As a result, there is less glucose available in your body to turn into fat cells.
Simply put, the drug helps eliminate 75 grams of sugar from your blood. This means that your body gets rid of around 300 calories.
In addition to that, Farxiga also helps burn fat. It has been noticed that this drug helps change your metabolism, converting any stored fat into energy. Additionally, the drug can also trigger your liver to burn extra fat.
It may also influence your appetite and overall food intake. As a result, you may feel less hungry, leading to a consumption of fewer calories in a day.
How Rapid Is Weight Loss With Farxiga?
Now comes the main question, “how rapid is weight loss with Farxiga?” This depends on various factors such as your lifestyle, diet and overall health’s condition.
In an ideal situation, the rapid weight loss with Farxiga can begin within three days of consuming the drug. This weight loss is primarily a result of fluid loss.
But generally, proper fat loss starts after six weeks of taking the medication. The process of weight reduction may continue for six months or more.
Does This Drug Contribute to Weight Gain?
According to a short-term study conducted on 600 participants, some patients gained weight after taking Farxiga. While a large majority lost weight, a few gained due to multiple factors like genetics and a combination of other medications.
If you notice a weight gain rather than a loss after taking Farxiga, it is best to consult your doctor. That’s because the reason behind this can be anything other than this drug. For instance, in some cases, insulin may make it hard for some patients to lose or even maintain their current weight.
Does Farxiga Have Side Effects?
If you have been prescribed this medicine, it is important to go for regular checkups on your overall progress.
Unfortunately, in some cases, this medicine can lead to a high quality of acid in your blood. This may result in vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, tiredness, and severe breathing problems.
If you experience any of these symptoms, stop taking your medicine immediately. Also, contact your care team as soon as possible, as diarrhea may cause excessive fluid loss, which is not a good sign.
Here are some other side effects you may notice when taking this drug.
- Allergic reactions like skin rashes, itching, face swelling, and hives are some of the common side effects.
- You may feel an increased thirst, headaches, and low energy levels as a result of dehydration.
- In some cases, patients get a genital yeast infection, leading to swelling, redness, and pain.
- Some people get a urinary tract infection or UTI, which causes severe burning when passing urine.
Farxiga isn’t safe for anyone allergic to Dapagliflozin or any inactive ingredients present. Plus, you should avoid it if:
- You are breastfeeding
- You are pregnant
- You have type 1 diabetes
Farxiga’s Safe Dose
The starting dose as recommended by the doctor for most patients is 5mg by mouth once every day. As per your body’s requirements, your doctor may increase the dose to 10mg. However, that would not depend on your weight loss goals but your health conditions that this drug is primarily taken for.
Elevate Weight Loss With Farxiga
If you also want to benefit from its weight loss characteristics, take Farxiga as prescribed while following the below-mentioned lifestyle changes.
- Eat a healthy diet with portion control. Add lots of vegetables, fruits and other healthy nutrients in your food plan. It is best to consult a nutritionist to guide you better as per your body’s needs and weight.
- Exercise daily. You can go for a walk or join a gym for weight exercises. Again, don’t overdo it; just listen to your body.
- Reduce the intake of caffeine and alcohol. This is not only important to treat your diabetes or health problems but also to help elevate weight loss.
- Hydrate yourself, as Farxiga may dehydrate your body. Ask your doctor about the safe quantity of water you must consume while taking this medication.
- Sleep well because if you don’t, your body may not get enough rest to process the drug and its benefits.
Wrap Up
Are you convinced of our answer to the question, “How rapid is weight loss with Farxiga?” While this drug is not prescribed for weight loss, it may help you lose weight when taken to treat type 2 diabetes. However, you must also practice care and stop the medication in case of possible side effects.
Also, to enhance weight loss with Farxiga, change your lifestyle by working out and eating right. If you want to keep your body fit, make these small efforts to witness big outcomes.
Sources:
Footnotes:
- Ribola FA, Cançado FB, Schoueri JHM, de Toni VF, Medeiros VHR, Feder D. Effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on weight loss in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2023;27(1):199-211.
- Kim H, Lee SH, Lee H, Yim HW, Cho JH, Yoon KH, Kim HS. Blood glucose levels and bodyweight change after dapagliflozin administration. J Diabetes Investig. 2023;14(3):539-547.
References:
- FDA Approves Treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Accessed 07/20/2024
- Farxiga Prescribing Information. Drugs.com. Accessed 07/20/2024
- SGLT2 Inhibitors. Good RX. Accessed 07/20/2024
- Dapagliflozin Tablets. Cleveland Clinic. Accessed 07/20/2024
- Farxiga Dosage. Drugs.com. Accessed 07/20/2024
