All About Farxiga’s Dosage

If you have type 2 diabetes or certain heart or kidney conditions, your doctor might prescribe Farxiga (dapagliflozin). It’s a prescription medication that’s used:

• in certain adults with type 2 diabetes to:
  • help manage blood sugar levels
  • lower the risk of complications from severe heart failure that’s caused by heart or blood vessel conditions (or risk factors for these conditions)
• to lower the risk of certain complications from chronic kidney disease in adults

Farxiga belongs to a group of drugs called sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors.

This article describes Farxiga’s dosage, including its strengths and how to take it. To learn more about Farxiga, including details about how it’s used, see this in-depth article.

Note: This article covers Farxiga’s typical dosages, which are provided by the drug’s manufacturer. But when using Farxiga, always take the dosage that your doctor prescribes.

Below is information about Farxiga’s typical dosage.

What is Farxiga’s form?

Farxiga comes as a tablet that you take by mouth.

What strengths does Farxiga come in?

Farxiga tablets come in two strengths:

• 5 milligrams (mg)
• 10 mg

What are the typical dosages of Farxiga?

The information below describes Farxiga dosages that are commonly recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you and follow their dosing instructions. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Note: For all uses, Farxiga’s maximum recommended dosage is 10 mg per day.

Dosage for type 2 diabetes

If you’re taking Farxiga to help manage your blood sugar levels, your recommended starting dose is 5 mg daily. Your doctor may increase your dosage to 10 mg daily if the starting dose doesn’t lower your blood sugar levels enough.

If you have diabetes, Farxiga can also be used to lower the risk of certain problems from severe heart failure caused by heart or blood vessel conditions (or risk factors for these conditions). For this purpose, Farxiga’s typical starting dose is 10 mg daily. (If you don’t have diabetes but you’re taking Farxiga for heart failure, see “Dosage for heart failure” just below.)

If tests show that your kidney function is below a certain level, your doctor may not prescribe Farxiga for diabetes treatment.

Dosage for heart failure

Farxiga can be used to lower the risk of certain problems from severe heart failure caused by heart or blood vessel conditions (or risk factors for these conditions). If you don’t also have diabetes, your recommended Farxiga dose is 10 mg daily.

Dosage for chronic kidney disease

To lower the risk of certain complications from chronic kidney disease, the typical starting dose of Farxiga is 10 mg daily.

Is Farxiga used long term?

Yes, Farxiga is typically used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Farxiga is safe and effective for you, it’s likely that you’ll use it long term.

Dosage adjustments

Your doctor will monitor your kidney function throughout your Farxiga treatment, and they may adjust your dosage based on this. See “What is the dosage of Farxiga for someone with renal impairment?” just below in “Frequently asked questions” for details.

Find answers to frequently asked questions about Farxiga’s dosage.

What is the dosage of Farxiga for someone with renal impairment?

Your dosage of Farxiga will depend on your kidney function. While you’re taking Farxiga, your doctor will measure your kidney function by calculating your estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). This number is a measurement of how quickly your kidneys make urine.

If you have renal impairment (kidney damage), your dosage may be adjusted as shown in the table below.

If you’re having dialysis (a treatment to remove waste products from your blood when your kidneys no longer can), your doctor won’t prescribe Farxiga for you.

* This is described above in the “What is Farxiga’s dosage?” section.

My doctor just raised my dose of Farxiga to 10 mg, but I still have some of the 5-mg tablets. Can I take two 5-mg tablets for my 10-mg dose?

It depends on if your doctor says this is OK. First, check that your medication hasn’t expired. If your 5-mg tablets haven’t expired, ask your doctor if you can use the 5-mg tablets until you get the 10-mg strength from your pharmacy.

Also, you should not split a 10-mg tablet in half to use for a 5-mg dosage.

If you need to dispose of Farxiga tablets, this article has information about safe medication disposal.

The dosage of Farxiga you’re prescribed may depend on several factors. These include:

• the type and severity of the condition you’re using Farxiga to treat
• your age
• the strength of Farxiga you’re using
• your kidney function

You and your doctor will discuss these factors before you start taking Farxiga.

Farxiga comes as tablets that are taken by mouth once per day in the morning. You can take it with or without food.

You should swallow Farxiga tablets whole. Farxiga’s manufacturer doesn’t give information on whether it is safe to split or crush the pills, so it’s safer not to. If you have trouble swallowing tablets, see this article for tips.

For information on Farxiga expiration, storage, and disposal, see this article.

If you miss a Farxiga dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for the next dose, wait until the regular time that you take the medication. Do not take two doses at the same time.

If you need help remembering to take your dose of Farxiga on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm, downloading a reminder app on your smartphone, or using a timer.

Don’t use more Farxiga than your doctor prescribes. This can lead to serious side effects.

In people with type 2 diabetes, Farxiga can sometimes cause hypoglycemia (blood sugar levels that are too low). This may be more likely if you’re also taking other medications that lower blood sugar. Ask your doctor for more information about what to do if you experience hypoglycemia.

What to do in case you take too much Farxiga

Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Farxiga. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers, or you can use their online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.

The sections above describe the typical dosages provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Farxiga, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you.

Remember, you shouldn’t change your dosage of Farxiga without your doctor’s recommendation. Only take Farxiga exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage.

Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• Will my Farxiga dosage change if my kidney function gets worse?
• Would a lower dose make me less likely to experience hypoglycemia (blood sugar levels that are too low)?
• If I start taking other diabetes medications, do you need to change my dose of Farxiga?
• If I have side effects from Farxiga, can you lower my dose?

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Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.