Forxiga

GP and surgeon, Dr Shane Charles (MBBS, MRCS, PgDip SEM) provides a simple explanation of the medication below:

'Forxiga is an antidiabetic (reduces high blood sugar) medication that is also used in patients with heart failure. '.

If you think Forxiga is a treatment that can help you, start an online consultation now for a registered prescriber to review. If treatment is deemed suitable, they can prescribe it, and we can deliver it to you from the comfort of your own home with a range of convenient delivery and payment options for you to choose from. If you have any questions about a medication, you should always consult your doctor with any questions prior to starting treatment, to ensure that it is safe and suitable for you.

Forxiga is an oral anti-diabetic, used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

For more information on the prescription medication patients should refer to the Forxiga patient information leaflet.

Those with type 2 diabetes have pancreas’ that do not make enough insulin, or their bodies simply aren’t able to use it properly. Because insulin is linked to the level of sugar in your blood, diabetic people end up with a much higher amount, which Forxiga works to remove from your body through your urine.

Diabetes is a lifelong illness, although type 2 often doesn’t develop until later in life and is linked to being overweight or inactive. Symptoms can include excessive thirst, frequent urination and extreme tiredness or fatigue.

It’s important to manage the disease, as it can cause serious health problems with your eyes, heart and nervous system, and Forxiga will help you do this.

Forxiga is a prescription-only medicine. Always follow the advice of your doctor and read the patient information leaflet provided in the medication packet.

Take the tablets by swallowing whole with a drink of water, with or without food. You can take it at any time of day, however keeping your chosen time consistent will help you remember to take it.

Forxiga dosage

Forxiga contains the active ingredient dapagliflozin, in strengths of either 5mg or 10mg tablets.

The normal dose is 10mg a day, however your doctor may prescribe you 5mg per day if you have problems with your liver.

If you forget to take your Forxiga tablet then you should take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s more than 12 hours late. In this case, you should skip the forgotten dose and move straight onto the next one, as you should never take a double dose.

If you take more Forxiga than you should, then go to your doctor or nearest emergency department immediately.

Before taking Forxiga, you should always first consult your doctor. You should not take Forxiga if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are allergic to dapagliflozin or any of the other ingredients of this medicine
• if you are 75 years old or older
• if you are breastfeeding
• if you are taking another medicine for diabetes that contains “pioglitazone”

Your prescription of Forxiga may also be affected by a number of other factors, so you should make your doctor aware if any of the following apply:

• if you have “type 1 diabetes” – the type that usually starts when you are young, and your body does not produce any insulin
• if you have a kidney problem
• if you have a liver problem
• if you have a history of serious heart disease or if you have had a stroke
• if you are on medicines to lower your blood pressure or have a history of low blood pressure
• if you have very high levels of glucose in your blood which may make you dehydrated
• if you have or develop nausea
• if you often get infections of the urinary tract
• if you have an increase in the amount of red blood cells in your blood, seen in tests.

Like many medications with active ingredients, Forxiga can affect or be affected by other medicines. Particular medications that you may experience this with include the following:

• medicines used to remove water from the body (diuretic)
• other medicines that lower the amount of sugar in your blood such as insulin or a “sulphonylurea” medicine.

If you are taking any of the above medications, then you should make your doctor aware so that they can advise whether or not Forxiga will be the best course of action for you.

Before taking this medication, your doctor will need to test the function of your kidneys, and this should be repeated for the duration of your treatment with Forxiga. Like with all diabetic patients (regardless of treatment), you should also check your feet regularly and follow the foot care advice given by your doctor.

If you are pregnant or planning to have a baby then you should speak to your doctor before starting treatment with Forxiga, as it’s not recommended for use in your second or third trimester.

Even when taking this medicine, you will still need to follow a diet and exercise plan in order to keep your diabetes well-managed. Always follow the advice of your doctor, pharmacist or nurse and contact them if you are unsure.

The most common side effects of using Forxiga include:

• genital infection (thrush) of your penis or vagina
• back pain
• passing more water (urine) than usual or needing to more often
• changes in the amount of cholesterol or fats in your blood
• increases in the amount of red blood cells in your blood
• decreases in creatinine renal clearance
• dizziness
• rash

If you do experience one or more of these side effects and they persist or worsen, then inform your doctor right away. Although fairly common, side effects such as overly low blood sugar levels, serious dehydration and urinary tract infection can be serious and so you should contact your doctor immediately if you notice signs of any of these.

You can safely buy Forxiga online at UK Meds. You will first need to have an online consultation with a pharmacist independent prescriber before your order will be supplied. The online consultation will ensure that Forxiga is the right medication for your medical condition.