Farxiga adverse effects can include kidney damage and ketoacidosis, dangerous issues for diabetics.

Farxiga belongs to a class of drugs called sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, which lower blood sugar in a diabetic by forcing the patient’s system to excrete extra glucose through urination rather than sending the glucose back into the blood stream.

In May 2015, the FDA warned patients who take drugs such as Farxiga (dapagliflozin) that they could be at an increased risk of ketoacidosis and kidney failure. Between March 2013 and October 2015, the FDA compiled 101 reports of kidney damage from SGLT2 inhibitors.

Farxiga adverse effects can include dehydration, which impairs kidney function. Type-2 diabetics already are at higher risk for kidney disease, and SGLT2 medications make the kidneys work even harder.

Patients should be aware of signs such as decreased urination and swelling of the hands or feet, which can mean toxins are building up in the body and not filtering through the kidneys properly.

In severe cases of Farxiga adverse effects, the kidneys suddenly stop working.

Farxiga Patients Need to Be Aware of Ketoacidosis Possibility

Ketoacidosis is a condition produced by abnormally high levels of blood acids, which can lead to brain swelling, kidney injury, and eventually kidney failure.

The human body has a narrow range of blood and cellular fluids that can be considered either too acidic (low pH) or too basic (high pH).

Ketoacidosis occurs when the body’s cells don’t receive the glucose they need for energy, and the body begins to burn fat for energy. This process produces ketones that break down the fat to turn it into energy. When the ketones build up in the blood, the resulting ketoacidosis can make a person very ill.

In ketoacidosis, insulin levels are so low that the body cannot regulate blood sugar, and the fatty acid flow is inadequate. Ketoacidosis is one of the most dangerous Farxiga adverse effects.

Symptoms of ketoacidosis are:

• Thirst or a very dry mouth
• Frequent urination
• High blood glucose (blood sugar) levels
• High levels of ketones in the urine

Symptoms of progressed ketoacidosis:

• Constantly feeling tired
• Dry or flushed skin
• Nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Fruity odor on breath
• A hard time paying attention, or confusion

Between March 2013 and May 2015, the FDA reported 73 cases of diabetic ketoacidosis in patients treated with SGLT2 inhibitors such as Farxiga.

Farxiga’s label was changed to include a warning “about the risks of too much acid in the blood,” and the FDA strongly advised patients taking any SGLT2 inhibitor to stop taking it and seek immediate medical help if they suspect they are developing ketoacidosis.

The FDA reports the median time between the start of taking Farxiga and the onset of ketoacidosis symptoms was two weeks.

If you or someone you love has suffered Farxiga adverse effects such as kidney failure or ketoacidosis, you could qualify for compensation through legal representation.