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Why Is Farxiga So Expensive?
Did you know that 2021 was the 100th anniversary of insulin? Even after 100 years of managing diabetes symptoms through medication, prices continue rising for many Americans.
Almost 10% of Americans have diabetes, and approximately 96 million have pre-diabetes. Have you heard of Farxiga medication?
This newer diabetes medication holds promising results in managing diabetes and other chronic illnesses. Yet, if you have already done some research, you may be shocked to find out that it can cost you thousands annually in out-of-pocket costs.
Are you interested in saving money on your prescription medications? We have a complete guide that will break down exactly what Farxiga is, its side effects, how to take it, and so much more. Keep reading until the end because we have an easy way to save money on your next prescription refill.
What Is Farxiga Medication?
Farxiga is a brand-name medication that requires a prescription. Daily dosages range from 5 mg to 10 mg and are taken orally. Farxiga’s two primary prescribed uses are:
- Type II diabetes
- Heart failure
In diabetic patients, Farxiga has promising results in lowering blood sugar levels. Its secondary use with patients at risk of heart failure shows reduced hospitalizations and glomerular filtration rates (GFRs). GFR indicates kidney health, and higher levels can increase a patient’s risk for end-stage renal disease.
Farxiga’s Drug Classification
Farxiga is widely known as a diabetes medication but should not be used for type I diabetes. Your physician may combine it with other diabetic or cardiac medications for the best health outcomes.
All drugs fall under a classification system. Understanding its umbrella classification can help you see how it compares to other medications and its mechanism of action. Farxiga is a sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor and contains the active ingredient dapagliflozin.
How Does Farxiga Work?
SGLT2 inhibitors are newer diabetes medications. Their main role is to help lower blood glucose levels. SGLT2 inhibitors block SGLT2 proteins located in parts of your kidneys.
These proteins help with filtered glucose resorption. SGLT2 inhibitors reduce the amount of glucose excreted in your urine while lowering blood levels. It doesn’t interfere with your body’s natural insulin excretion.
The downside of many other types of diabetes medications is they negatively impact your cardiovascular system. Studies show that SGLT2 inhibitors reduce hospitalization risks for heart failure by 30 to 35 percent.
Farxiga Side Effects
Like any prescription drug, you may notice some mild side effects when you buy Farxiga. Most side effects should dissipate within a couple of weeks of starting a new medication. Some of the most common Farxiga side effects include:
- Yeast infections
- Urinary tract infections
- Nausea
- Frequent urination
- Constipation
There are some risks of more severe side effects such as dehydration and low blood pressure. This can result in feeling faint, dizzy, or weak. Another medical risk with taking diabetic medication is hypoglycemia.
Hypoglycemia occurs when your blood sugar levels drop too low. This can be a medical emergency if it isn’t addressed. If you use Farxiga with other medications such as insulin or Glucotrol, here are some hypoglycemic side effects to watch out for:
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Confusion
- Sweating
- Weakness
Allergic reactions are rare, but they can occur when someone reacts adversely to one of the ingredients in the medication. Some key signs of a drug allergic reaction are rashes, itchiness, and flushed skin.
Is Farxiga a Long-Term Treatment?
Farxiga is often a long-term treatment option. Why?
Type II diabetes and cardiovascular disease are chronic illnesses that will likely need lifelong management. In most cases, you can successfully manage diabetic symptoms through lifestyle changes and medication management. Without healthy eating, adequate exercise, and diabetes medication (as needed), you may put yourself more at risk for:
- Heart disease
- Nerve damage
- Vision loss
- Kidney damage
- Infections or wounds
- Osteoporosis
- And more
Experts also find that some diabetic medications can help people lose excess weight, reducing their diabetes risk factors.
How To Take Farxiga
Luckily, Farxiga is unlike other medications that require taking it with food. You can take Farxiga with or without food, and you should always drink a full glass of water with any medication. This can help absorption and avoid pills getting “stuck” in the back of your throat.
If you miss a dose, you have two options. You could still take it if you aren’t too far off on your normal timeframe. Otherwise, you may want to wait until your next dose rather than accidentally doubling them.
You should always consult your physician about any questions regarding missed dosages to avoid some of the more serious side effects noted above.
Is a Generic Option Available?
In the United States, Farxiga is only available as a brand-name prescription and is protected under several patents. Farxiga is produced and marketed by AstraZeneca Ab.
They currently have 20 United States patents that help protect this medication from being reproduced generically. Many of these patents expire between 2025 and 2026.
Purchasing Farxiga’s generic version through an online Canadian pharmacy could save you money (more on that below). Are generic versions equal to the brand?
The short answer is yes. They contain the same active ingredients and dosages.
It must meet comparable quality standards as its counterpart. When generic drugs enter pharmacies, you can often purchase medication for much cheaper since it increases market competition.
How Much Does Farxiga Cost?
When you purchase medication such as Farxiga, you may be surprised at the high price tag that comes with it. A ten mg, 30-day supply for Farxiga costs $615 in the United States.
For comparison, Canadian Pharmacy Online offers Farxiga prices at $85. The lowest-priced units are $2.50 with 10 mg dosages.
Why Is Farxiga Expensive?
One of the primary reasons Farxiga is expensive is the lack of a generic version in the United States. Patents are property rights and can lead to exclusivity.
Exclusivity is when competitors cannot make their drug available for a certain period. When new drugs enter the market, they can meet eligibility requirements that prevent market competition.
How long are patents? These patents can last as long as 20 years, and exclusivity can range from three to seven years. The second reason medications like Farxiga are expensive is the lack of government regulation on price caps.
In the United States, drug prices are unregulated, allowing private pharmaceutical companies to set their price caps. Often, they state that the high costs of experiments and drug marketing warrant exorbitant prices.
Yet, Americans pay approximately three times as much on prescription medications compared to other nations. Currently, the soonest changes that would occur would be in 2025. There are propositions of the government choosing ten medications that have been on the market for nine to 13 years and negotiating new prices.
Farxiga vs. Jardiance
Now that you know how much Farxiga costs, you may wonder if you can find a cheaper medication. Jardiance is another diabetes medication that contains empagliflozin.
Both medications treat type II diabetes symptoms. Where they mostly differ in their effects on cardiac diseases. While Farxiga reduces hospitalization risks with heart failure, Jardiance reduces death risks from heart attacks and strokes.
They are both brand-name prescriptions. Yet, Jardiance prices in the United States are almost $1,900. At Canadian Pharmacy Online, you can find Jardiance medication prices at $185.
Are Drug Prices Lower in Canada?
An online pharmacy in Canada can offer lower prescription medication prices. You will generally see lower prices when you buy medication in Canada because of more significant government regulations on price adjustments. Canada compares medication prices with other countries and sets a maximum.
How To Buy Medication
The process for purchasing medication at Canadian Pharmacy Online is simple! You will need a valid prescription to upload onto our website after creating an account.
Next, your prescription is reviewed and verified. You will have access to your medication and dosage. Simply select which one matches your prescription and check out.
All online pharmacy medications are high-quality and safe, meaning you won’t sacrifice quality for the price. The smoothest part of this process is that the medication gets delivered right to your doorstep!
Refill Your Prescription Today
Have you wondered how you can find Farxiga medication at more affordable prices? In the United States, Farxiga and other diabetes medications can cost thousands of dollars annually.
These medications are critical to managing diabetic symptoms and reducing hyperglycemic episodes. Ultimately, using these medications with a healthy lifestyle can prevent other health risks or diabetic complications.
Rather than skipping your next prescription refill because of the high costs, check out Canadian Pharmacy Online. We have many diabetes medications, including Farxiga, at cost-friendly prices!