FDA approves Farxiga for chronic kidney disease and heart failure.

The FDA has approved Farxiga (dapagliflozin) for two new uses: to slow kidney disease progression and reduce the risk of kidney failure, heart-related death, and hospitalizations for heart failure in adults with chronic kidney disease. It is also approved to lower the risk of heart-related death, heart failure hospitalizations, and urgent heart failure visits in adults with heart failure. Farxiga is a type of medicine called an SGLT2 inhibitor. It was already approved for blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes and for reducing heart failure hospitalizations in certain patients with diabetes. Now, it can help a wider group of people, including those who do not have diabetes. This approval is based on studies showing that Farxiga protects the kidneys and heart. However, it is not recommended for people with polycystic kidney disease or those who need immune-suppressing therapy. It should not be used for blood sugar control in type 1 diabetes or in type 2 diabetes with very low kidney function. If you have chronic kidney disease or heart failure, talk to your doctor to see if Farxiga might be right for you. This is a new option, but it is not a cure, and your doctor will help you decide based on your health needs.