For a long time, Farxiga has been known to be a diabetes drug. However, recent studies reveal the drug’s extensive use in the prevention of heart failure. Diabetic two patients who relied on Farxiga’s powerful use instead of placebo saw a reduction in heart failure risk by more than 27%. AstraZeneca, the manufacturer of Farxiga funded the research. According to Dr. Stephen Wiviott, the process of helping patients control their glucose level is as significant as the extent to which the drug reduces the glucose levels.
Farxiga effect on blood sugar
In the study, Wiviott further explains his theory by stating that such studies are crucial when selecting treatment procedures that are not only safe but also effective in regulating blood sugar levels. In addition, it’s also effective in selecting drugs that have minimal effects on inducing heart and liver complications. The Farxiga research included over 17,000 diabetic two patients aged 40 and above. According to Wiviott and his team, approximately 7000 of the patients suffered from heart-related disorders, and the remaining 10,000 were at high risk of developing the same disorders. While conducting the research, the researchers randomly selected patients who took either placebo or 10mg of Farxiga daily. The researchers found out that Farxiga didn’t reduce the chance of developing stroke, heart-related complications or death related to cardiovascular disorders. Instead, patients who used the drug, saw their blood glucose levels decline significantly.
Heart-related disorders in people with diabetes
The reduction in blood sugar levels resulted in a significant decrease in the number of patients hospitalized due to heart-related disorders. The risk of kidney failure and other kidney related ailments also reduced tremendously. According to Wiviott, as an SGLT2 inhibitor drug, Farxiga just like other drugs in this class shows great and consistent improvement of kidney and heart in a variety of diabetic patients. Dr. Cindy Grines, the cardiologist, found the study results quite overwhelming, states that diabetic patients will receive the news with a great joy. According to Dr. Grines, over 70% of diabetic patients succumb to cardiovascular disorders. Dr. Cindy Grines is a head of North Shore University Hospital cardiology department in Manhasset, N.Y. In her statement, Grines points out that there were concerns about diabetes drugs, many of which may cause harm to the heart. However, the study goes on to show that there are newer options which come with cardiovascular benefits. Grines continues to note that fluid buildup is the leading cause of heart failure. However, with Farxiga, the notable increase of glucose excretion in the urine reduces the chances of developing heart failure significantly.
Alternatives
Dr. Grines finds it suspicious that though the drug reduces heart failure, it doesn’t low risk for stroke or heart attack. She would rather add Farxiga to diabetic patients undergoing metformin treatment and those with congestive heart failure. Metformin is a known diabetic drug with remarkable effects on lowering the risk of stroke and heart attack. According to Dr. Grines, patients suffering from heart-related issues should avoid specific groups of diabetes drugs including sulfonylurea. Several studies reveal that sulfonylurea drugs such as glimepiride, glipizide, and glyburide increased cardiovascular deaths, heart attacks, and congestive heart failures. Dr. Grines advises against the use of sulfonylurea drugs on cardiac and diabetic patients. Also giving out his opinion on the introduction of new drugs such as Farxiga is another heart specialist, Dr. Marcin Kowalski. Dr. Marcin Kowalski, Staten Island University Hospital cardiologist in New York City, states that Farxiga is an excellent addition to their armamentarium as it eliminates the chances of heart failure. Kowalski finds it encouraging that this particular group of medication does not contribute to negative cardiovascular outcomes.