Can Farxiga Cause UTIs? Yes, But Here's How to Lower Your Risk

There are several treatment options for people living with Type 2 diabetes. If you also have heart or kidney disease, there’s a chance you may be taking Farxiga (dapagliflozin). This oral medication can help protect your heart and kidneys while lowering your blood glucose (sugar). But it’s not without its side effects.

A common concern many people have when taking Farxiga is the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). But how often does this side effect happen? And is it possible to lower your risk of UTIs while taking Farxiga?

How does Farxiga work? 

Farxiga is a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor. It primarily works in your kidneys to prevent your body from reabsorbing glucose and sodium (salt). This extra glucose and sodium leaves your body through your urine. This helps lower blood glucose levels. It also takes stress off the heart and kidneys.

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Farxiga comes as 5 mg and 10 mg oral tablets. It’s FDA approved to:

• Treat Type 2 diabetes in adults and children ages 10 and older

• Lower the risk of being hospitalized for heart failure in adults with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease or risk factors for developing heart disease

• Lower the risk of hospitalization and cardiovascular death in adults with heart failure

• Lower the risk of worsening kidney function, cardiovascular death, being hospitalized for heart failure, and developing end-stage kidney disease in adults with chronic kidney disease

Why does Farxiga increase your risk of UTIs?

There’s some debate as to whether Farxiga causes UTIs.

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Some experts believe that Farxiga raises the risk of UTIs because of how it works. As mentioned, it helps remove extra glucose through your urine. Bacteria and other germs are attracted to glucose around your genitals. They can grow and multiply, which may lead to UTIs for some people.

In one of Farxiga’s clinical trials that earned it FDA approval, between 7% and 15% of people taking Farxiga developed UTIs. This was compared to about 4% of people taking a placebo (a pill with no medication). In that study, the 10 mg Farxiga dose seemed to have a higher risk of UTIs than the 5 mg dose.

But not all experts agree that Farxiga causes UTIs. Some studies show that people with Type 2 diabetes taking SGLT2 inhibitors, such as Farxiga, have a similar risk of UTIs as people not taking them. These experts believe that UTIs are caused by diabetes — not Farxiga. And there is a known connection between the two. If you have diabetes, you have a greater risk of UTIs, regardless of what medications you take.

Despite the mixed evidence, the FDA warns that serious UTIs are possible while taking Farxiga. Rarely, people taking SGLT2 inhibitors have experienced life-threatening UTIs. The agency recommends seeking treatment at the first sign of these infections. Common symptoms include burning while urinating and a greater urgency to go.

Do UTIs from Farxiga happen to both women and men?

Yes. Both women and men can develop UTIs while taking Farxiga. But in general, women with Type 2 diabetes are more likely to develop them than men with the condition.

Should you stop taking Farxiga if you have a UTI?

No. You shouldn’t stop taking Farxiga if you develop a UTI. This won’t help treat the infection. And it could cause the condition you’re taking Farxiga for to worsen. Don’t stop taking Farxiga unless your prescriber tells you to.

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• Prevention first: Experts review tips to help stop urinary tract infections (UTIs) before they start.

• Get UTI relief now. Read about the best ways to get rid of a UTI — fast.

• Other side effects: Learn more about other notable Farxiga side effects — from nausea to yeast infections — and how to manage them.

If you have symptoms of a UTI, contact your primary care provider. You’ll likely need an antibiotic to treat the infection. Your healthcare team may also suggest over-the-counter medications to relieve symptoms, such as phenazopyridine (AZO).

How can you prevent UTIs from Farxiga?

You may not always be able to prevent UTIs while taking Farxiga. But there are tips that may help lower your overall risk of UTIs:

• Make sure you’re well hydrated. Try to limit alcohol and beverages with caffeine.

• Avoid holding your urine. Urinate when you have the urge to go.

• Regularly clean your genital area with water or a mild soap.

• Urinate after having sex. This is more applicable to women than men.

• Wipe from front to back after using the bathroom. This is also more applicable to women.

• Consider drinking unsweetened cranberry juice or taking a cranberry supplement. But avoid cranberry cocktail products.

What complications can result from an untreated UTI?

If a UTI isn’t treated, it can lead to serious health problems like kidney infections or sepsis.

A kidney infection happens when germs from the bladder move up to the kidneys. In rare cases, this can permanently damage the kidneys.

Sepsis is a life-threatening complication of untreated UTIs. It happens when your body tries to fight an infection but ends up causing inflammation all over. It can cause your organs to shut down. Sepsis needs to be treated in a hospital.

What other side effects can happen with Farxiga?

UTIs are one of several possible Farxiga side effects. Most people experience mild issues that they can manage at home. But, while rare, serious side effects are also possible.

Mild side effects include:

• Genital fungal (yeast) infections

• Frequent urination (even without having a UTI)

• Nausea

• Slightly raised cholesterol

• Weight loss

• Cold-like symptoms

• Back pain

• Constipation

Rare but serious side effects include:

• Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose)

• Dehydration, which can lead to kidney damage

• Ketoacidosis (too much acid in the blood)

• Severe infections of the genital area, such as Fournier’s gangrene

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Kristina D. Carter, PharmD, MBA, MHA

Kristina D. Carter, PharmD, MBA, MHA, has over 25 years of experience working in healthcare. She is registered as a licensed pharmacist in Georgia, Indiana, and Tennessee.

Edited by:

Christina Aungst, PharmD

Christina Aungst, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019, transitioning from freelance writer to editor in 2021.

Reviewed by:

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP, is a board-certified ambulatory care clinical pharmacist. In his early career, he provided direct patient care in a variety of settings, including hospital and community pharmacies, and in a primary care clinic as a clinical pharmacist.

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