Farxiga vs. Afrezza for Diabetes Type 2: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Key takeaways

Farxiga (dapagliflozin) and Afrezza (insulin) are used to manage diabetes, but they have some differences between them. Farxiga is an oral medication that helps lower blood sugar (glucose) in people with Type 2 diabetes by removing extra glucose through the urine. It also helps reduce the risk of heart failure and kidney problems. On the other hand, Afrezza is an inhaled insulin used to quickly lower blood sugar levels around meal times, and can be use in both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Farxiga is taken once daily, while Afrezza is used before meals. Farxiga can cause dehydration and urinary tract infections, while Afrezza can cause low blood sugar and is not safe for people with lung problems like asthma or chronic bronchitis. Both medications are not available as lower-cost generics, but Afrezza offers an alternative for those who prefer not to injection insulin.

Farxiga

(dapagliflozin)

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Afrezza

(insulin)

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Summary for Farxiga

Prescription only

Farxiga, the brand name for dapagliflozin, is used together with a nutritious diet and exercise plan to lower blood sugar levels in people 10 years and older with Type 2 diabetes. It can also help lower the risk of serious complications, hospitalization, and death in certain adults with heart failure or chronic kidney disease (CKD). Farxiga (dapagliflozin) belongs to the drug class called sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. It's taken by mouth once a day. Some side effects include yeast infections, urinating more often, and weight loss.

Indications for Farxiga

Type 2 diabetes (in addition to diet and exercise) in people age 10 and over
Lowering the risk of hospitalization for heart failure in adults with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease
Lowering the risk of hospitalization and death due to heart problems in people with heart failure
Lowering the risk of worsening kidney problems, hospitalization for heart failure, and death due to heart problems in adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD)

Pros and Cons for Farxiga

Pros

Taken only once daily
Low risk of causing low blood sugar when taken by itself
Can take with other diabetes medications

Cons

Raises risk of yeast infections and urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Not available as a liquid
Not recommended during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy

Common Side Effects for Farxiga

Vaginal yeast infection in females (7-8%)
Nose and throat infection (6-7%)
Urinary tract infection (UTI, 4-6%)

Warnings for Farxiga

Ketoacidosis
Low fluids in the body (leading to low blood pressure or dehydration)
Genital and urinary tract infections
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when used with other diabetes medications

Summary for Afrezza

Prescription only

Afrezza is an ultra rapid-acting inhaled insulin for adults with diabetes. It helps manage blood sugar levels from meals. You breathe in the medication through the mouth using the Afrezza inhaler usually at the start of meals. Common side effects are low blood sugar and cough. There's also a risk of bronchospasm (sudden narrowing of the airways), which can make it hard to breathe. So Afrezza (insulin) isn't for people with breathing problems like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Indications for Afrezza

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) in adults
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) in adults

Pros and Cons for Afrezza

Pros

A good choice for people who don't want to use injectable insulin
Can help people with either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes manage blood sugar
Starts to work in about 12 minutes and lasts between 1.5 and 3 hours, depending on your dose

Cons

Might need to use more than one cartridge of insulin for your dose (if you need more than 12 units of insulin)
Not for people who smoke or for people with breathing problems (e.g., asthma, COPD)
Not approved for children

Common Side Effects for Afrezza

Low blood sugar (up to 67%)
Cough (up to 29%)
Throat pain or irritation (up to 6%)
Headache (up to 5%)

Warnings for Afrezza

Breathing problems
Low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia)
Changes in blood sugar levels with changes to your insulin routine
Diabetic ketoacidosis
Low potassium levels
Swelling from fluid buildup and risk of heart failure when taken with certain diabetes medications