Farxiga Vs. Kerendia: Drug Comparison

Farxiga^® (dapagliflozin) is an oral sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor used to treat type 2 diabetes, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease. It lowers blood sugar by promoting glucose excretion through the urine. Farxiga is indicated for reducing the risk of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline, end-stage kidney disease, cardiovascular death, and heart failure hospitalization in adults with chronic kidney disease. Additionally, it reduces the risk of cardiovascular death, heart failure hospitalization, and urgent heart failure visits in adults with heart failure. It decreases heart failure hospitalization risk in adults with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease or risk factors. Farxiga also aids in improving glycemic control alongside diet and exercise in adults and children aged 10 and older with type 2 diabetes. Common side effects include urinary and genital infections, and it may cause rare but serious conditions like ketoacidosis and dehydration.

Kerendia^® (finerenone) is an oral medication used to treat chronic kidney disease (CKD) in adults with type 2 diabetes by blocking mineralocorticoid receptors, reducing inflammation and fibrosis in the kidneys. Its FDA-approved indication is to reduce the risk of kidney function decline, cardiovascular events, and heart failure in patients with CKD and type 2 diabetes. Kerendia is available in tablet form and is taken once daily. Common side effects include high potassium levels and low blood pressure, and serious risks include increased potassium levels, which can lead to dangerous heart rhythms. Caution is advised when used with other medications that affect potassium levels, such as ACE inhibitors or potassium supplements.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor

Non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA)

Farxiga (dapagliflozin) is indicated:

• To reduce the risk of sustained estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline, end-stage kidney disease, cardiovascular death, and hospitalization for heart failure in adults with chronic kidney disease at risk of progression

• To reduce the risk of cardiovascular death, hospitalization for heart failure, and urgent heart failure visit in adults with heart failure

• To reduce the risk of hospitalization for heart failure in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and either established cardiovascular disease or multiple cardiovascular risk factors

• As an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults and pediatric patients aged 10 years and older with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Kerendia (finerenone) is indicated:

• To reduce the risk of sustained eGFR decline, end stage kidney disease, cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and hospitalization for heart failure in adult patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D)

• Typically taken orally once daily

• Comes in 5 mg and 10 mg tablets

• Typically taken orally once daily

• Comes in 10 mg and 20 mg tablets

Most common adverse reactions (5% or greater incidence) were:

• Female genital fungal infections

• Inflammation of the nasal cavities and back of the throat

• Urinary tract infections

Adverse reactions occurring in ≥1% of patients on Kerendia and more frequently than placebo are:

• High blood potassium

• Low blood pressure

• Low blood sodium

• History of serious hypersensitivity reaction to dapagliflozin or any of the excipients in Farxiga

• See the Full Prescribing Information for information on drug interactions and interference of Farxiga with laboratory tests

• Concomitant use with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors

• Patients with adrenal insufficiency

• Drug interactions: strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, grapefruit or grapefruit juice, moderate or weak CYP3A4 inhibitors

• Diabetic ketoacidosis in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and other ketoacidosis

• Volume depletion

• Urosepsis and pyelonephritis

• Low blood sugar

• Necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum (Fournier’s gangrene)

• Genital fungal infections

• Pregnancy: Potential risk to a fetus especially during the second and third trimesters

• Lactation: Not recommended when breastfeeding

• High blood potassium

• Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding not recommended

*This information is from the label for brand name Farxiga^®. See the Full Prescribing Information for more complete information.

*This information is from the label for brand name Kerendia^®. See the Full Prescribing Information for more complete information.