New Drug for CKD

[itzmich]

Anyone taking Farxiga (dapagliflozin) for CKD?

[Hidden]

Farxiga is a brand new T2D medication. There are no generics and the monthly cost is prohibitive. If you would like to check out more go to drugs.com and read what is available. It says it may help in the early stages of CKD, but not in the later stages.

I had to have my nephrologist give the okay for an upcoming surgery and asked him about this. He considered Stages 1 & 2 as early, but not Stage 3.

[itzmich in reply to Hidden]

I am stage 3 and I'm going to try it with recommendations from my nephrologist. Not sure if my insurance will cover it or not yet. He just talked to me today.

[Hidden in reply to itzmich]

Even Farxiga says it works for type 2 diabetics only in conjunction with diet and exercise. It isn't a cure. That's pretty much what you have to do with CKD to slow the progression. Stage 3 may help your diabetes and be harmful to your kidneys.If he'll okay it and your insurance will cover it and you can afford the cost try to get some coordination with your labs between the nephrologist and the doctor who works with you on your diabetes control. A renal panel should be done with each A1c as well as blood glucose numbers.

[itzmich in reply to Hidden]

I don't have diabetes. I know it is not a cure. Hopefully it will help the progression as well as the protein in my urine. He's going to check my labs in 6 weeks.

[renegade70 in reply to itzmich]

i have medicare and a good advantage plan and i was told the cost for me would be $75 for a 90 day supply. i asked if i could get it in 30 day supplies but thats medicare and a private advantage plan. i will be talking to my nephrologist about whether or not this medication would be appropriate for me.

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

I too have done some research on this drug and was part of a panel who did a workshop on this and other new drugs. Iw as so excited. But then asked my nephrologist. Although they are finding great things for early stage 1 and 2 with diabetics also, for stage 4...no way. I was truly surprised. She was totally against it. Said the risk was severe with stage 4. I am not sure about 3, its probably something to check with all your doctors first. This gives me hope that doctors will start doing prevention early on instead of waiting for stage 4. This late date is too late for many treatments. Not trying to be negative, but I done the leg work. The best thing for late stage is diet and healthy life style.

[userotc in reply to Bassetmommer]

Interesting comments on this subject. I agree earlier diagnosis is key but not so that a drug can be used. Had my mum known she was at a stage earlier than 3 (along with most, never been informed by the quacks!), I'd still advise her to treat with diet & wellbeing to stop progression to later stage. Particularly with side effects such as listed on the Farxiga website!!

[itzmich in reply to userotc]

I watch what I eat and exercize daily. I do everything I can for the health of my kidneys. I have read about the side effects as well as all tge side effects in all the medicine I take. I appreciate the advise but unless you are actually taking the drug you can't answer my original question.

[userotc in reply to itzmich]

Indeed. I would've replied direct to you if I could advise on the drug. Instead my comment was sent to Bassetmommer.

[Hily in reply to userotc]

My GP did not tell me or refer to Nephrologist at GFR35 (3a/3b). Ignored all further signs until a year later when annual bloods came up at eGFR 17 (4)-too late. Metformin taken off me, but no replacement treatment for Diabetes Type2. Readings have been good but I now have Severe Small Vessel Damage in my brain caused by Diabetes.

[Darlenia in reply to Hily]

This is very similar to our story. My hubby was simply told that he had 7 years to live if he continued on the path he was on. He changed his diet and exercise radically but too late to save his kidneys. The end came well before the 7 years were up. The only "cure" for DT2 is to lose the weight and exercise. My hubby's mom did that, never needed meds for it, and lived well into her 80s. There simply isn't a magic pill although pharma may suggest there is one. I think the only medication that would attract my attention would be a sugar binder of some sort.

[userotc in reply to Hily]

Sorry to hear that. Whilst mum gives credit to medics for handling her kidney cancer (albeit only just within 6 weeks despite my dad constantly chasing) and subsequent nephrectomy, I don't. At the time, I read that the combo of ckd and high BP can cause the cancer so I blame them for never advising of the ckd. Dad found it on mum's online records years after it was diagnosed.

Like you and numerous others, there's no point her complaining as medics are always protected with wonderful phrases like "clinical need" making them bullet-proof!

[Ilovemyhusband123 in reply to Bassetmommer]

Couldn’t agree more!!

[renegade70 in reply to Bassetmommer]

hate to say this but any drug that has the potential for great improvement for ckd may put some nephrologists out of business.

[itzmich]

Thx....

[itzmich]

I appreciate all your imput thanks! Are you a nephrologist? Just checking.

[Hidden in reply to itzmich]

No, I'm not a nephrologist but I'm smart enough not to take a medication for a problem I don't have.

[itzmich in reply to Hidden]

Exactly

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Do your research.astrazeneca.com/media-centr...

[itzmich in reply to Hidden]

I did....thx

[Hidden in reply to itzmich]

That was not for you, it was for "Hidden"...😀

[MPStilwell]

I take Farxiga now. Been on it for a month and its been great. I am 36 years old and have IGA nephropathy (had it since I was a baby). I am usually testing between 30-40 GFR but the test right before I went on Farxiga was 28. You are supposed to drop your GFR during the first two weeks but then your numbers go back to where they were and stay (per the study). I was at 32 the first week of taking it and 33 the second. I have not tested since but all my numbers were improving (protein, bun, etc.). Testing again next week. I do not have diabetes or any other condition.

I have also made some lifestyle changes. I have always worked out to some degree (about 2-3 times a week) but have switched to 6 days a week, 30 min a day with an elevated heart rate. No heavy lifting. Also cut alcohol to 2 drinks a night and went from 3-5 animal protein meals a week to 1.

I cant say Farxiga is a magic cure but its working well for me. It is very expensive but I was easily able to get on their assistance program (I do not have insurance as I am self employed with a pre-existing condition) and pay nothing now.

I know a certain forum member will comment on this and tell everybody "there is no magic pill, etc" but in my opinion, that mindset is what keeps us stagnant. I researched the hell out of this drug along with every supplement/drug I take. Doctors don't care. Davita doesn't care (this is overly obvious per their meal plans and their website). Us patients need to take interest in our health and not bank on docs alone. This forum should be enough evidence that most docs, don't care about your health. There are literally 100s of posts about docs not even telling their patients that they have CKD let alone helping them slow it. There are obviously very amazing docs out there that this doesn't apply to and that is NOT who I am talking about. Grab your sowards and lets fight this thing!

[itzmich]

Thanks for your reply. I was a little disappointed in most replies that I recieved, so glad to hear about your actual experience. I am like you and do lots of my own research as well as a good diet and exercize regiment. I've been also taking tge drug and am excited to see my labs next month. Feel good, no side effects. Glad that finally there is something that might help. Good luck on your journey💗

[PoodleTheaterFan22]

I just started taking it for CKD without T2D. I spoke to my nephrologist about Farxiga and we both agreed that because I'm early in the CKD stages it's worth a shot to prevent further progression. I actually found this forum as I researched the drug specifically for CKD without diabetes.

I'm eager to hear thoughts from other patients taking Farxiga without a T2D diagnosis.

I'll have blood work and 24 hour urine test down in 4 weeks to check in on levels per my nephrologist.

[itzmich]

I've only been on it a couple months. After 6weeks was tested and numbers improved. Supposedly improves even more the more you are on it. I have had no side effects and am so happy there is something that helps.

[JackieJ_NKF Partner]

While Farxiga is used to treat people with diabetes, Farxiga has also been approved to treat heart failure in people with or without diabetes. Learn more at: farxiga.com/

We strongly encourage kidney patients to speak with their health care providers about treatment options.

[itzmich]

It has been approved for kidney patients as well. There is a criteria that you need to meet.