By Kristin J. Kelley
The FDA has approved the sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor dapagliflozin (Farxiga) to lower the risk for cardiovascular death and heart failure hospitalization in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. The indication is for adults, regardless of whether they have type 2 diabetes.
Approval was based on results from a randomized trial in which patients treated with dapagliflozin had lower rates of cardiovascular death, urgent heart failure, or heart failure hospitalization than those on placebo. Common treatment side effects include dehydration, urinary tract infections, and yeast infections.
Dapagliflozin was approved to reduce risk for heart failure hospitalization in patients with type 2 diabetes in 2019. It is currently being studied as a possible treatment for novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Why We Chose This as Our Top Story
William E. Chavey, MD, MS: The heightened focus on COVID-19 could lead to overlooking other important stories. Management of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction is complex owing to the numerous evidence-based therapies. Nonetheless, it is important to consider dapagliflozin as an additional agent for this population.
André Sofair, MD, MPH: It has always been remarkable to me that we continue to find therapies that are helpful for heart failure. This well-tolerated therapy should find its way into the armamentarium for heart failure patients regardless of whether they have type 2 diabetes.
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