New Medication for Diabetes Approved by the FDA

A new medication for treating type II diabetes has recently been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), according to Philly.

The drug, known as Farxiga (dapaglifozin), will be used to control blood sugar along with proper diet and exercise and will also be helpful in preventing re-absorption of glucose by the kidneys. The drug's safety and effectiveness were established in clinical trials involving more than 9,400 people suffering from type II diabetes. Some of the most common side effects include fungal infections and urinary tract infections. More adverse effects include dehydration, a drop in blood pressure and possible fainting.

Likely, an abnormally high number of participants involved in the clinical trial who also used Farxiga developed bladded cancer so it is advised that people who have active bladder cancer should not take it. Those with a history of the disease are also advised to consult with their physician, the FDA suggests. The FDA also said that it is currently requiring six more post-marketing studies to further evaluate issues such as risk for cardiovascular disease, bladder cancer risk, effects on the liver and whether or not the drug is safe for use among both children and pregnant women.

"Controlling blood sugar levels is very important in the overall treatment and care of diabetes, and Farxiga provides and additional treatment option for millions of Americans with type II diabetes," said Curtis Rosebraugh, M.D., M.P.H., director of the Office of Drug Evaluation II in the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. Farxiga is marketed by Bristol-Meyers Squibb Company, Princeton N.J. and AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals L.P., Wilmington, Del.