What Is Xigduo XR? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

If your doctor recently prescribed Xigduo XR, you likely have questions. What is it exactly? How does it work? How do you take it? What should you avoid? This guide covers everything you need to know about Xigduo XR in plain language.

What Is Xigduo XR?

Xigduo XR is a brand-name prescription tablet that combines two diabetes medications in one pill:

Dapagliflozin — a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, the same active ingredient found in Farxiga

Metformin hydrochloride extended-release (XR) — the most widely prescribed diabetes medication in the world, a biguanide that reduces blood sugar production in the liver

Manufactured by AstraZeneca, Xigduo XR was first approved by the FDA in October 2014. It is taken once daily in the morning with food.

What Is Xigduo XR Used For?

Xigduo XR is FDA-approved for the following conditions:

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM): As an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults and children 10 years and older

Cardiovascular risk reduction: To reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure in adults with T2DM and established cardiovascular disease or multiple cardiovascular risk factors

Chronic kidney disease (CKD): To reduce the risk of sustained eGFR decline, end-stage kidney disease, cardiovascular death, and heart failure hospitalization in adults with CKD at risk of progression

Heart failure: To reduce risk of cardiovascular death and heart failure hospitalization in patients with heart failure

Xigduo XR is NOT used to treat type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.

Xigduo XR Dosage: Available Strengths

Xigduo XR comes in five tablet strengths, combining different amounts of dapagliflozin and metformin:

2.5 mg dapagliflozin / 1,000 mg metformin XR

5 mg dapagliflozin / 500 mg metformin XR

5 mg dapagliflozin / 1,000 mg metformin XR

10 mg dapagliflozin / 500 mg metformin XR

10 mg dapagliflozin / 1,000 mg metformin XR

The maximum daily dose is 10 mg dapagliflozin and 2,000 mg metformin. Your doctor will select the strength based on your current treatment regimen. Dosing is individualized — never adjust your dose without consulting your prescriber.

How to Take Xigduo XR Correctly

Take it once daily, in the morning, with food — food reduces the risk of stomach upset from metformin

Swallow the tablet whole — never crush, cut, or chew it, as this destroys the extended-release mechanism

Drink plenty of water — dapagliflozin increases urination, so staying hydrated is important

If you miss a dose — take it as soon as you remember the same day. If it's already the next day, skip and take your regular dose. Don't double up.

Important Warnings and When Not to Use Xigduo XR

Xigduo XR is not appropriate for everyone. Do not use it if:

You have severe kidney disease (eGFR below 30 mL/min/1.73m²) or are on dialysis

You have diabetic ketoacidosis or type 1 diabetes

You are allergic to dapagliflozin (Farxiga) or metformin

You have liver disease (increased lactic acidosis risk from metformin)

Hold Xigduo XR at least 3 days before major surgery or procedures requiring prolonged fasting, and before receiving iodinated contrast for CT scans or other imaging (in patients with relevant risk factors for lactic acidosis).

Is There a Generic Version of Xigduo XR?

Yes. Generic dapagliflozin/metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets were approved by the FDA in early 2026 from manufacturers including Aurobindo and Lupin. These generics are bioequivalent to brand Xigduo XR and are typically significantly less expensive. Ask your pharmacist about the generic when filling your prescription.

Finding Xigduo XR at a Pharmacy

If your pharmacy doesn't have Xigduo XR or the generic in stock, medfinder can help you find which local pharmacies have it available. Enter your medication, dosage, and location and receive pharmacy availability results by text.

For more detail on side effects, see: Xigduo XR side effects: what to expect and when to call your doctor.