It’s one of the most commonly-prescribed drugs for people with type-2 diabetes, but a new study has warned of a possible side effect of SGLT2 inhibitors.
Researchers from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have discovered a link between SGLT2 inhibitors and Fournier gangrene - an infection that affects the genitals.
SGLT2 inhibitors help people with type-2 diabetes to improve their glycemic control by inhibiting the kidney from reabsorbing glucose.
While this increases the amount of glucose excreted in the urine, it can also lead to urinary tract infections.
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Now, researchers have revealed how the drugs are also linked to genital gangrene - a condition that can cause serious complications, and even death if left untreated.
In the study, the researchers reviewed reported cases of genital gangrene in patients receiving SGLT2 inhibitors versus other antiglycemic agents.
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They found that since 2013, there had been 55 cases among patients receiving SGLT2 inhibitors.
In comparison, the researchers found just 19 cases in patients taking other antiglycemic agents over the past 35 years.
In a statement about the findings, the researchers said: “Awareness of the association between Fournier gangrene and SGLT2 inhibitor use may be an important factor in an informed prescriber-patient discussion regarding appropriate diabetes therapy.”
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