SGLT-2 Inhibitors – Important Patient Information

 

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Information below is relevant to patients taking an SGLT-2 inhibitor.

SGLT-2 inhibitors are a type of medication used to manage diabetes, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease. They help your kidneys remove excess sugar, salt, and water from your body through your urine.

 

Examples of SGLT-2 Inhibitors include:

  • Empagliflozin (Jardiance®)
  • Dapagliflozin (Forxiga®)
  • Ertugliflozin (Steglatro®)
  • Canagliflozin (Invokana®)
 

Benefits of SGLT-2 Inhibitors

  • Lower blood sugar levels
  • Weight loss
  • Reduced blood pressure
  • Protection for your kidneys and heart
  • Reduced risk of heart attacks and strokes
 

Important Safety Information

SGLT-2 inhibitors are generally safe, but like any medication, they can have side effects.

 

Possible Side Effects:

  • Genital infections (thrush) – itching, rash, or unusual discharge.
  • Urinary tract infections – burning, frequent urination, or fever.
  • Increased urination – which may lead to dehydration.
 

Rare but Serious Side Effects

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

  • A rare but serious condition where harmful substances called ketones build up in your body.
  • Symptoms include:
    • Feeling sick, vomiting, or stomach pain
    • Rapid breathing or a fruity smell on your breath
    • Feeling very thirsty or dehydrated
    • Feeling drowsy or confused

Fournier’s Gangrene

  • An extremely rare but serious bacterial infection around the genitals.
  • Symptoms include:
    • Pain, redness, or swelling around the genitals or area between the genitals and anus.
    • Fever or feeling generally unwell.
 

Sick Day Guidance

  • If you become unwell with vomiting, diarrhoea, or fever, stop taking your SGLT-2 inhibitor.
  • Restart only when you are well (eating and drinking normally).
  • If you remain unwell after 48 hours, seek medical advice from your GP, Pharmacist, or NHS 111.
 

Medicines and Dehydration

  • You can become dehydrated from vomiting, diarrhoea, or fever. This increases the risk of serious side effects.
  • Medicines to be cautious with include:
    • Diuretics (water pills) – e.g. Furosemide, Spironolactone.
    • ACE inhibitors – ending in ‘pril’ (e.g. Ramipril, Lisinopril).
    • ARBs – ending in ‘sartan’ (e.g. Losartan, Candesartan).
    • NSAIDs – Anti-inflammatory pain killers (e.g. Ibuprofen).
    • Metformin – A diabetes medicine.
 

Looking After Yourself

  • Maintain good personal hygiene.
  • Stay well hydrated.