Summary: SGLT2 inhibitors are a commonly used diabetes medication. They work by inhibiting SGLT2, resulting in decreased reabsorption of glucose in the kidneys and increased urine glucose. There is a concern that these drugs can cause genital infections due to the increased glucosuria. This pharmacovigilance study which is part of phase 4 clinical trials/ post-marketing surveillance, applied statistical analyses to the cases found in the FDA adverse events reporting system database. The study surveyed cases from 2004-2019. The end result found 542 people to have this adverse reaction with Empagliflozin being implicated in the highest number of cases. The report was deemed statistically significant however there were confounding factors since many of these patients are taking multiple drugs and have various comorbidities. Further research on this is warranted.

What I learned from this study: It is important for providers to consider this possible adverse effect when prescribing SGLT2 inhibitors, to consider other risk factors, and provide patient education. Also, when a patient who is taking this medication is complaining of pain and burning on urination they should consider other causes for the symptoms besides a UTI.

Loading…

Taking too long?

Reload document

| Open in new tab