A newer type of diabetes medication called sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors has been linked to a rare but serious infection known as Fournier gangrene.
This condition affects areas of the body such as the genitals, the space between the genitals and anus, and the surrounding tissue. Fournier gangrene is a life-threatening condition that requires urgent medical attention.
Fournier gangrene is rare, but its connection to SGLT2 inhibitors has drawn attention from health experts.
A team of researchers from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently investigated how the risks of these medications compare to other drugs used for diabetes management.
Their study looked at data from a wide range of treatments, including widely used options like metformin, various forms of insulin, and newer combinations such as sitagliptin with metformin and dulaglutide.
Between March 2013 and January 2019, the researchers identified 55 cases of Fournier gangrene in people taking SGLT2 inhibitors. These patients ranged in age from 33 to 87, with men making up the majority (39 cases) and women accounting for 16 cases.
The time it took for the infection to develop after starting the medication varied widely, from as little as five days to as long as four years.
Fournier gangrene wasn’t the only health issue observed in these patients. Many also had other serious complications linked to diabetes, such as diabetic ketoacidosis (a dangerous build-up of acid in the blood), sepsis, and kidney damage.
These findings highlight the added challenges people with diabetes often face when managing their condition.
To better understand how these risks compare to older diabetes drugs, the researchers examined a much longer period, from 1984 to 2019.
During that time, only 19 cases of Fournier gangrene were reported in patients using other types of diabetes medications. This suggests that the risk of this infection may be higher with SGLT2 inhibitors than with older drugs.
The study’s authors pointed out that Fournier gangrene is now a recognized safety concern for people using SGLT2 inhibitors.
Given the severity of this infection, healthcare providers are urged to monitor patients closely for any early signs, such as pain, swelling, or unusual redness in the affected areas.
Early detection and prompt treatment can be lifesaving, as they prevent the infection from spreading or worsening.
The research, led by Dr. Susan J. Bersoff-Matcha, was published in the Annals of Internal Medicine. The study highlights the need for doctors and patients to weigh the benefits and risks of newer diabetes medications carefully.
While SGLT2 inhibitors have been praised for their ability to lower blood sugar levels and provide other health benefits, this potential complication underscores the importance of staying vigilant about side effects.
This discovery serves as a reminder that no medication is without risks. For people managing diabetes, especially those on SGLT2 inhibitors, awareness and timely medical care are critical.
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