FDA: Higher Risk of Keroacidosis with Certain Diabetes Drugs

The FDA has warned that the use of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2) for the treatment of type 2 diabetes could cause ketoacidosis. This class of drugs includes canagliflozin, empagliflozin, and dapaglifozin.

The FDA received reports of diabetic ketoacidosis, ketoacidosis, or ketosis from 20 cases of hospitalized patients who took SGLT2 inhibitors between March 2013 and June 2014. The patients’ symptoms started a median of 2 weeks after treatment began.
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“Patients should pay close attention for any signs of ketoacidosis and seek medical attention immediately if they experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, confusion, and unusual fatigue or sleepiness,” recommended the FDA experts.

The FDA further recommended that healthcare professionals examine patients exhibiting the symptoms or signs for the presence of acidosis, and to discontinue use of SGT2 inhibitors if acidosis is found.

-Michelle Canales Butcher

Reference:
1. FDA. SGLT2 inhibitors: Drug safety communication-FDA warns medicines may result in a serious condition of too much acid in the blood. May 18, 2015. www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm446994.htm. Accessed May 18, 2015.