SGLT2 Inhibitors: Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are a new group of oral medications accepted for treating type 2 diabetes. SGLT2 inhibitors that are FDA-approved for use with diet and exercise, they can improve glycemic control & lower blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes.
SGLT2 inhibitors reduce blood sugar by inducing the kidneys to remove sugar from the body through the urine. They are available as single-ingredient products and also in combination with other diabetes medicines such as metformin.
The safety and effectiveness of SGLT2 inhibitors become not been confirmed in patients with type 1 diabetes, and FDA has not certified them for use in these patients. SGLT2 inhibitors are not recommended for prescribing to people with kidney disease (nephropathy) as kidney disease prevents the drug from working sufficiently well.
How SGLT2 Inhibitors Work
SGLT2 inhibitors act by inhibiting the kidneys from reabsorbing glucose backward into the blood. The drugs inhibit a form of proteins, which help to reabsorb glucose into the blood, called sodium-glucose transport proteins (SGLT2).
By blocking these proteins, the kidneys to reduce blood glucose levels and the excess glucose in the blood are eliminated from the body via urine.
Side Effects of SGLT2 Inhibitors
The most common side effect of SGLT2 inhibitors include:
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Genital yeast infections in men and women
• Increased urination
• Kidney problems
• Constipation
• Dehydration
• Nasal congestion
• Back pain
• Hypotension (low blood pressure)
• Ketoacidosis
• Low blood glucose when combined with insulin or drugs
Generic and Brand Names of SGLT2 Inhibitors
Medicines in the SGLT2 inhibitor and combination products that contain SGLT2 inhibitors include-
• Canagliflozin (Invokana)- 100, 300 mg tablets
• Empagliflozin (Jardiance)- 10, 25 mg tablets
• Dapagliflozin (Farxiga)- 5, 10 mg tablets
• Empagliflozin/metformin (Synjardy)
• Empagliflozin/linagliptin (Glyxambi)
• Dapagliflozin/metformin (Xigduo XR)
(First generic name then brand name)