Incidences of diabetic limb amputation may be related to diabetes medications including Jardiance and Farxiga.

Jardiance and Farxiga and diabetes medication that are part of the SGLT-2 inhibitor drug class. Recent research suggests that these medications may be associated with an increased risk of lower limb amputation.

What causes a diabetic limb amputation?

In most cases, diabetic limb amputations are caused by severe foot ulcers. According to the Mayo Clinic, more than 80 percent of foot amputations begin with foot ulcers.

Diabetes can cause nerve damage and poor blood circulation, which makes the feet vulnerable to ulcers. If foot ulcers are not property cared for, they can quickly become very serious and infected – eventually requiring amputation of toes or the foot, partially or in its entirety.

Other risk factors may include high blood sugar levels, smoking, peripheral neuropathy, calluses, foot deformities, poor circulation, history of foot ulcers, history of amputation, vision impairment, kidney disease, and high blood pressure.

How can I prevent amputation due to diabetic ulcers?

Advancedtissue.com recommends the following steps may help individuals to take care of their feet and prevent ulcers:

• Inspect feet daily;
• Wash feet daily;
• Don’t remove calluses or other foot lesions, let a doctor take care of it;
• Trim toenails carefully to avoid sharp ends which could cut feet;
• Don’t go barefoot, even around the house, to prevent injury;
• Wear clean, dry socks that do not increase sweat or restrict circulation;
• Buy shoes that fit properly;
• Don’t smoke;
• Schedule regular foot checkups at least once a year.

Can Jardiance and Farxiga cause diabetic limb amputation?

Diabetic amputations have been shown to have a correlation with SGLT-2 inhibitors Invokana and Invokanamet. The relationship between limb amputations and other SLGT-2 inhibitors such as Jardiance and Farxiga may need more research to establish a causal relationship.

In November 2018, WebMD reported that a study from Karolinska University Hospital in Stockholm showed that Jardiance and Farxiga may increase the risk of diabetic foot amputations. Lead researcher Dr. Peter Ueda said that individuals on SGLT-2 inhibitors were twice as likely to require a lower limb amputation.

“Patients at high risk of amputation, for example those with peripheral artery disease or foot ulcers, might be monitored more closely if SGLT2 inhibitors are used, and the risk of this adverse event may be considered when deciding on which drugs to use,” Ueda told WebMD.

Do I need to stop taking my medication?

It’s best to consult a medical professional before making any medical decision, including the decision to stop taking medication. Untreated diabetes can have serious, life threatening side effects, so patients should not stop their medications without talking to a doctor and having a different plan in place.

If you are concerned about the potential risk of limb amputation while taking Jardiance or Farxiga, your doctor may be able to help you determine whether the benefits outweigh the risks or, if this is not the case, find a different treatment option.