According to a recent article published by TCTMD and the Cardiovascular Research Foundation, the diabetes drug Farxiga and others in its class may be associated with an increased risk of lower limb amputations.

The TCTMD article, published in November, cites a Swedish study published in BMJ earlier that month studying the effects of several type-2 diabetes drugs, including the drug Farxiga. This study suggests that toe and metatarsal amputations are associated with the use of SGLT2 inhibitors at double the rate of other diabetes medications.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has also received reports of diabetic ketoacidosis, acute kidney injury, serious urinary tract infection, and acute pancreatitis in relation to the use of SLGT2 inhibitors.

What is Farxiga?

According to the official Farxiga website, Farxiga is a type-2 diabetes drug meant to be used in conjunction with diet and exercise to help adults with diabetes control their condition and lower their blood sugar levels. It is part of a class of drugs known as SGLT2 inhibitors that work by blocking the SGLT2 protein from reabsorbing sugar back into the body from urine. Instead, the sugar leaves the body through the urine. Additionally, Farxiga claims to help patients lose weight at an average of three percent of their body weight, and also to reduce systolic blood pressure.

Farxiga Risks

According to the BMJ Swedish study, SGLT2 inhibitors like Farxiga are associated with more than double the amount of lower limb amputations associated with other kinds of diabetes treatment drugs such as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, or GLP1 receptors. The study reported an average of 2.7 lower limb amputations per 1,000 patients when SGLT2 inhibitors were used, in comparison to 1.1 amputations per 1,000 patients with the use of GLP1 inhibitors. Aside from the alarming risk of lower limb amputation, there are many other possible side effects listed on Farxiga’s website. These possible side effects include:

• Dehydration. Symptoms of dehydration may include dizziness, lightheadedness, or weakness
• Ketoacidosis, a serious condition with symptoms including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or difficulty breathing
• Kidney problems or sudden kidney injury
• Serious urinary tract infections, often characterized by a feeling of burning when urinating, pelvic pain, or blood in the urine
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
• Bacterial infections in and around the genitals, including necrotizing fasciitis or Fournier’s gangrene. These serious infections may lead to hospitalization, surgeries, or death. Symptoms may include feeling weak or tired, as well as pain, swelling, and redness of the skin on and around the genitals.
• Yeast infections
• An increase in bad cholesterol
• Bladder cancer

If you or a loved one have suffered serious side effects or required lower limb amputation after taking Farxiga, you may be eligible to join a free Farxiga class action lawsuit or investigation.