New research indicates that SGLT2 type-2 diabetes drugs, including Farxiga, may increase the risk of lower limb amputations. A lawsuit investigation regarding Farxiga lower limb amputations has already been launched.

Reports of Farxiga Lower Limb Amputations

A recent study published by BMJ in November 2018 appears to show a link between Farxiga and other SGLT2 inhibitors, and an increased risk of lower limb amputations, including amputations of toes, feet, and legs.

The study, conducted in Sweden and Denmark from July 2013 through Dec. 2016, compared 17,213 users of SGLT2 inhibitors with an equal number of users of a different type of diabetes treatment drug.

According to the results of the BMJ study, patients who were prescribed SGLT2 inhibitors like Farxiga were more than twice as likely to require a lower limb amputation than those who took a different type of medication.

Additionally, these patients were also more than twice as likely to develop diabetic ketoacidosis, a dangerous and potentially life-threatening condition resulting in a buildup of ketone acids in the bloodstream. In addition to the increased risk of ketoacidosis and lower limb amputation, the FDA is also investigating whether acute pancreatitis is an associated risk of SGLT2 inhibitors.

What is Farxiga?

Farxiga is the brand name of dapagliflozin, a type-2 diabetes drug in the class of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. It is manufactured by the pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca and was approved by the FDA in 2014.

Farxiga is intended to help adults with type-2 diabetes manage and reduce their blood sugar levels by filtering sugar out of the body through urine. It is intended to be used in conjunction with diet and exercise and is not meant to treat type-1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.

Other Farxiga Risks

According to AstraZeneca’s Farxiga website, the diabetes drug is associated with many other possible side effects aside from the risk of amputation. These additional potentially serious side effects include:

• Dehydration
• Kidney problems or sudden kidney injury
• Serious UTI infections that may lead to hospitalization
• Yeast infections
• Sore throat and nasal problems
• Changes in urination, including an increase in urgency, an increase in urine output, or the need to urinate more often
• Low blood sugar
• Necrotizing fasciitis of the groin, or Fournier’s gangrene
• An increase in bad cholesterol
• Bladder cancer

Who is at Risk?

Patients who may be at an increased risk for Farxiga lower limb amputations include older men, those who are overweight or obese, and those with poor circulation problems including peripheral artery disease. A history of nerve damage or neuropathy, diabetic foot ulcers, or prior amputation may also increase the risk of amputation for Farxiga users.

Farxiga Lower Limb Amputation Lawsuits

If you or a loved one have been prescribed Farxiga or another SGLT2 inhibitor for the treatment of type-2 diabetes and have suffered serious side effects including lower limb amputation, you may be entitled to join a Farxiga lower limb amputations lawsuit investigation at no cost to you.