Farxiga and other sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor medications have recently become associated with an increased risk of lower limb amputation, which has caused significant concern for type-2 diabetes patients.

What is Farxiga?

Farxiga
(also known by its generic name, dapagliflozin) is a type of diabetes drug used to control high blood sugar, which helps to prevent kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, loss of limbs, and more. Farxiga is manufactured by AstraZeneca and was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) back in 2014. Farxiga and other SGLT2 inhibitors like it work by blocking the kidneys from reabsorbing too much glucose. Instead, the drugs the body to expel the excess sugar through urination. Besides Farxiga, other SGLT2 inhibitors include Invokana (canagliflozin) and Jardiance (empagliflozin).

Along with diet and exercise, Farxiga is supposed to help type-2 diabetes patients live a relatively uninterrupted lifestyle. However, recent concerns about Farxiga causing amputations have caused many patients and prescribing physicians to reconsider this popular medication.

This concern stems from a November 2018 study that was published by the medical journal BMJ, which reportedly found a correlation between Farxiga and a higher incidence of amputation. Here are some questions diabetic patients may have concerning the alleged correlation between Farxiga and increased amputation risks.

What were the results of the BMJ study?

The BMJ article entitled “Sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors and risk of serious adverse events: nationwide register based cohort study”, states that Farxiga and fellow SGLT2 inhibitor Jardiance were associated with a twofold increased risk of lower limb amputations.

Compared to patients taking GLP-1 receptor agonists, SGLT2 inhibitor patients faced a rate of 2.7 out of 1,000 patients compared to 1.1 incidents out of 1,000 patients respectively.

The study used registry data from Swedish and Danish health and administrative databases from 2013 to 2016, monitoring patients who were treated with SGLT2 inhibitors — mostly Jardiance or Farxiga. Overall, the study found that SGLT2 patients were twice as likely to undergo lower limb amputations.

Is Farxiga causing amputations?

The BMJ study indicates a correlation, but no direct cause has been confirmed. The treatment mechanism of SGLT2 inhibitors could be a contributing factor. By increasing urination, these drugs can cause the body to become dehydrated, which impacts the overall circulation quality of the body.

Why are amputations necessary in type-2 diabetes patients?

Type-2 diabetes causes numerous complications in the body, with most of the problems stemming from sufficient insulin production. Without enough insulin, the body cannot properly metabolize food and can lead to a number of problems including kidney failure, weight fluctuations, neuropathy, and even amputation.

Type-2 diabetes patients often experience neuropathy, or nerve dysfunction, in their lower legs due to circulation issues. This is because diabetes can result in peripheral artery disease (PAD), which causes blood vessels to constrict and reduces blood flow to the legs and feet.

When this occurs, the patient is unable to feel pain in the affected lower limb areas. They could have a wound or ulcer on their foot and not notice. This could ultimately lead to severe swelling and tissue death, making amputation necessary to prevent any infection from spreading.

Patients can reduce their risk of amputation by undertaking regular foot care.

Has the FDA addressed the potential concern of Farxiga causing amputations?

While the FDA has not issued any warnings specific to the possibility of Farxiga causing amputations, it has addressed this concern with other SGLT2 inhibitors. Based on the results of two large clinical trials, the FDA issued a public warning regarding canagliflozin medications, stating that patients taking Invokana and Invokamet may be at an increased risk for diabetic amputations.

The FDA stated that the potential correlation between SGLT2 inhibitors and increased risk of lower limb amputations needs to be further investigated. In the meantime, the federal agency has added a boxed warning—its most prominent warning label—to be added to canagliflozin medications to warn about this risk.

Can I file a Farxiga lawsuit?

If you or someone you love has suffered from these or other complications after using Farxiga or other SGLT2 inhibitors, you may be able to file a lawsuit and pursue compensation. Of course, filing a lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering caused by amputation or other Farxiga side effects, but it can at least help to alleviate the financial burden incurred by medical expenses, lost wages, and more.

Filing a lawsuit can be daunting, so Top Class Actions has laid the groundwork for you by connecting you with an experienced attorney. Consulting an attorney can help you determine if you have a claim, navigate the complexities of litigation, and maximize your potential compensation.