Some diabetes medications including Jardiance may increase the risk of diabetic amputation.

Diabetes patients are more likely than most people to require an amputation, because of their tendency to develop neuropathy and other complications. Diabetes medications are supposed to decrease a patient’s risk of diabetes medications.

However, in a horrible twist, some diabetes medications may actually increase a patient’s risk of needing an amputation rather than decreasing it.

Studies have shown that a class of diabetes medications called sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors may increase patients’ risk of amputation. According to some research, patients taking these drugs might have a higher association with certain amputations than those treating their diabetes with a different type of diabetes drug known as a GLP1 agonist.

SGLT2 inhibitors like Jardiance are supposed to help treat type-2 diabetes by helping to lower blood sugar. The excess sugar is then expelled through the urine. This helps prevent spikes in blood sugar, in patients who do not have enough insulin, the chemical that helps a person’s body process sugar.

Diabetic patients are more likely to suffer neuropathy (nerve death) than non-diabetic patients, which can lead them to not notice an injury when it occurs because they can’t feel the injury. To make matters worse, diabetic patients also often experience poor wound healing, which can lead to infection and necessitate amputation of the affected area.

Research conducted in Sweden suggests a possible association between certain amputations and SGLT2 inhibitors. Already, the European Medicines Agency has warned patients taking empagliflozin (the generic name for Jardiance) to “check your feet regularly and follow your doctor’s advice on routine preventative foot care and adequate hydration.” The EMA also advised physicians to counsel patients on self-care and self-monitoring.

Experts note that patients who are already at a higher risk of amputation are more likely to suffer a diabetic amputation linked to SGLT2 use. However, patients may still be using these drugs and not be aware of the risks — especially patients in the United States.

In light of this research, patients may wonder why the drugs were released onto the market if they can harm patients. If it is discovered that the makers of these drugs knew that they were dangerous for patients but released them onto the market without offering patients and doctors a proper warning, the companies may be held liable for the patient injury.