According to a drug safety announcement released by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Aug. 29, 2018, new evidence suggests that SGLT2 inhibitor drugs for diabetes treatment, including Synjardy and Synjardy XR, may increase the risk of contracting a dangerous bacterial infection known as Fournier’s gangrene.

What is Fournier’s Gangrene?

Fournier’s gangrene is a type of necrotizing fasciitis. Necrotizing fasciitis is a serious but generally rare infection most often caused by bacteria entering the body through a cut on the skin. The bacteria quickly spread throughout the body, infecting and destroying healthy tissue.

When this infection begins in the genitals, it is known as Fournier’s gangrene or necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum.

According to the FDA report linking SGLT2 diabetes drugs like Synjardy with an increased risk for developing the condition, twelve cases of Fournier’s gangrene were reported to the FDA between March 2013 and May 2018.

Although it has been previously thought that Fournier’s gangrene was more likely to occur in men, 5 of the reported victims were women. All of the victims required surgeries for their injuries, and one victim died. As the drug safety statement only included cases that had been reported to the FDA, there may be more cases of the infection related to the use of diabetes drugs.

Symptoms of Fournier’s Gangrene

This condition is characterized by redness, tenderness, or swelling of the genitals, as well as the area from the genitals to the rectum. These symptoms may also be accompanied by a fever, as well as a feeling of malaise or illness.

Fournier’s gangrene can spread very quickly, so it is important to seek medical attention immediately if you believe you may have contracted the condition. Treatment for Fournier’s gangrene may include broad-spectrum antibiotics, surgical debridement, skin grafts, or surgery.

What are SGLT2 Inhibitors?

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are a class of commonly taken type-2 diabetes treatment drugs. In 2017, approximately 1.7 million patients were prescribed SGLT2 inhibitors, including Synjardy and Synjardy XR. These drugs are intended to help adults with type-2 diabetes control their blood sugar levels when taken in conjunction with diet and exercise.

Synjardy and Synjardy XR Side Effects

In addition to the risk of contracting Fournier’s gangrene, Synjardy and Synjardy XR have a multitude of other possible side effects. These side effects include:

• Dehydration
• Ketoacidosis, or an increase of ketones in the blood or urine
• Kidney problems or sudden kidney injury
• Serious urinary tract infections
• Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar
• Yeast infections
• Allergic reactions, including swelling of the face, lips, throat, or other areas, hives or rashes, or difficulty breathing or swallowing.
• Vitamin B12 deficiency
• Increased bad cholesterol
• Nausea or vomiting
• Gas, stomach pain, indigestion, or diarrhea

If you have been prescribed Synjardy, Synjardy XR, or another SGLT2 inhibitor for the treatment of type-2 diabetes and have been diagnosed with Fournier’s gangrene, you may qualify to join a free investigation and pursue compensation for your injuries.

Join a Free Diabetes Medications & Flesh-Eating Infection Lawsuit Investigation

The type-2 diabetes medications linked to the flesh-eating infection include:

• Invokana
• Invokamet/Invokamet XR
• Farxiga
• Xigduo XR
• Qtern
• Jardiance
• Glyxambi
• Synjardy/Synjardy XR
• Steglato
• Segluromet
• Steglujan

If you or a loved one took one of the type-2 diabetes medications listed above and suffered from a flesh-eating genital infection, you may qualify to join this diabetes medication lawsuit investigation. Fill out the FREE form on this page for more information.

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