SGLT2 or ‘flozin’ medications are used in diabetes. These medications have been shown to lower glucose, weight, blood pressure, and vascular/heart/kidney risks.
Examples include: empagliflozin, dapagliflozin.
Sick Day Rules
If you’re feeling unwell then these medications need to be paused until you feel well again. You should seek medical advice if you are significantly unwell.
You should inform the clinician that you are taking them so that they can check your ketone level as part of your medical assessment.
Contraindications
You cannot take flozin medications if you have type1 diabetes, ever had ketosis, or are on a very low carbohydrate diet.
Side effects
As flozin medications work by wasting excess sugar through the kidneys, this can result in passing more urine and possibly increasing the risk of a urine infection or genital thrush.
For more information: NHS – Side Effects of Dapagliflozin
Important: Risk of rare serious adverse side effects
You must report and seek urgent medical assessment if you have symptoms of: diabetic ketoacidosis symptoms, Fournier’s gangrene (severe genital area infection).
Starting flozin medication
If you have been advised by the practice to read about flozin medication and you are keen to start, please contact the practice and state the following:
– I have read all the information regarding flozin medication
– I have no contraindications
– I am aware of the sick day rules
– I am aware of the side effects
– I know when to seek help in the event of serious rare adverse side effects
– I know to request a ketone check when unwell