SGLT2 MEDICATIONS:
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
(Examples: Jardiance®, Farxiga®, Invokana®)

💊 WHAT DO THESE MEDICATIONS DO?

SGLT2 inhibitors help lower blood sugar by removing extra glucose through your urine.

 

They also provide important health benefits:

• ❤️ Heart protection – lowers risk of heart failure and heart-related complications

• 🩺 Kidney protection – slows kidney damage over time

• ⚖️ May help with modest weight loss and blood pressure

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👉 These benefits are why this medication is commonly used even beyond diabetes.

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⚠️ COMMON SIDE EFFECT: YEAST INFECTIONS

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Because sugar leaves your body in the urine, some can remain on the skin, allowing yeast to grow.

This is common, usually mild, and preventable.

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🧼 HOW TO REDUCE YOUR RISK

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1. WASH DAILY

• Gently clean genital area once daily

• Use water or mild, unscented soap

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2. KEEP THE AREA DRY

• Pat dry after bathing

• Stay dry after using the bathroom

• Change out of sweaty clothes promptly

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3. RINSE AFTER URINATING (HELPFUL!)

• Rinse genital area with water after you urinate if possible

• A peri-bottle (small squeeze bottle) can make this easy

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4. WEAR BREATHABLE CLOTHING

• Choose cotton underwear

• Avoid tight-fitting clothing

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5. STAY WELL HYDRATED

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day

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🚨 WATCH FOR EARLY SYMPTOMS

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• Itching

• Redness

• Irritation

• Discharge

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👉 Call us early — treatment is simple and works quickly

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🚨 RARE BUT SERIOUS: SEEK EMERGENCY CARE

 

A very rare infection called Fournier's gangrene can occur.

Go to the ER immediately if you have:

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• Severe pain, tenderness, or swelling in the genital or groin area

• Redness that is spreading or worsening quickly

• Fever or feeling very ill

• Skin changes (darkening, blisters, or foul odor)

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👉 Do not wait — this is a medical emergency

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⛔ WHEN TO HOLD THIS MEDICATION

 

 

Before surgery or procedures:

• Stop 4 days before surgery

• Do NOT take on the day of surgery

• Restart only when eating and drinking normally (ask your provider)

 

👉 This helps prevent a rare but serious condition called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)

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📞 QUESTIONS OR SYMPTOMS?

 

Call Indiana Diabetes & Endocrinology
724-463-1048

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KEY TAKEAWAY:
These medications provide powerful heart and kidney protection.
With a few simple habits, most patients do very well on them.