Common side effects of the SGLT2 inhibitors currently on the Australian market include:
Mrs Jennings is a long-standing customer of your pharmacy. She was diagnosed with diabetes some years ago and has recently started a new medication called empagliflozin. She tells you all seems to be going well but she just needs something for a vaginal itch that she has had for several days. Nothing else seems to have changed for her. What scenario is the best for Mrs Jennings?
Mr Parker has presented a prescription for Dapagliflozin. He tells you he has not started this yet, but it is one that his doctor suggested he start since he suffered a heart attack due late last year. He is unsure if he should continue his other diabetes medication. His dispense history shows he is on metformin and a DPP4 inhibitor. Of the following scenarios which describes the best for Mr Parker’s health?
SGLT2 inhibitors should be ceased prior to major surgery. Those scheduled for non-urgent surgery who have not ceased their SGLT2 inhibitor should be assessed, and consideration should be given to postponing the procedure. Treatment with the SGLT2 inhibitor maybe restarted once oral intake is normal.
