We hear the long list of possible side effects of certain FDA-approved drugs on TV commercials so often that we become insensitive to the seriousness of the issue of dangerous drugs.
There’s a real threat out there according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and people with Type 2 Diabetes need to know the latest news regarding a class of diabetes drugs known as “sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2).” Information has come to light that these drugs including the popular name brands Invokana , Farxiga, Jardiance and Steglatro may lead to a condition known medically as “necrotizing fasciitis” and Fournier’s gangrene in Type 2 diabetics taking these drugs to control their glucose levels.
The generic names of these drugs are as follows:
- Canagliflozin (Invokana)
- Dapagliflozin (Farxiga)
- Empagliflozin (Jardiance)
- Etrugliflozin (Steglatro)
How Do These Drugs Work and What Went Wrong?
SGLT2 inhibitors, unlike other drugs for diabetes, are not insulin, and they don’t increase insulin sensitivity; instead, these drugs work by forcing the kidneys to excrete glucose out of the body in the urine rather than reabsorbing the sugar back into the blood. When the sugary urine leaves the body, it creates a perfect environment in the genital region for bacteria to grow and multiply. If there’s a cut from shaving or some type of skin ulcer, bacteria form; in diabetics taking this type of drug, the flesh-eating strain known as “genital gangrene” will thrive resulting in a whole host of symptoms.
In adult men with diabetes, this painful syndrome will result in redness, pain and swelling around the scrotum, penis and perineum. Sufferers of this genital infection may detect an odor in the affected area, and there may be a crackling sound when the skin in the area is touched. The condition can lead to dehydration, anemia, fever and a general feeling of being unwell. If you have experienced any of this, please contact your doctor immediately.
Rare Flesh-Eating Bacteria
Since 1950, there have been only 1,800 reported cases of Fournier’s gangrene in adult males, but in a study that covered a five-year period from March 2013 to May 2018, 12 people suffered this horrible condition and one person even died. The ones who lived all had to have surgery and some were left disfigured by the necrotizing fasciitis brought on by this specific class of Type 2 Diabetes drug.
With over 29 million people suffering with diabetes, there’s a good chance you or someone you love is dealing with this complex medication condition. If you have taken a drug such as the ones listed above, it’s important to find a product liability attorney in your area who handles difficult defective drug cases. An FDA warning such as this cannot be taken lightly. If you are not feeling ill, you should contact your doctor for medical advice and discuss other options for treatment.
Our attorneys have the experience and resources to take on these tough defective product cases, fight pharmaceutical companies and win. Please contact us today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation consultation.
