SGLT2 inhibitors: reports of Fournier’s gangrene (necrotising fasciitis of the genitalia or perineum)
Recently, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) have issued advice to healthcare professionals in the UK around the rare side effect of Fournier’s gangrene associated with SGLT2 inhibitors. If Fournier’s gangrene is suspected, healthcare professionals have been advised to stop the SGLT2 inhibitor and start treatment urgently (including antibiotics and surgical debridement). Fournier’s gangrene is a rare but potentially life-threatening infection that requires urgent medical attention.
Advice for healthcare professionals:
post-marketing cases of Fournier’s gangrene (necrotising fasciitis of the genitalia or perineum) have been associated with the use of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors
Fournier’s gangrene is a rare but serious and potentially life-threatening infection
if Fournier’s gangrene is suspected, stop the SGLT2 inhibitor and urgently start treatment (including antibiotics and surgical debridement as required)
urogenital infection or perineal abscess may precede necrotising fasciitis
advise patients to seek urgent medical attention if they experience severe pain, tenderness, erythema, or swelling in the genital or perineal area, accompanied by fever or malaise
report suspected adverse drug reactions to a SGLT2 inhibitor to the Yellow Card Scheme without delay.
