Definition: Fournier's gangrene is a rare, life-threatening infection that destroys tissue in the genital area. SGLT2 inhibitor labels call it necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum and list it under genital and urinary infections.
| Label | What it says |
|---|---|
| Jardiance (empagliflozin) | Serious infections including Fournier's gangrene have occurred, some needing surgery or causing death |
| Farxiga (dapagliflozin) | Some cases needed several surgeries or caused death |
| Invokana (canagliflozin) | Some led to several surgeries or death |
| Steglatro (ertugliflozin) | Has occurred with SGLT2 inhibitors; described as a rare, life-threatening infection of the genital area |
The Jardiance and Farxiga labels say pain, redness or swelling of the genital area with fever or feeling unwell needs prompt evaluation. The Steglatro label says these infections have occurred with SGLT2 inhibitors as a class, and combination tablets with an SGLT2 inhibitor, such as Glyxambi and Invokamet, carry the same warning.
MedlinePlus describes necrotizing soft tissue infection as a rare but very severe bacterial infection that can destroy muscle, skin and the tissue beneath. It says a painful, bruise-like area can grow in less than an hour and that treatment, with surgery to remove dead tissue and antibiotics through a vein, is needed right away.
The same labels report the more common genital yeast infections. A note of when any genital symptoms began, and whether fever came with them, helps a clinician tell the two apart quickly.
Read more on Dose Track: Genital yeast infections on SGLT2 medicines · Jardiance side effects · Farxiga side effects · Invokana side effects