Drug Class Guide
SGLT2 Inhibitors
Diabetes pills that turned out to protect the heart and kidneys, now prescribed for heart failure and kidney disease even without diabetes.
How SGLT2 Inhibitors Work
SGLT2 is a protein in the kidneys that reabsorbs sugar from urine back into the blood. Blocking it lets the body pass extra sugar, along with some salt and water, in the urine. That lowers blood sugar and eases the load on the heart and kidneys.
What SGLT2 Inhibitors Treat
SGLT2 Inhibitors in Our Medication Guide
Common Side Effects
Genital yeast infections are the most common side effect, because of the extra sugar in the urine. People also urinate more and can become dehydrated or lightheaded, especially when also taking a diuretic. On their own they rarely cause low blood sugar.
Important Cautions
- Rarely, they cause ketoacidosis, sometimes with a normal blood sugar. Nausea, vomiting, belly pain or unusual tiredness needs prompt care.
- They are usually paused for several days before planned surgery and on sick days when you cannot eat or drink normally.
- A rare but serious infection of the genital area has been reported; report pain, redness or swelling there with fever.
Common Questions About SGLT2 Inhibitors
Can people without diabetes take an SGLT2 inhibitor?
Yes. Dapagliflozin and empagliflozin are FDA-approved for heart failure and for chronic kidney disease whether or not you have diabetes, because large trials showed fewer hospitalizations and slower loss of kidney function.
Do SGLT2 inhibitors cause weight loss?
Modestly. Losing sugar calories in the urine typically leads to a few pounds of weight loss. They are not weight-loss drugs, but unlike some diabetes medicines they do not cause weight gain.
Why do SGLT2 inhibitors cause yeast infections?
Sugar in the urine feeds yeast in the genital area. Good hygiene and staying well hydrated help, and the infections are usually easy to treat. Tell us if they keep coming back.
This guide is general information, not a substitute for advice about your own medicines. Do not start, stop or switch a medication without talking with your doctor. Questions about a prescription? Our internal medicine team can help.
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Trusted Resources for SGLT2 Inhibitors
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