Jardiance has a rare side effect called necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum (Fournier’s gangrene). This is a rare, life-threatening infection caused by bacteria entering the layer of tissue just under the skin in the perineum, the space between the anus and scrotum in men, and the anus and vulva in women.

Jardiance is used to treat type 2 diabetes to lower blood sugar levels. It is from a class of medicines called SGLT2 inhibitors.

Why does Jardiance cause necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum?

The way Jardiance works is by helping the kidneys eliminate more sugar from your body through urination. This means there is more sugar around your genital area which increases the amount of bacteria, as they feed on this extra sugar.

Bacteria can enter any broken or irritated skin and then infect the tissue beneath the skin, which can quickly spread and destroy tissue. It requires immediate treatment with antibiotics and surgery to remove the dead or dying tissue. Catching the infection early, before it spreads, is very important

Patients taking Jardiance or other SGLT2 inhibitors, including Invokana, Farxiga and Steglatro, should seek medical attention right away if a fever develops along with tenderness, redness or swelling in the genital area, as this may be a sign of Fournier’s gangrene.

Very few people get this rare infection, but research has found that the mortality rates of Fournier’s gangrene vary and can be quite high. The mortality rate can range from 20% to 50%, according to a study published in the World Journal of Emergency Surgery. Those who survive often require ongoing care after surgery to help heal wounds and recover function in their genital area.

One study found 55 cases of Fournier’s gangrene among people taking SGLT2 inhibitors between March 2013 and January 2019, which is almost triple the number of cases identified among patients taking other antidiabetic drugs between 1984 and January 2019. However, it’s hard to know if these cases were definitively caused by SGLT2 inhibitors, and the risk of getting Fournier’s gangrene while on these drugs remains low.

Other side effects of Jardiance:

Kidney problems and ketoacidosis are other rare and serious side effects of Jardiance.

Jardiance also has more common and treatable side effects, including yeast infections, urinary tract infections and increased urination.

What is Jadiance is used for:

• Help control blood sugar in patients aged 10 years and older, with type 2 diabetes when used with diet and exercise.
• Helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular death in patients who have type 2 diabetes and also have cardiovascular disease.
• Helps decrease the chance of being admitted into hospital and lowers the chance that you will die from cardiovascular death, for patients with heart failure.