eDKA and other adverse effects to SGLT2 inhibitors

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SGLT2 inhibitors (or SGLT2is) have recently seen their introduction into veterinary medicine, in the forms of bexagliflozin (Bexacat; Elanco), and velagliflozin oral solution (Senvelgo; Boehringer Ingelheim). In an interview with dvm360, Christopher G. Byers, DVM, DACVECC, DACVIM (SAIM), CVJ, explains that, although there aren't many, there are some notable adverse effects of these drugs that veterinarians should be aware of, namely euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis (eDKA).

Below is a partial transcript

Christopher G. Byers, DVM, DACVECC, DACVIM (SAIM), CVJ: Thankfully, there aren't a lot of side effects with these medications. So what may be seen is some diarrhea [or] weight loss, that is self limiting, and usually doesn't require any type of intervention. But, I think it's worth mentioning one of the potential serious but rare side effects. Depending on the study one references, anywhere from approximately 2.5 to 5.5% overall of patients who receive this class of medication develop something called euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis or eDKA.