Qtern Disease Interactions

There have been postmarketing reports of acute pancreatitis in patients taking DPP-4 inhibitors. These drugs should be used with caution in patients with a history of pancreatitis or pancreatic disease, although it is unknown if they are at increased risk. Patients should be observed for signs and symptoms of pancreatitis during treatment. If pancreatitis is suspected, treatment should be discontinued immediately and appropriate management should be initiated.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors ertugliflozin and canagliflozin are not recommended for use in patients with severe hepatic impairment due to lack of clinical data. Sotagliflozin is not recommended for use in patients with moderate to severe hepatic impairment. Dapagliflozin has not been studied in patients with severe hepatic impairment and caution is recommended. The manufacturer's product labeling should be consulted for specific dosing of SGLT2 inhibitors in patients with hepatic impairment.

The glucose lowering effects of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are decreased in patients with worsening renal function. Additionally, patients with impaired renal function (estimated GFR less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2), older adult patients, and patients on loop diuretics may be more likely to experience adverse reactions related to volume depletion such as hypotension and acute kidney injury during therapy. Renal function should be evaluated prior to treatment initiation and monitored regularly in at-risk patients. Volume status should be assessed and volume depletion corrected before initiating therapy. The use of SGLT2 inhibitors in patients undergoing dialysis is either contraindicated or not recommended. The manufacturer product information should be consulted for contraindications and indication specific renal dosing.

It is recommended to assess renal function prior to initiating treatment with DPP-4 inhibitors. Patients with moderate to severe renal insufficiency and end stage renal dysfunction will require a dose adjustment. Linagliptin will not require a dose adjustment per manufacturer's information. Additionally, there have been postmarketing reports of worsening renal function in some patients with renal insufficiency taking sitagliptin at inappropriate doses. However, sitagliptin has not been found to be nephrotoxic in preclinical studies or clinical trials at appropriate doses.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors cause intravascular volume contraction which may lead to symptomatic hypotension after treatment initiation, especially in older adult patients, patients with impaired renal function, patients with low systolic blood pressure, or those using diuretics. Volume status should be assessed and corrected before starting treatment and patients should be monitored during therapy.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors increase the risk of genital mycotic infections. Care should be exercised when using an SGLT2 inhibitor in patients who have a history of chronic or recurrent genital mycotic infections or who are uncircumcised as these patients are more likely to develop genital mycotic infections. Patients should be monitored and treated appropriately.