FDA Botches Diabetes Medication Warning

  • Two FDA-approved diabetes medications cause kidney problems
  • Are you experiencing symptoms of an adverse drug reaction? Find out…
  • Discover how to get urgent medication information sent directly to your inbox.

Dear Living Well Daily Reader,

If you take diabetes medication, you could be facing a new threat.

Well, not exactly a new threat…

You see, two FDA-approved drugs are now proving to cause kidney issues.

And while these drugs were approved — likely all too quickly — in 2013, the cases of kidney disease in patients taking these meds are starting to pile up.

In fact, between 2013 and 2015, there were 101 cases of acute kidney injury linked to taking these meds. Even worse, the FDA warns that it’s entirely possible many more cases have gone unreported.

--Double Trouble for Diabetics

Canagliflozin (Invokana, Invokamet) and dapagliflozin (Farxiga, Xigduo XR) are prescribed, along with diet and exercise, to help lower blood sugar in adults with Type 2 diabetes.

Both drugs use the kidneys to remove sugar from the body through urine. This could be one reason why kidney damage is on the rise amongst their users.

The FDA recommends that health care professionals assess kidney function and consider factors like chronic kidney problems, congestive heart failure, and decreased blood volume prior to prescribing this medications.

In addition, anyone taking diuretics, blood pressure medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) is at higher risk for an adverse reaction.

If you have any of the above medical issues or are taking any of the listed medications with canagliflozin or dapagliflozin, you should contact your doctor immediately.

Signs of acute kidney injury include decreased urination and swelling in the legs. IF you start experiencing  these symptoms you need to get emergency medical treatment STAT.

If you’re taking canagliflozin or dapagliflozin, you may want to contact your doctor to see if there is a safer option.

--One Way to Dodge the Danger

While this warning is a little late for the 101 people who experienced unnecessary kidney trauma, it’s not too late for you to take control of your health…

Since the FDA often does a bad job of safely approving drugs, like they did with these two, it’s up to you to protect yourself from their dangerous blunders.

You can’t keep the FDA from hastily approving dangerous drugs or making poor health suggestions, but you can stay on top of the latest, warnings, recalls, and approvals.

One way to do this is through FDA alert emails.

To learn how to sign up for FDA drug alerts, click here.

Live well,

Natalie Moore
Managing editor, Living Well Daily

Natalie Moore

Written By Natalie Moore

Natalie Moore is a dedicated health researcher with a passion for finding healthy, natural, and science-based solutions. After a decade of direct healthcare experience in western and natural medicine, she was involved in public health research before joining Living Well Daily.

View More Free Articles

The TRUTH About Supplement "Liver Dangers" REVEALED

There’s been a lot of buzz lately about liver damage from supplements—so, let’s talk about it. Reports of supplement-induced liver injuries have some folks wondering, “Could my natural remedy actually be harming me?” But before you toss all your supplements in the trash, let’s separate fact from fear—and talk about how to use supplements safely....

Read This

The 10,000 Steps LIE That's Ruining Your Health

I’ll be honest—I’m a little sick of the 10,000-steps theory. You know, the one that insists you need to take at least that many steps daily to stay healthy? You won’t believe where that claim originally came from. The 10,000-steps theory wasn’t handed down from the fitness gods on stone tablets. It originated from a...

Read This

“Brain Games” Failed You? Try THIS For Better Memory Instead

You know all those brain-training apps, supplements, and “miracle” memory-boosters that promise to keep your brain sharp as you age? Here’s the truth… There IS evidence they support brain health—and that’s why I’ll be the first to recommend them. But they aren’t the most powerful brain-boosting tool available to you. Another surprising solution has earned...

Read This

Mailbag: 5 Powerful Ways to Shield Your Prostate from Cancer

“What are your tips to avoid prostate cancer?” —Keeping Cancer at Bay Hi Keeping, You’re right to be concerned—prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men in the United States. Approximately one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. And there were an estimated 268,490 new prostate cancer...

Read This

Popular Drinks Quintuple THIS Deadly Risk

We all know that sugary drinks aren’t good for our teeth. But new research reveals a far more sinister link between sweetened beverages and oral health. Your soda habit could be putting you at risk for something far worse than cavities… Research published in JAMA Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery has uncovered a shocking...

Read This

Depression AGES Your Body 30% Faster—Here's How to Stop It

Recent research highlights the profound connection between the mind and body. The eye-opening new study shows how battling depression could put you on the fast track to physical decline. Depression is the most common mental health condition worldwide. We’ve long known that it’s linked to an increased risk of illnesses, including heart disease and diabetes....

Read This

Study Reveals Not All Generic Drugs Are Created Equal

Like most folks, you probably don’t think twice about whether you’re getting a brand-name or generic drug when you pick up a prescription. After all, the FDA insists generics are just as safe and effective as their pricier brand-name counterparts. But what if that’s not always true? A disturbing new study has uncovered evidence that...

Read This

Feed Your Good Gut Bugs with this Produce Aisle Staple

Improving your health doesn’t always have to be complicated or expensive. Sometimes, it’s as simple—and tasty—as a handful of berries. We’ve long known that blueberries pack a serious nutritional punch. But this latest research takes things by revealing exactly how these berries enhance your gut microbiome—the community of beneficial bacteria living in your digestive system....

Read This

Harness the Forgotten Superpower of Boredom

From the moment we crawl out of bed in the morning until we hit the hay again at night, we’re bombarded with stimulation. With screens everywhere, including in our pockets, we’re surrounded by entertainment. But with constant notifications and endless scrolling, we’ve forgotten how to be bored. In fact, most of us avoid it at...

Read This

The Forgotten Nutrient That May Save Your Memory

Some nutrients, like vitamin D and vitamin C, get all the attention. But almost no one’s talking about vitamin K. However, this overlooked nutrient could be key to preserving your memory as you age. A study published in the Journal of Nutrition suggests vitamin K plays a critical role in keeping your brain sharp well...

Read This