Why does Farxiga cause yeast infections?

Farxiga lowers blood sugar by releasing excess sugar through urination. That means any fungal yeast in the male or female genitals gets exposed to more sugar than usual in urine. Yeast, which naturally occurs in the genitals, feeds on this extra sugar and may multiply. Yeast infections are one of the most common side effects of taking Farxiga.

Farxiga is commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes. It has also been approved to treat people with a certain type of heart failure and for chronic kidney disease. It's in a class of medications called sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. Other medications in this group work in a similar way and also increase your risk of yeast infections.

In women, signs of a vaginal yeast infection include:

• Vaginal itching
• Vaginal odor (a bad smell)
• Vaginal discharge that may be yellow or white, and sometimes lumpy

In men, signs of a yeast infection include:

• A rash on the penis
• Swelling, itching or redness of the penis
• Discharge from the penis that smells bad

Your doctor can tell you what steps might help you prevent a yeast infection while you're taking Farxiga. Also, higher blood sugar levels can contribute to yeast infections. Following your diabetes treatment plan as closely as possible usually lowers your blood sugar levels, which might help you avoid a yeast infection.

Your healthcare provider may suggest you use an over-the-counter antifungal medicine. Talk to your healthcare provider right away if you use an over-the-counter antifungal medication and your symptoms do not go away.