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Does lower limb amputation concern all SGLT2 inhibitors?

Sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors showed cardiorenal protection in patients with diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. However, increase in lower limb amputation with canagliflozin, but not empagliflozin, was reported. The reason for this adverse effect remains speculative and whether it concerns all SGLT2 inhibitors is controversial.

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Acknowledgements

A.J.S. has received lecturer/scientific adviser/clinical investigator fees from AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Merck Sharp & Dohme, NovoNordisk, Sanofi and Servier. He worked as a clinical investigator in TECOS, LEADER, EMPA-REG OUTCOME, CANVAS-R and DECLARE trials.

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Correspondence to André J. Scheen.

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Scheen, A.J. Does lower limb amputation concern all SGLT2 inhibitors?. Nat Rev Endocrinol 14, 326–328 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41574-018-0001-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41574-018-0001-9

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