SGLT2 inhibitor
How it worksBexagliflozin works by blocking a protein in the kidneys called SGLT2. This prevents the kidneys from taking glucose back into the blood, which causes more sugar to be removed from the body through urine.
Brand names:BRENZAVVY
How to take
The usual dose is 20 mg taken once a day in the morning. You can take it with or without food, but do not crush or chew the tablet.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can, but do not take two doses at once to make up for a missed one. If you are having surgery or fasting for a long time, your doctor may tell you to stop taking it for at least 3 days.
Missed dose: Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Do not double the next dose.
Key warnings
- ·Risk of ketoacidosis, especially in people with type 1 diabetes.
- ·Risk of lower limb amputation; monitor for signs of infection or ulcers.
- ·Risk of volume depletion and kidney injury; ensure you are hydrated.
- ·Risk of serious genital or perineal infections.
- ·Risk of low blood sugar if taken with insulin or other drugs that lower blood sugar.
Do not use if
- ·Do not use if you have a known allergy to bexaqliflozin or any of its ingredients.
Side effects
Common
Serious
- ·Diabetic ketoacidosis (a serious condition involving high blood sugar and ketones)
- ·Lower limb amputation
- ·Severe dehydration or kidney injury
- ·Severe genital or perineal infections (such as Fournier’s Gangrene)
- ·Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when used with insulin
Seek help if
- ·Pain, swelling, or redness in the genital or perineal area
- ·Signs of ketoacidosis
- ·Signs of lower limb infection or ulcers
- ·Symptoms of severe dehydration
Interactions
- ·Drugs that increase UGT enzymes may make Bexagliflozin less effective.
- ·Taking Bexagliflozin with insulin or insulin secretagogues increases the risk of low blood sugar.
- ·Bexagliflozin may lower the amount of lithium in your blood.
- ·Other SGLT2 inhibitors like Jardiance, Farxiga, Invokana, or Steglatro may interact.
Special populations
PregnancyBexagliflozin is not recommended during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy due to potential risks to the kidneys found in animal studies.
PediatricThe safety and effectiveness of Bexagliflozin have not been tested in children.
GeriatricBexagliflozin has been studied in many patients aged 65 and older, including those with heart disease risks, with no overall differences in effectiveness found.
Talk to your doctor
Monitor
- ·Signs of infection in the genital or perineal area
- ·Signs of dehydration or kidney issues
- ·Signs of ketoacidosis
- ·Blood sugar levels
- ·Signs of infection or ulcers on the lower limbs
Questions to ask
- ·What is my current kidney function (eGFR)?
- ·How will Bexagliflozin affect my lithium levels?
- ·Should I adjust my insulin dose when starting Bexagliflozin?
- ·How long should I stop Bexagliflozin before my upcoming surgery?
Pharmacokinetics
Practical
OverdoseIf you take too much, contact a Poison Help line or a medical professional immediately. Supportive care should be provided based on symptoms.
Ingredients
Allergens
Inactive
Educational summary derived from FDA labeling, AI-assisted. Not medical advice — consult a healthcare professional. Updated 2026-04-25.
