The Food and Drug Administration said last week that type 2 diabetes medicines canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, and empagliflozin may lead to ketoacidosis.

SGLT2 inhibitors are a class of prescription medicines that are FDA-approved for use in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Patients were advised to pay attention for symptoms such as difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, confusion, and unusual fatigue or sleepiness. Healthcare professionals should “evaluate for the presence of acidosis, including ketoacidosis, in patients experiencing these signs or symptoms; discontinue SGLT2 inhibitors if acidosis is confirmed; and take appropriate measures to correct the acidosis and monitor sugar levels,” the FDA said.

Both groups were encouraged to report side effects involving SGLT2 inhibitors to the FDA MedWatch program.