Yeast Infections From Diabetes and Heart Pills: What to Know About SGLT2 Medicines
Intimate HealthArticleSGLT2 inhibitors, the 'flozin' medicines used for diabetes, heart failure and kidney disease, work by sending sugar out in the urine. Their labels list genital yeast infections as one of the most common side effects in women, plus a rare but serious warning to know.
In this article
SGLT2 inhibitors are a group of prescription pills whose generic names end in “-flozin,” such as empagliflozin. They’re used for type 2 diabetes and, for some medicines in the class, heart failure and chronic kidney disease.1 They work by making the kidneys release more sugar into the urine, which also increases urination.1 That extra sugar is linked to a side effect many women notice first: yeast infections.
How common is it?
In the main empagliflozin trials, genital yeast infections in women occurred in:1
| Placebo | 10 mg | 25 mg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Women with genital yeast infections | 1.5% | 5.4% | 6.4% |
The label lists urinary tract infections and female genital yeast infections among the most common side effects. Both occurred more often in women than men, and women with a history of repeat UTIs were more likely to get one.1
What to do if you get symptoms
Itching, thick white discharge and burning are typical yeast symptoms. Our guide to telling yeast, BV and UTI apart helps you sort out which it might be.
- Call your prescriber the first time, so they know and can confirm it’s yeast.
- Ask whether an over-the-counter treatment is fine for repeat episodes. Our article on OTC yeast treatments explains the 1-, 3- and 7-day options.
- Don’t stop the medicine on your own. These medicines protect the heart and kidneys for many people.
A rare but serious warning
The label warns of a rare, serious infection of the genital and anal area called necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum (Fournier’s gangrene). Get immediate care for pain, tenderness, redness or swelling in the genital or anal area with fever or feeling unwell.1
Questions for your prescriber
- Is this medicine for my diabetes, heart or kidneys, and how important is it for me?
- What should I do at the first sign of a yeast infection?
- Should we treat my vaginal dryness or repeat UTIs before or alongside this medicine?
- Are there hygiene steps that help, given my situation?
Try: “Since starting my new diabetes pill I’ve had two yeast infections. Is this the medicine, and how should we handle it so I can keep taking it?”
Down There, Decoded includes a Down-There Log and a See script for appointments. Use them to track symptoms, timing and medicine changes. Explore the intimate-health playbook.
This article is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It isn't a substitute for diagnosis or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional who knows your health history. Please don't stop or change a prescribed medicine without talking to your prescriber. Seek emergency care for pain, tenderness, redness or swelling in the genital or anal area with fever or feeling unwell. If you think you may be having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. This article discusses a class of prescription medicines and an FDA-approved label. Girl Playbook does not endorse any specific product, test, or provider.
Girl Playbook sells this book. It provides education and worksheets, not individualized medical care.
Sources
The research behind this article, in the order it’s cited. How we source our articles.
- DailyMed, National Library of MedicineEmpagliflozin tablets: prescribing information (opens in a new tab)abcde
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