Brenzavvy
Brenzavvy (bexagliflozin) is a newly-approved medication that's used along with a healthy diet and exercise to lower blood sugar levels in people with Type 2 diabetes. This medication is a tablet that's taken by mouth every day in the morning. The most common side effects of Brenzavvy (bexagliflozin) are more frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs) and urinating more than usual since it works to remove blood sugar from your body through the urine.
What is Brenzavvy (bexagliflozin)?
What is Brenzavvy (bexagliflozin) used for?
Type 2 diabetes
How Brenzavvy (bexagliflozin) works
Brenzavvy (bexagliflozin) is a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor. It works in the kidneys to prevent the absorption of sugar back into your body. This helps your body get rid of excess blood sugar through your urine. By doing so, Brenzavvy (bexagliflozin) lowers your blood sugar levels.
Drug Facts
What are the side effects of Brenzavvy (bexagliflozin)?
Common Side Effects
- More urination (7%)
- Urinary tract infection (6%)
- Vaginal yeast infection in women (6%)
Other Side Effects
- Feeling thirsty
- Vaginal itching
- Genital yeast or fungal infections in men
Serious Side Effects
- Severe allergic reaction: swelling in the face, throat, tongue, or mouth; rash; trouble breathing
- High ketone levels in the blood: nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, tiredness, thirsty, dry mouth, fruity breath, trouble breathing
Source: DailyMed
The following side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Dehydration—increased thirst, dry mouth, feeling faint or lightheaded, headache, dark yellow or brown urine
- Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)—increased thirst or amount of urine, dry mouth, fatigue, fruity odor to breath, trouble breathing, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting
- Genital yeast infection—redness, swelling, pain, or itchiness, odor, thick or lumpy discharge
- Infection or redness, swelling, tenderness, or pain in the genitals, or area from the genitals to the back of the rectum
- New pain or tenderness, change in skin color, sores or ulcers, infection of the leg or foot
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)—burning when passing urine, passing frequent small amounts of urine, bloody or cloudy urine, pain in the lower back or sides
Pros and cons of Brenzavvy (bexagliflozin)
Pros
Taken only once a day
Can use alone or together with other diabetes medications
Not likely to cause weight gain
Cons
Might cause more urination or urinary infections
Not recommended in second and third trimesters of pregnancy
Not a good option for people with severe kidney problems or on dialysis
Pharmacist tips for Brenzavvy (bexagliflozin)
You can take Brenzavvy (bexagliflozin) with or without food since food doesn't affect how well this medication works. Don't crush or chew the tablet.
Take Brenzavvy (bexagliflozin) once a day in the morning. It's important to take it around the same time every day. This keeps the levels of the medication consistent in your body to help your condition better.
Continue to exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet, and take your other prescribed medications along with Brenzavvy (bexagliflozin). This is to help make sure you get the most benefit from your medications.
Practice good hygiene to prevent yeast and urinary tract infections since these are common side effects of Brenzavvy (bexagliflozin). Change clothes and shower as soon as possible after exercising or after a hot day. Also wear underwear and clothing made from breathable, natural materials like cotton.
Be sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Brenzavvy (bexagliflozin) can raise your risk for dehydration (low fluids in the body).
If you're taking Brenzavvy (bexagliflozin) with other diabetes medications, you might be at risk of having low blood sugar. Make sure to check your blood sugar if you feel shaky, confused, or have a fast heartbeat. If you have low blood sugar (less than 70 mg/dL), know how to treat it and when you need to call 911.
Talk with your provider about your treatment options if you're pregnant, thinking of becoming pregnant, or breastfeeding. Let your provider know if you become pregnant while taking Brenzavvy (bexagliflozin). Don't take this medication during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy or if you're breastfeeding. This is because it's possible for Brenzavvy (bexagliflozin) to cause harm your baby.
Frequently asked questions about Brenzavvy (bexagliflozin)
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What are the risks and warnings for Brenzavvy (bexagliflozin)?
Brenzavvy (bexagliflozin) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Ketoacidosis
Risk factors: Diabetes | Illness | Lowered calorie intake | Insulin dose reduction | Pancreatic problems | Surgery | Alcohol abuse
Some people with diabetes taking Brenzavvy (bexagliflozin) have experienced a serious, life-threatening condition called ketoacidosis. This can happen when your body makes too many ketones, which makes your blood acidic. Your risk might be higher if you're ill, eating less calories, drinking a lot of alcohol, or have recently had surgery or a reduction in your insulin dose. If possible, check your ketones if you experience dry mouth, fruity breath, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or trouble breathing. If any of these symptoms happen, stop taking Brenzavvy (bexagliflozin) and get medical help right away.
Lower limb amputation
Risk factors: History of amputations | Lower limb infection | Peripheral vascular disease (narrowed blood vessels) | Nerve problems | Diabetic foot ulcers
Although rare, Brenzavvy (bexagliflozin) can raise your risk of needing foot or leg amputations. Your risk might be higher if you've had an amputation before, have blood circulation problems, or have nerve problems. In studies, the most common reasons for amputations for people who took Brenzavvy (bexagliflozin) were leg infections and damaged leg tissue. Let your provider know if you experience any new pain, tenderness, sores, ulcers, or infections on your legs or feet. Your provider can recommend ways to manage these foot problems or treat them before they get worse. Follow up with your provider regularly so they can perform foot exams.
Low fluids in the body (leading to low blood pressure or dehydration)
Risk factors: 65 years or older | Kidney problems | Taking loop diuretics (water pills) | Low-sodium diet | Low blood pressure
Brenzavvy (bexagliflozin) can cause low levels of fluids in the body. Low fluids can lead to dehydration, low blood pressure, or kidney injury. Your risk is higher if you already have kidney problems, are 65 years or older, are on a low-sodium diet, or take water pills known as loop diuretics. Your provider might check your kidney health by doing blood tests to make sure they're working properly. Stay hydrated while you're taking Brenzavvy (bexagliflozin). Contact your provider if you experience dizziness or if you're urinating less than usual. Also tell them if you've experienced vomiting or diarrhea so they can make sure you're not losing too much fluid from your body.
Genital and urinary tract infections
Risk factors: History of genital yeast infections or urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Brenzavvy (bexagliflozin) raises the risk of genital infections, like UTIs and yeast infections. In some cases, these infections can become serious and require hospitalization. Call your provider if you experience a burning feeling when urinating; a need to urinate often; lower stomach pain; blood in your urine; an odor from your genitals; or pain, itching, swelling, redness, or tenderness around your genitals.
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when used with certain other diabetes medications
Risk factors: Changes in diet and exercise | Drinking alcohol | Taking certain other medications for diabetes
Brenzavvy (bexagliflozin) can raise your risk for low blood sugar when taken together with certain other diabetes medications, such as insulin or sulfonylureas like glipizide. Very low blood sugar can be life-threatening. Symptoms of low blood sugar include being nervous or anxious; feeling shaky, sleepy, weak, or confused; having a fast heartbeat; sweating; and excessive hunger. Be sure to check your blood sugar if you experience any of these symptoms.
Brenzavvy (bexagliflozin) dosage forms
Typical dosing for Brenzavvy (bexagliflozin)
The typical dose is 20 mg by mouth once daily in the morning.
Brenzavvy (bexagliflozin) contraindications
People on dialysis
What are alternatives to Brenzavvy (bexagliflozin)?
Type 2 diabetes (in addition to diet and exercise) in people age 10 years and older
Lowering the risk of death due to heart problems in adults with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease
Lowering the risk of hospitalization and death due to heart problems in adults with heart failure
Lowering the risk of worsening kidney problems, hospitalization, and death due to heart problems in adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD)
Type 2 diabetes
Lowering the risk of major heart events (e.g., heart attack, stroke) in adults with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease
Lowering the risk of hospitalization for heart failure, death due to heart problems, and worsening of kidney problems in certain adults with Type 2 diabetes and diabetic kidney disease
What is the latest news about Brenzavvy (bexagliflozin)?
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References
Best studies we foundAmerican Diabetes Association. (n.d.). Diabetes & DKA (ketoacidosis).
Elanco US Inc. (2023). Bexacat- bexagliflozin tablets tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.
National Kidney Foundation. (n.d.). Dialysis.
Singler, E. (2023). New oral diabetes medication for cats requires careful case selection. NEWStat.
TheracosBio, LLC. (2023). Brenzavvy- bexagliflozin tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.
TheracosBio, LLC. (2023). TheracosBio announces FDA approval of Brenzavvy™ (bexagliflozin) for the treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes.
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