In a nutshell
This study aimed to investigate the effect of canagliflozin (Invokana) use on bone fracture risk in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). The main finding of the study was that there was no increased risk of bone fractures with canagliflozin use.
Some background
Canagliflozin is an SGLT-2 inhibitor, used to treat T2D. It works by preventing glucose from being taken back up into the body after it is filtered out of the blood in the kidney. Instead, the glucose is removed from the body in the urine.
Patients with T2D are at an increased risk of bone fractures. Bones need calcium and vitamin D to remain strong. The kidney is also involved in retaining calcium and producing vitamin D. As canagliflozin acts on the kidney, it is unknown in canagliflozin worsens this risk of fractures.
Methods & findings
This study included 79,964 patients with T2D who were started on canagliflozin. These patients were compared with 79,964 similar patients with T2D who were started on a different type of anti-diabetic drug (GLP-1 agonist). Rates of arm, pelvis and hip fractures were compared in the two groups.
Overall, rates of these fractures were similar in both groups (2.2 fractures per 1000 patients per year in the canagliflozin group compared to 2.3 fractures per 100 patients per year in the GLP-1 agonist group). No increased risk of these fractures was observed in either group.
The bottom line
The authors concluded that no increased risk was associated with canagliflozin compared to GLP-1 agonists in T2D.
The fine print
This study did not compare canagliflozin to the many other types of antidiabetic drugs.
What’s next?
If you have concerns about treatment for T2D, consult with your doctor.
Published By :
Annals of internal medicine
Date :
Jan 01, 2019
