Risk of acute renal failure associated with combined use of SGLT2 inhibitors and potentially nephrotoxic drugs: an epidemiological surveillance study based on the FDA adverse event reporting system (FAERS).

BACKGROUND

Limited knowledge exists regarding nephrotoxic risks associated with the combination of sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) and potentially nephrotoxic drugs. This study evaluates acute renal failure (ARF) events linked to such combinations using data from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS).

METHODS

Signal mining was performed by estimating reporting odds ratios (ROR), with validation through additive, multiplicative, and proportional reporting ratio (PRR) models. Logistic regression assessed mortality risk factors.

RESULTS

Among 4,417,195 reports, 1,636 ARF cases were associated with SGLT2i combinations, primarily involving diuretics, lipid-lowering agents, and anticoagulants. The highest ARF risk was observed with dapagliflozin-cefazolin [ROR adjusted (a) 59.63, 95% CI (9.96, 356.87); ROR adjusted (b) 19.88, 95% CI (1.80, 219.21); additive model (0.53); multiplicative model (8.36); PRR (8.53)]. Consistent associations were found for empagliflozin-allopurinol and canagliflozin-vancomycin. Among single drugs, 12, including canagliflozin, met all four significance criteria for ARF signals. Logistic regression revealed male patients had higher mortality risk (OR = 0.356, p = 0.043).

CONCLUSION

This study confirms prior evidence of ARF associated with the combined use of SGLT2i with diuretics or NSAIDs and identifies new risks with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), antigout medications, and anticoagulants. Male gender was a significant risk factor.