Treatment for Jardiance-Induced Fungal Infection
Fluconazole 200 mg (3 mg/kg) daily for 2 weeks is the recommended treatment for Jardiance-induced fungal infection, which is likely a form of symptomatic candidiasis. 1
Diagnosis and Assessment
- Before initiating treatment, confirm the diagnosis through appropriate cultures from the affected site to identify the specific fungal pathogen 1
- Jardiance (empagliflozin) is an SGLT2 inhibitor that can increase the risk of genital mycotic infections due to increased urinary glucose excretion 2
- Most Jardiance-induced fungal infections are caused by Candida species, particularly Candida albicans 1
- Assess the severity and extent of the infection to determine appropriate treatment approach 1
Treatment Algorithm
First-Line Treatment
- For symptomatic candidiasis (most common Jardiance-induced fungal infection):
Alternative Treatments (if fluconazole resistance is suspected or confirmed)
- Amphotericin B deoxycholate (AmB-d) 0.3-0.6 mg/kg for 1-7 days 1
- Flucytosine 25 mg/kg four times daily for 7-10 days 1
- For resistant organisms (e.g., Candida krusei and Candida glabrata), AmB-d bladder irrigation may be considered 1
For Severe or Systemic Infections
- If the infection has spread beyond local tissues or the patient is critically ill:
Special Considerations
- For patients with renal impairment, dose adjustment of fluconazole may be necessary 1
- Eliminate predisposing factors when possible, including temporary discontinuation of Jardiance if infection is severe 1
- For recurrent infections, consider prophylactic antifungal therapy while continuing Jardiance 2
- Monitor for potential drug interactions, especially if the patient is on multiple medications 4
- For patients with diabetes, ensure adequate glycemic control as high blood glucose levels can worsen fungal infections 3
Duration of Treatment and Follow-up
- Treat for at least 14 days for symptomatic infections 1
- Continue treatment until complete resolution of symptoms 1
- For recurrent infections, consider longer duration of therapy and investigation of underlying factors 2
- Follow-up within 1-2 weeks after completing therapy to ensure resolution 1
Common Pitfalls and Caveats
- Failure to identify the causative organism can lead to inappropriate treatment selection 1
- Long-term azole use can cause hepatotoxicity and hormone-related effects; monitor for adverse effects 4
- Inadequate duration of therapy is a common cause of treatment failure and recurrence 1
- Continuing Jardiance without addressing the fungal infection may lead to persistent or recurrent infections 2
- Not eliminating predisposing factors (e.g., tight clothing, poor hygiene) can contribute to treatment failure 1
By following this treatment approach, most Jardiance-induced fungal infections can be effectively managed while allowing patients to continue their diabetes therapy if appropriate.