Dapagliflozin

[soulgrowth]

My rather old fashioned male GP is questioning my diagnosis of lichen sclerosus. He says it's more likely inflammation caused by taking dapagliflozin for type 2 diabetes because it makes you wee out sugar and it's that that is causing inflammation and I am to stop the medication immediately. He hasn't actually examined me! Has anyone heard of this? I am not doing as he has said as I think it's irresponsible advice

[Dr Rosalind Simpson]

Please request that you are examined in the vulval area so a clinical judgement can be made on the cause for your symptoms. LS usually has quite typical features on examination.

It is important that your diabetes is adequately controlled so please ensure that any change in diabetic medication is monitored by your doctor and a replacement antidiabetic medication introduced if needed.

Medications in the same class as dapagliflozin are known to have side effects of serious urinary tract infection and there has been a report of inflammation in the vulvovaginal area due to the medication.

In your situation, it is not possible to say from the information provided and I suggest that you ask for a further consultation plus clinical examination.