Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common chronic diseases in this decade. Sodium-glucose cotransporters (SGLTs) 2 inhibitors have their unique mechanism of action that has been added to the arsenal against diabetes. Lately, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed an increased risk of lower leg amputations with SGLTs 2 inhibitors. This study aimed to evaluate the use of SGLT2 inhibitors by assessing the knowledge of pharmacists about this warning to provide proper counseling concerning medication.
Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study and data were collected during the period from February 2018 to May 2018 within the eastern province, Saudi Arabia. The data were extracted from questionnaire forms and analyzed.
Result: A total of 93 responses were received. Out of all participants, 54.84% answered “yes” when asked about their knowledge of SGLT2 inhibitors while only 32.26% had read FDA warning. Among them, 74% out of 20–30 years old participants had good knowledge about SGLT2 inhibitors as compared to lower percent in older participants with statistical difference (p < 0.003). Around 60% of participants who read FDA warning about SGLT2 inhibitors had 5 years or less experience as compared to more than 5 years with no statistical difference between the groups (p = 0.770). There was also no statistical difference in comparing ''have read'' FDA warning and work position in the pharmacy.
Conclusion: This study showed poor knowledge regarding FDA warning and increased amputation risk with SGLT2 inhibitors.

Key words: Key words: Diabetes, SGLTs, amputation