CANAGLIFLOZIN

82/100 · Critical

Manufactured by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Canagliflozin Adverse Events: High Concern for Diabetic Ketoacidosis and Lower Limb Amputations

49,711 FDA adverse event reports analyzed

Last updated: 2026-05-12

About CANAGLIFLOZIN

CANAGLIFLOZIN is a medication tracked in the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), manufactured by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.. Based on analysis of 49,711 FDA adverse event reports, CANAGLIFLOZIN has a safety score of 82 out of 100. This score indicates a relatively favorable safety profile, with fewer or less severe adverse events compared to many other tracked medications. The most commonly reported adverse reactions for CANAGLIFLOZIN include DIABETIC KETOACIDOSIS, TOE AMPUTATION, OSTEOMYELITIS, ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY, FUNGAL INFECTION. This page provides a comprehensive breakdown of reported side effects, safety signals, patient demographics, and AI-powered safety analysis for CANAGLIFLOZIN.

AI Safety Analysis

Canagliflozin has a safety concern score of 82 out of 100, placing it in the high concern category based on analysis of FDA adverse event data. The FDA has received approximately 49,711 adverse event reports for this medication, which is primarily manufactured by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc..

The most commonly reported adverse events include Diabetic Ketoacidosis, Toe Amputation, Osteomyelitis. Of classified reports, 64.6% were designated as serious by the FDA, meaning they involved hospitalization, disability, or other significant medical outcomes. Canagliflozin reports a high incidence of diabetic ketoacidosis and lower limb amputations, indicating significant safety concerns.

Weight loss and increased blood glucose are common but less severe side effects. The drug is associated with serious adverse events, particularly in older adults. Fungal infections and urinary tract infections are also frequently reported.

Patients taking Canagliflozin should monitor for the commonly reported side effects and contact their healthcare provider if they experience any unusual symptoms. Canagliflozin is contraindicated in patients with severe renal impairment and should be used with caution in patients with a history of lower limb amputations or diabetic ketoacidosis. This analysis is based on voluntary FDA adverse event reports and should not replace professional medical advice.

Safety Score: 82/100

Canagliflozin received a safety concern score of 82/100 (high concern). This is based on a 64.6% serious event ratio across 29,554 classified reports. The score accounts for 49,711 total adverse event reports and 100 distinct reaction types. This high score reflects a significant proportion of serious adverse events in the reporting data.

Top Adverse Reactions

DIABETIC KETOACIDOSIS3,421 reports
TOE AMPUTATION2,195 reports
OSTEOMYELITIS2,163 reports
ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY1,990 reports
FUNGAL INFECTION1,446 reports
WEIGHT DECREASED1,340 reports
BLOOD GLUCOSE INCREASED1,227 reports
GANGRENE1,084 reports
CELLULITIS1,035 reports
URINARY TRACT INFECTION1,016 reports
DRUG INEFFECTIVE1,004 reports
OFF LABEL USE1,004 reports
NAUSEA997 reports
DIZZINESS839 reports
DIABETIC FOOT INFECTION834 reports
LEG AMPUTATION792 reports
DIABETIC FOOT788 reports
DIARRHOEA770 reports
DEHYDRATION725 reports
RENAL FAILURE710 reports
KETOACIDOSIS641 reports
VOMITING612 reports
FATIGUE600 reports
FOOT AMPUTATION582 reports
SEPSIS573 reports
SKIN ULCER569 reports
RASH521 reports
DRUG DOSE OMISSION514 reports
GLYCOSYLATED HAEMOGLOBIN INCREASED511 reports
MALAISE494 reports
POLLAKIURIA490 reports
HEADACHE481 reports
DYSPNOEA475 reports
ADVERSE EVENT440 reports
PAIN423 reports
PRODUCT USE ISSUE407 reports
INCORRECT DOSE ADMINISTERED396 reports
ASTHENIA393 reports
MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION393 reports
METABOLIC ACIDOSIS381 reports
PANCREATITIS336 reports
AMPUTATION325 reports
CEREBROVASCULAR ACCIDENT325 reports
FALL321 reports
ARTHRALGIA315 reports
PRURITUS309 reports
DECREASED APPETITE307 reports
EUGLYCAEMIC DIABETIC KETOACIDOSIS293 reports
BACK PAIN292 reports
HYPOTENSION292 reports
ASTHMA291 reports
FOURNIER^S GANGRENE288 reports
OSTEOMYELITIS ACUTE283 reports
BLOOD GLUCOSE DECREASED281 reports
GENITAL INFECTION FUNGAL281 reports
ABDOMINAL PAIN280 reports
FEELING ABNORMAL279 reports
INAPPROPRIATE SCHEDULE OF DRUG ADMINISTRATION271 reports
HYPOGLYCAEMIA270 reports
WEIGHT INCREASED269 reports
LIMB AMPUTATION268 reports
PAIN IN EXTREMITY266 reports
HYPERGLYCAEMIA259 reports
TREATMENT NONCOMPLIANCE248 reports
GLOMERULAR FILTRATION RATE DECREASED243 reports
CONSTIPATION242 reports
ABDOMINAL PAIN UPPER241 reports
URINE OUTPUT INCREASED239 reports
DEATH238 reports
WRONG TECHNIQUE IN PRODUCT USAGE PROCESS238 reports
DIABETES MELLITUS234 reports
LOCALISED INFECTION234 reports
MUSCLE SPASMS233 reports
BLOOD CREATININE INCREASED232 reports
RENAL IMPAIRMENT232 reports
ABDOMINAL DISCOMFORT230 reports
COUGH228 reports
DIABETIC ULCER225 reports
HYPERKALAEMIA224 reports
DEPRESSION222 reports
GASTROOESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE218 reports
THIRST209 reports
HYPERTENSION208 reports
PNEUMONIA206 reports
DRUG PRESCRIBING ERROR205 reports
TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS204 reports
INJECTION SITE PAIN202 reports
ABNORMAL LOSS OF WEIGHT185 reports
DIABETES MELLITUS INADEQUATE CONTROL183 reports
URTICARIA182 reports
DYSURIA181 reports
PRODUCT USE IN UNAPPROVED INDICATION181 reports
HYPERSENSITIVITY180 reports
BLOOD PRESSURE INCREASED177 reports
ALOPECIA175 reports
PYREXIA175 reports
DRUG HYPERSENSITIVITY172 reports
HYPERHIDROSIS172 reports
INSOMNIA168 reports
PERIPHERAL SWELLING168 reports

Key Safety Signals

  • Diabetic ketoacidosis
  • Lower limb amputations
  • Fungal infections
  • Urinary tract infections

Patient Demographics

Adverse event reports by sex: Male: 13,356, Female: 12,723, Unknown: 47. The most frequently reported age groups are age 60 (648 reports), age 61 (606 reports), age 55 (600 reports). These demographics reflect reporting patterns and may not represent the full patient population.

Report Outcomes

Out of 29,554 classified reports for CANAGLIFLOZIN:

  • Serious: 19,087 reports (64.6%) — includes hospitalization, disability, life-threatening events, or death
  • Non-Serious: 10,467 reports (35.4%)
Serious 64.6%Non-Serious 35.4%

The FDA classifies an adverse event as “serious” if it results in death, hospitalization, disability, congenital anomaly, or requires intervention to prevent permanent damage.

Demographics Breakdown

Reports by Sex

Male13,356 (51.1%)
Female12,723 (48.7%)
Unknown47 (0.2%)

Reports by Age

Age 60648 reports
Age 61606 reports
Age 55600 reports
Age 58562 reports
Age 57551 reports
Age 56544 reports
Age 62535 reports
Age 59521 reports
Age 65504 reports
Age 53501 reports
Age 64498 reports
Age 52492 reports
Age 63485 reports
Age 54479 reports
Age 50476 reports
Age 51437 reports
Age 67417 reports
Age 48384 reports
Age 66372 reports
Age 76368 reports

Demographics reflect voluntary FDA adverse event reporting patterns and may not represent the full patient population.

Drug Interactions & Warnings

Canagliflozin is contraindicated in patients with severe renal impairment and should be used with caution in patients with a history of lower limb amputations or diabetic ketoacidosis.

What You Should Know

If you are taking Canagliflozin, here are important things to know. The most commonly reported side effects include diabetic ketoacidosis, toe amputation, osteomyelitis, acute kidney injury, fungal infection. While many of these may be mild and temporary, you should contact your healthcare provider if any symptoms are severe or persistent. Patients should be informed about the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis and lower limb amputations and should seek medical attention immediately if these symptoms occur. Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels and renal function is recommended. If you experience a serious adverse reaction, seek emergency medical attention immediately or call 911. You can report side effects to the FDA's MedWatch program at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Regulatory Context

The FDA continues to monitor the safety of canagliflozin and has issued warnings regarding the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis and lower limb amputations. Healthcare providers should closely monitor patients for these adverse events.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many adverse event reports has the FDA received for Canagliflozin?

The FDA has received approximately 49,711 adverse event reports associated with Canagliflozin. These reports come from healthcare professionals, consumers, and manufacturers through the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Note that the number of reports does not directly indicate the frequency of side effects, as adverse events are voluntarily reported and may be underrepresented.

What are the most commonly reported side effects of Canagliflozin?

The most frequently reported adverse events for Canagliflozin include Diabetic Ketoacidosis, Toe Amputation, Osteomyelitis, Acute Kidney Injury, Fungal Infection. By volume, the top reported reactions are: Diabetic Ketoacidosis (3,421 reports), Toe Amputation (2,195 reports), Osteomyelitis (2,163 reports). These figures reflect FDA adverse event reports and may not represent the true incidence rate of these side effects in all patients taking Canagliflozin.

What percentage of Canagliflozin adverse event reports are serious?

Out of 29,554 classified reports, 19,087 (64.6%) were classified as serious and 10,467 as non-serious. The FDA classifies an event as "serious" if it results in death, hospitalization, disability, or other medically significant outcomes. A higher serious-event ratio warrants closer attention but does not necessarily mean the drug is unsafe.

Who reports adverse events for Canagliflozin (by sex)?

Adverse event reports for Canagliflozin break down by patient sex as follows: Male: 13,356, Female: 12,723, Unknown: 47. This distribution reflects reporting patterns rather than actual risk differences between groups. Reporting rates can be influenced by prescribing patterns, disease demographics, and reporting behavior.

What age groups report the most side effects for Canagliflozin?

The most frequently reported age groups for Canagliflozin adverse events are: age 60: 648 reports, age 61: 606 reports, age 55: 600 reports, age 58: 562 reports, age 57: 551 reports. Age-related reporting patterns can reflect both the demographics of the patient population and potential age-related susceptibility to certain side effects.

Who manufactures Canagliflozin?

The primary manufacturer associated with Canagliflozin adverse event reports is Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.. Multiple manufacturers may produce generic versions of this drug. The manufacturer listed reflects the most frequently reported brand in FDA adverse event data.

What other side effects have been reported for Canagliflozin?

Beyond the most common reactions, other reported adverse events for Canagliflozin include: Weight Decreased, Blood Glucose Increased, Gangrene, Cellulitis, Urinary Tract Infection. Less common side effects can still be clinically significant. Patients should report any unusual symptoms to their healthcare provider.

How do I report a side effect from Canagliflozin?

You can report adverse events from Canagliflozin to the FDA through their MedWatch program at www.fda.gov/medwatch, by calling 1-800-FDA-1088, or by completing Form FDA 3500. Healthcare professionals, consumers, and manufacturers can all submit reports. Reporting helps the FDA monitor drug safety after approval.

What is Canagliflozin's safety score and what does it mean?

Canagliflozin has a safety concern score of 82 out of 100 (high concern). This score is calculated from the ratio of serious to non-serious adverse events, the diversity of reported reactions, and the overall volume of reports relative to usage. Canagliflozin reports a high incidence of diabetic ketoacidosis and lower limb amputations, indicating significant safety concerns.

What are the key safety signals for Canagliflozin?

Key safety signals identified in Canagliflozin's adverse event data include: Diabetic ketoacidosis. Lower limb amputations. Fungal infections. Urinary tract infections. These signals are derived from patterns in FDA reports and should be discussed with a healthcare provider for personalized assessment.

Does Canagliflozin interact with other drugs?

Canagliflozin is contraindicated in patients with severe renal impairment and should be used with caution in patients with a history of lower limb amputations or diabetic ketoacidosis. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs you are taking before starting Canagliflozin.

What should patients know before taking Canagliflozin?

Patients should be informed about the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis and lower limb amputations and should seek medical attention immediately if these symptoms occur. Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels and renal function is recommended.

Are Canagliflozin side effects well-documented?

Canagliflozin has 49,711 adverse event reports on file with the FDA. Weight loss and increased blood glucose are common but less severe side effects. The volume of reports for Canagliflozin reflects both the drug's usage level and the vigilance of the reporting community.

What is the FDA's position on Canagliflozin?

The FDA continues to monitor the safety of canagliflozin and has issued warnings regarding the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis and lower limb amputations. Healthcare providers should closely monitor patients for these adverse events. For the most current regulatory information, check the FDA's drug labeling database or consult your pharmacist.

Drugs Also Linked to DIABETIC KETOACIDOSIS

The following drugs share commonly reported adverse reactions with CANAGLIFLOZIN:

DAPAGLIFLOZIN (78/100)EMPAGLIFLOZIN (72/100)MICONAZOLE NITRATE 2% (25/100)

View all drugs reporting DIABETIC KETOACIDOSIS →

Related Drugs

Drugs related to CANAGLIFLOZIN based on therapeutic use, drug class, or shared indications:

EmpagliflozinDapagliflozinSotagliflozin
Important Disclaimer: This content is generated by AI analysis of FDA adverse event reports and is provided for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Adverse event reports submitted to the FDA do not prove that a medication caused the reported side effect. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you experience a serious side effect, contact your doctor or call 911 immediately.