Your patient is a “Bexa-cat”!
Your patient is a “Bexa-cat”!
Your patient is taking Bexacat™ (bexagliflozin tablets) for their diabetes mellitus.
How to Care for a Diabetic Cat on Bexacat
Bexacat is not a type of insulin – rather it is an entirely different class of drug called an SGLT2 (sodium-glucose cotransporter 2) inhibitor. Because this drug works in a completely different way than insulin, it is crucial to understand the different testing needs of patients on this class of medication vs. insulin, as well as a condition you have likely never diagnosed before – euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis.
With any ill cat taking Bexacat, it is critically important to always test for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), even if their blood glucose is in the normal or near normal range.
All diabetics are at risk for developing DKA. Cats taking Bexacat can get a condition called euglycemic DKA (eDKA), a condition virtually unique to patients on SGLT2 inhibitors. DKA is a clinical emergency! Rapid action to stop ketogenesis and correct the acidosis, electrolyte imbalances and dehydration is imperative.
Bexacat FAQs
Indication
Bexacat is indicated to improve glycemic control in otherwise healthy cats with diabetes mellitus not previously treated with insulin
Important Safety Information
Before using this product, it is important to read the entire product insert, including the boxed warning. See package insert for full prescribing information.
Cats treated with Bexacat may be at an increased risk of diabetic ketoacidosis or euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis, both of which may result in death. Development of these conditions should be treated promptly, including insulin administration and discontinuation of Bexacat. Do not use Bexacat in cats with diabetes mellitus who have previously been treated with insulin, who are receiving insulin, or in cats with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. The use of Bexacat in cats with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, or the withdrawal of insulin and initiation of Bexacat, is associated with an increased risk of diabetic ketoacidosis or euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis and death. Sudden onset of hyporexia/anorexia, lethargy, dehydration, diarrhea that is unresponsive to conventional therapy, or weight loss in cats receiving Bexacat should prompt immediate discontinuation of Bexacat and assessment for diabetic ketoacidosis, regardless of blood glucose level. Bexacat should not be initiated in cats with pancreatitis, anorexia, dehydration, or lethargy at the time of diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, as it may indicate the presence of other concurrent disease and increase the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis. Due to risk of severe adverse reactions, do not use Bexacat in cats with evidence of hepatic disease or reduced renal function. Consult a physician in case of accidental ingestion by humans.
