It is important to use the medication we are prescribing for your pet. If you have concerns about anything you find on here, please contact our office at 518-446-9171 before stopping the medication.
What is Bexagliflozin?
Bexagliflozin (brand name: Bexacat®) is a once-daily tablet alternative to insulin for treating feline diabetes in otherwise healthy patients that have not been previously treated with insulin. It lowers blood sugar by increasing urine excretion of glucose through inhibition of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) and results in effective glycemic control.
How is Bexacat given?
Bexacat is given orally once daily at approximately the same time each day, with or without food and regardless of glucose level to cats weighing 6.6 lbs or greater.
What if I miss giving my pet the medication?
If you miss a dose, give it when you remember, but if it is close to the time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and give it at the next scheduled time, and return to the regular dosing schedule. Never give your pet two doses at once or give extra doses.
Are there any potential side effects?
Side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, low appetite, lethargy, dehydration, weight loss, urinary tract infection, urothelial carcinoma, development of calcium containing uroliths, constipation, peritonitis, diabetic ketoacidosis, multiple blood dyscrasias and death are also possible.
This medication can cause life threatening complications and any abnormalities in your pets status, activity or behavior should be reported to a veterinarian immediately.
Are there any risk factors for this medication?
Bexacat should not be used in cats that have previously received or are currently receiving insulin or have insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. There is an increased risk for ketoacidosis, euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis and death.
Avoid in patients with hepatic disease or reduced renal function. Has not been tested in breeding, pregnant or lactating cats.
STOP BEXACAT IMMEDIATELY AND CONTACT YOUR VETERINARIAN IF YOU NOTICE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING CHANGES OR SIDE EFFECTS IN YOUR CAT: Less interest in food or not eating. Lack of energy or change in normal activity (for example, hiding or decreased grooming). Vomiting or diarrhea. Weakness, difficulty walking or standing.
Are there any drug interactions I should be aware of?
Bexacat should not be given to cats that have received or are receiving insulin.
Be sure to tell your veterinarian about any medications (including vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies) that your pet is taking.
Is there any monitoring that needs to be done with this medication?
Sudden onset of hyporexia/anorexia, lethargy, dehydration, or weight loss in cats receiving Bexacat should prompt immediate discontinuation of Bexacat and assessment for diabetic ketoacidosis, regardless of blood glucose level. During treatment with Bexacat, blood glucose, fructosamine, serum βhydroxybutyrate (BHBA), serum feline pancreas-specific lipase (fPL), liver parameters, serum cholesterol and triglycerides; and body weight and clinical signs should be routinely monitored. Increasing or persistently elevated feline pancreas-specific lipase or liver parameters should prompt further evaluation for pancreatitis and/or hepatic disease and consideration for discontinuing Bexacat. BHBA is the predominate ketoacid in diabetic ketoacidosis. Bexacat should be discontinued if a notable reduction in BHBA is not observed after initiation of Bexacat, or if BHBA persistently rises after an initial reduction. Cats with increasing or persistently elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels may be at an increased risk for developing diabetic ketoacidosis or euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis. Bexacat should be discontinued if poor glycemic control, as described below, develops. During the first 8 weeks after initiation of Bexacat, assessment of glycemic control and clinical improvement should be evaluated. A physical examination, an 8-hour blood glucose curve, serum fructosamine and body weight should be assessed at 2, 4 and 8 weeks. Cats demonstrating poor glycemic control, including weight loss, an average blood glucose concentration from an 8-hour blood glucose curve ≥ 250 mg/dL, and/or a fructosamine indicating poor glycemic control should be closely monitored. Bexacat should be discontinued, and initiation of insulin considered in cats demonstrating poor glycemic control, as described above, at 8 weeks. Cats may present with diabetic ketoacidosis and a normal blood glucose concentration (euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis). Delay in recognition and treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis and euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis may result in increased morbidity and mortality. Development of diabetic ketoacidosis and euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis requires the following actions: Discontinuation of Bexacat Prompt initiation of insulin therapy Administration of dextrose or other carbohydrate source, regardless of blood glucose concentration Appropriate nutritional support should be promptly initiated to prevent or treat hepatic lipidosis.
Keep out of reach of children. Consult a physician in case of accidental ingestion by humans.
How do I store Bexacat?
Bexacat should be stored at room temperature between 68 and 77°
What should I do in case of emergency?
If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication, call your veterinary office immediately. If they are not available, follow their directions in contacting an emergency facility.