skip to main content

SGLT2 inhibitor sick-day advice — GPhC CRA MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardEndocrine TherapeuticsSGLT2 inhibitor sick-day adviceGPhC CRA

A woman taking empagliflozin 10 mg daily for type 2 diabetes asks what to do before a planned colonoscopy bowel preparation. She has been told to fast and expects reduced oral intake for 24 hours. What would you advise the patient?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A — Seek prescriber advice about withholding empagliflozin during fasting and illness risk

SGLT2 inhibitors increase the risk of euglycaemic diabetic ketoacidosis during acute illness, prolonged fasting, dehydration, and peri-procedural periods. The patient should receive clear sick-day or procedural advice from the diabetes team or prescriber, including when to withhold and restart. Extra dosing would increase risk rather than prevent complications.

Reference: BNF; MHRA; NICE CKS