Empagliflozin-induced Myopathy

Sodium/glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are a frequently used medication for patients with type 2 diabetes, congestive heart failure (CHF), and chronic kidney disease. We present a 47-year-old patient with past medical history of type 2 diabetes and CHF who was initiated on empagliflozin and subsequently developed muscle pain and weakness. Evaluation of patient and laboratory testing confirmed drug-induced myopathy with elevated creatinine kinase (CK). Symptoms of myopathy and elevated CK resolved after holding empagliflozin. There are no current adverse effects listed with SGLT2 inhibitors including myopathy or rhabdomyolysis with the exception of other case studies. Physicians should be aware of this rare but serious side effect when initiating SGLT2 inhibitors.