There were significant improvements in average A1C levels from baseline following use of canagliflozin, according to a retrospective cohort study involving 4,017 individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Investigators analyzed data from a large health plan database of patients who filled at least one canagliflozin prescription. Specifically, they looked at changes in glycemic control, patient characteristics, and changes in treatment patterns.

At the time of the first canagliflozin claim, 21% used the drug along with 3 or more other antihyperglycemic agents (AHAs), 29% with 2 other AHAs, 30% with 1 other AHA, and 20% without other AHAs.

Among the results:

• Among 826 patients with available A1C measurements, average reduction was 0.81%.

• Average A1C reduction was greatest in those with the highest baseline A1C levels.

• Of the patients who used canagliflozin with other AHAs, 20% discontinued 1 or more other AHA.

• The most frequently discontinued AHAs were: glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (16%), dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (15%), insulin (13%), sulfonylureas (13%), and metformin (11%).

Citation: Bussman E, Chow W, Henk H, Rupnow M. Characteristics and outcomes of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus treated with canagliflozin: a real-world analysis. BMC Endocr Disord. 2015 Nov 2;15(1):67.