Quick guide:  

SGLT-2 inhibitors are medicines that end in ‘flozin.’ These medicines benefit the kidneys and the heart in certain people with kidney disease. In fact, these newer treatments have been shown to slow down the progression of kidney disease by up to 15 years.  

What you need to know:  

SGLT-2 inhibitors include dapagliflozin and empagaflozin. These medicines were originally used in diabetes but show benefits in kidney disease too. They help to flush out sugar through the urine (wee). SGLT-2 inhibitor medicines also: 

• Reduce protein from leaking into your urine (wee)
  

• Slow down the loss of your kidney function 
  

• Can treat diabetes 

• Are also helpful to protect your heart. 

While these medicines have important benefits for your kidneys and your health, it’s important to learn about how to handle side-effects. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you learn more about the risks and benefits associated with SGLT-2 inhibitors.  

Walkthrough: Who needs medicines for kidney disease? 

Most people with chronic kidney disease benefit from taking an SGLT2 inhibitor and a type of blood pressure medicine called an ACE inhibitor (end in –PRIL) or an ARBs (end in –SARTAN). There are other medicines that are used to help treat kidney disease. If you are not on these medicines, ask your healthcare team if they are right for you. 

Support:

• Need more help? Join Kidney Health 4 Life and review courses on the treatments for kidney disease 

• Still have questions? Call the Kidney Health 4 Life team: 1800 454 363 (Mon to Fri, 9am to 5pm AEST).  

Key takeaways 

• Medicines can help slow down kidney disease from getting worse, especially when started in early stages.  

• If you have Stage 2-4 kidney disease, ask your doctor if you should be on a SGLT-2 inhibitor.  

What’s next: 

• Take a short course: Learn more about medicines and taking them safely (https://kidneyhealth4life.org.au/courses/looking-after-your-kidneys/)  

• Download our Factsheet “Medicines and kidney disease”  (Medicines and kidney disease – Kidney Health Australia) 

Sources:

Sources used: Medicines and CKD factsheet, Medicines and Kidney Disease – Kidney Health Australia, Fernández-Fernandez B, Sarafidis P, Soler MJ, Ortiz A. EMPA-KIDNEY: expanding the range of kidney protection by SGLT2 inhibitors. Clin Kidney J. Aug 2023;16(8):1187–1198. doi:10.1093/ckj/sfad082  
Last updated 14 April 2026