Prescription Required 
Formulation : 
Description
Indications
Ertugliflozin belongs to the class of drugs known as sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. It is typically prescribed in conjunction with diet and exercise, as well as other medications, to reduce elevated blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes. This condition arises when the body is unable to produce or properly utilize insulin, leading to an excess of glucose in the blood.
Ertugliflozin works by increasing the amount of glucose excreted in the urine by the kidneys. It is not effective for treating type 1 diabetes, a condition characterized by the absence of insulin production and the inability to regulate blood sugar levels, nor is it suitable for managing diabetic ketoacidosis, a severe condition that can result from untreated high blood sugar.
Uses and Dosage
To take ertugliflozin, swallow the tablet with water and usually once a day, either with or without food, preferably at the same time every day.
Take ertugliflozin precisely as directed, avoiding taking more or less than prescribed or more frequently than instructed.
Your doctor may start you on a lower dose and increase it gradually over time.
Ertugliflozin is effective in managing type 2 diabetes but does not provide a cure. Even if you start feeling better, continue taking ertugliflozin. Do not stop taking this medication without first consulting with your doctor.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- urinating a lot, including at night
- increased thirst
- dry mouth
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:
- frequent, urgent, burning, or painful urination
- decrease in amount of urine
- urine that is cloudy, red, pink, or brown
- strong smelling urine
- pelvic or rectal pain
- (in women) vaginal odor, white or yellowish vaginal discharge (may be lumpy or look like cottage cheese), or vaginal itching
- (in men) redness, itching, or swelling of the penis; rash on the penis; foul smelling discharge from the penis; or pain in the skin around the penis
- feeling tired, weak, or uncomfortable; along with a fever and pain, tenderness, redness, and swelling of the genitals or the area between the genitals and the rectum
- fever, chills, or other signs of infection
- pain, tenderness, sores, ulcers, or swollen, warm, reddened area in your leg or foot
Caution
Prior to taking ertugliflozin, inform your doctor or pharmacist of any allergies you have or if you are allergic to this medication’s inactive components, which may trigger allergic reactions or other issues.
Before using this medication, let your doctor or pharmacist know about your medical history, specifically any kidney disease or failure (requiring dialysis), dehydration, alcohol use or abuse, low blood pressure, prior vaginal or penile yeast infections, obstructed or narrow blood vessels in your leg, nerve problems, foot ulcers or sores, and amputations.
Low or high blood sugar levels can cause blurred vision, dizziness, or drowsiness, making it unsafe to drive, use machinery, or perform any activities that require alertness. Once you’re sure you can perform these activities safely, you can continue taking ertugliflozin.
While taking this medication, limit your alcohol intake to avoid an increased risk of low blood sugar and high ketone levels.
If your body is under stress due to fever, infection, injury, or surgery, it may be difficult to regulate your blood sugar, which can lead to high ketone levels. Consult with your doctor, as this may necessitate changes to your treatment plan, medication, or blood sugar and ketone testing.
Older adults may be more susceptible to the medication’s side effects, such as dizziness or fainting when standing, dehydration, and kidney disease.
During pregnancy, this medication should only be used when absolutely necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Pregnancy may cause or exacerbate diabetes, so collaborate with your doctor to create a plan for managing your blood sugar while pregnant. Your doctor may need to modify your diabetes treatment plan, such as changing your diet and medications, including insulin.
It is uncertain if this medication is excreted in breast milk. Before breastfeeding, consult your doctor.
Form and Strength
Steglatro is available in the following forms and strengths:
-
Steglatro tablet:
- 5mg
- 15mg
FAQ
Can you lose weight with Steglatro?
Although it’s not a weight loss medication, Steglatro may help you lose some weight.
How long does it take for Steglatro to work?
Steglatro starts working to lower your blood sugar about 1 hour after you take your first dose. But it may take a few months before your A1C starts to decrease.
Resources
- https://www.steglatro.com/steglatro-clinical-trials/
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drugs-steglatro#how-it-works
- https://www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/steglatro
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-174602/steglatro-oral/details
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a618011.html
- https://www.drugs.com/steglatro.html
