What is Steglatro?
Steglatro is an oral diabetes medication that helps regulate blood sugar levels. Ertugliflozin helps the kidneys remove glucose from your bloodstream. Steglatro can be used in conjunction with diet and exercise for adults with type 2 diabetic mellitus to help control blood sugar levels. Steglatro does not treat type I diabetes.
Warnings
Steglatro should not be used if your kidneys are severely damaged or you're on dialysis. Ertugliflozin can increase your risk of lower-leg amputation. This is especially true if you've had an amputation in the past, have a foot ulcer, circulation issues, or a heart condition.
Steglatro may cause serious infections of the vagina or penis. Seek medical attention immediately if there is any burning, itching, or discharge in your genital area or rectal region, or if the pain, tenderness, or redness increases.
Before you take this drug
Steglatro should not be used if:
- If you have severe kidney disease or are currently on dialysis, this is a serious condition.
Steglatro can increase your risk of lower-leg amputation. This is especially true if you've had an amputation in the past, have a foot ulcer, or have heart disease.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that Steglatro will be safe for you:
- Heart problems
- A diabetic ulcer, or an amputation.
- You may have problems with your feet or legs, such as nerve or circulation problems.
- Liver or kidney disease
- Other urination issues or bladder infections
- Low blood pressure
- Diabetic ketoacidosis;
- Pancreas problems, including surgery
- If you are a frequent alcohol drinker,
- If you are planning a surgery,
- If you have diabetes type 1,
- If you're on a diet low in salt,
If you're pregnant, follow your doctor's advice about how to use Steglatro. Ertugliflozin should not be used during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. This medicine should not be used while breastfeeding. Steglatro cannot be used by anyone under the age of 18.
How to take Steglatro?
Steglatro should be taken in the morning. Please read the instructions on your prescription and all other medication guides. Sometimes your doctor will change the dose. Steglatro can be taken with or without food. If you have nausea, diarrhea, are experiencing less fluid or food than normal, or are sweating excessively, call your doctor. You will have to check your blood sugar often and may need to test for ketones in your urine. Steglatro may cause ketoacidosis, which can be life-threatening (too much blood acid). If your blood sugar level is normal but a urine test indicates that you have ketones, call your doctor.
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) is a condition that can affect anyone with diabetes. A headache is one of the symptoms. Others include nausea and feeling anxious. Always keep sugary foods such as hard candy, crackers, or raisins on hand to treat low blood sugar.
If you are suffering from severe hypoglycemia, your doctor may prescribe an emergency injection kit. Make sure that your family members and friends are familiar with how to administer this emergency injection. Watch for other signs of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), such as increased thirst or urination. Also, look out for blurred vision, headaches, and fatigue.
Stress can affect blood sugar levels. Other factors that may influence blood sugar include illness, surgery, or alcohol consumption. Before altering the dose or schedule of your medication, consult your physician first. Tell your doctor that you are using ertugliflozin. Tell your doctor that you use ertugliflozin.
Steglatro may be part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes diet, exercise, and weight management, as well as regular blood glucose testing and other medical attention. You should follow your doctor's advice. Store away from moisture or heat at room temperature. Keep the original foil blister pack with the unused tablet.
Details on dosage
Adult dosage for diabetes type 2:
Initial dose: Orally, 5 mg once daily in the morning
Patients who tolerate the treatment and need additional glycemic management may be increased to 15 mg once daily.
Maximum dose: 15 mg per day.
Comments:
Before starting therapy, it is important to correct the volume depletion.
This drug is not recommended to treat diabetic ketoacidosis or type 1 diabetes.
Use: As an adjunct to diet and physical activity to improve glycemic management in adults with Type II diabetes mellitus.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If your next dose is nearly due, skip the one you missed and wait. Never take two doses of a medicine at the same time.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
You could become dizzy if you quickly transition from sitting or lying to standing up quickly, especially from a seated or lying position.
Side effects of Steglatro
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat, contact emergency medical assistance immediately.
If you experience any of the symptoms listed here, seek medical assistance immediately as the symptoms can become much worse very rapidly.
If you experience:
- New pain, tenderness, or sores in your feet or legs;
- Little or no urination
- Ketoacidosis (too many acids in the bloodstream): nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain; confusion; unusual sleepiness; or difficulty breathing.
- Low blood sugar: headache, weakness, sweating or confusion, feeling jittery or dizziness;
- Dehydration symptoms: dizziness, fatigue, light-headedness (like you could pass out);
- Signs of a bladder infection include pain or burning while urinating, increased urination and blood in urine, fever, or pain in the pelvis or lower back.
Some side effects are more common in older adults.
Common Steglatro side effects may include:
- Vaginal odor, discharge, or itching;
- Redness, itching or swelling around the penis, or any pain or discharge
- Urinating more than usual
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Interaction with other drug
Your doctor may adjust your dose of other diabetes medications you take regularly when you stop or start taking Steglatro. Other drugs, such as vitamins and herbal remedies, may also interact with ertugliflozin. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are taking and those that you stop or start using.
