Question 1

What is Ertugliflozin?

Accepted Answer

Ertugliflozin is an antidiabetic medication that belongs to a class of drugs called sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. It functions by helping the kidneys remove glucose from the bloodstream, which is then eliminated from the body through urine.

The primary purpose of this medication is to assist in lowering blood sugar levels. It is generally used in conjunction with diet and exercise to support glycemic management.

Question 2

What is Ertugliflozin used for?

Accepted Answer

Ertugliflozin is used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus .

Question 3

How does Ertugliflozin work?

Accepted Answer

Mechanism of Action

Ertugliflozin belongs to a class of medications known as sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. It works by changing the way the kidneys process sugar (glucose) in the bloodstream.

Under normal conditions, the kidneys filter blood and then reabsorb sugar back into the bloodstream to be used for energy. A specific protein called SGLT2 is responsible for the majority of this reabsorption. In people with type 2 diabetes, blood sugar levels are often elevated, and the body may continue to reabsorb sugar that it does not need.

Ertugliflozin works by blocking the SGLT2 protein. When this protein is inhibited, the following occurs:

The kidneys stop reabsorbing as much sugar back into the blood.

The excess sugar is instead passed out of the body through urination.

The overall amount of sugar circulating in the bloodstream is reduced.

This medication is used alongside diet and exercise to improve glycemic control. Because its mechanism of action depends on the kidneys rather than insulin production, it provides a different method of managing blood sugar compared to many other diabetes treatments.

Question 4

What are the brand names for Ertugliflozin?

Accepted Answer

Ertugliflozin is sold under the brand name Steglatro .

Question 5

What are the active ingredients in Ertugliflozin?

Accepted Answer

The active ingredient in Ertugliflozin is ertugliflozin .

Question 6

What are the side effects of Ertugliflozin?

Accepted Answer

Common side effects of Ertugliflozin may include:

urinary tract infection

genital yeast infection

increased urination

Always consult with a healthcare professional about potential side effects.

Question 7

What drug class is Ertugliflozin?

Accepted Answer

Ertugliflozin belongs to the SGLT2 inhibitor drug class.

Question 8

What is the dosage of Ertugliflozin and how do I take it?

Accepted Answer

How to Take This Medication

Ertugliflozin comes as a tablet to be taken by mouth. It is usually taken once a day in the morning. You may take this medication with or without food. It is important to take it at the same time every day to maintain consistent levels in your body.

Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully and ask your healthcare provider to explain any part you do not understand. Do not take more or less of it than prescribed.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once to make up for a missed one.

Question 9

Is Ertugliflozin safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Accepted Answer

Pregnancy

There is limited information regarding the use of ertugliflozin in pregnant women. However, animal studies suggest that the medication may cause harm to the developing kidneys of a fetus, particularly when used during the second and third trimesters. Because of these potential risks, healthcare providers typically advise against using this medication during the later stages of pregnancy.

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it is important to discuss your treatment options with a healthcare professional. If you become pregnant while taking ertugliflozin, contact your doctor right away to determine the best course of action for managing your blood sugar levels.

Breastfeeding

It is not currently known if ertugliflozin passes into human breast milk. Due to the potential for serious side effects in a nursing infant, breastfeeding is generally not recommended while using this medication. Patients should consult with their healthcare provider to discuss the risks and benefits of breastfeeding versus continuing the medication.

Question 10

What forms and strengths does Ertugliflozin come in?

Accepted Answer

Available Dosage Forms

Ertugliflozin is supplied as an oral medication in the following form:

Tablet: This medication is taken by mouth, typically once daily in the morning.

Ertugliflozin may be prescribed as a single-ingredient medication or as part of a combination product with other diabetes medications. It is important to take the tablet exactly as directed by a healthcare provider.

Question 11

What is the FDA approval status of Ertugliflozin?

Accepted Answer

FDA Approval Status

Ertugliflozin received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in December 2017. It is approved for use alongside diet and exercise to lower blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Safety Warnings and Label Revisions

The FDA has required updates to the labels of all SGLT2 inhibitors, including ertugliflozin, to address several safety concerns identified through post-marketing reports:

Ketoacidosis: The FDA issued a safety communication warning that these medications may lead to ketoacidosis, a serious condition involving high levels of acid in the blood that may require hospitalization.

Serious Urinary Tract Infections: Labels include warnings about the risk of severe urinary tract infections, such as urosepsis and pyelonephritis.

Genital Infections: There is a recognized risk of genital mycotic (yeast) infections in both men and women.

Necrotizing Fasciitis of the Perineum: Also known as Fournier’s gangrene, this is a rare but serious bacterial infection of the genital area that has been associated with this class of drugs.

Ertugliflozin is not indicated for the treatment of type 1 diabetes or for patients with diabetic ketoacidosis.

Question 12

What should I know about Ertugliflozin and cost?

Accepted Answer

Factors Influencing Cost

Ertugliflozin is a prescription medication, and its price is not fixed. Several factors determine the final cost at the pharmacy counter:

Insurance Coverage: Most health insurance plans, including private insurance and Medicare, may cover ertugliflozin. The out-of-pocket cost depends on the plan's formulary, which categorizes drugs into different cost tiers.

Pharmacy Pricing: Retail prices can differ between pharmacies. Patients may find variations in cost between large retail chains, local independent pharmacies, and mail-order services.

Brand vs. Generic Status: Ertugliflozin was approved by the FDA in 2017. It is currently available as a brand-name medication. Brand-name drugs generally have higher costs than generic versions, which may not be available for several years after a drug's initial approval.

Patients are encouraged to contact their insurance provider or pharmacist to obtain the most accurate pricing information for their specific situation.

Ertugliflozin

Medication Quick Facts

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What It's Used For

How It Works

Brand Names

Side Effects

Warnings & Precautions

Dosage & How to Take

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Forms & Strengths

FDA / Regulatory Status

Price Information

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