Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Steglatro (Ertugliflozin).
Amputation: There may be an increased risk for lower leg or toe amputations in people taking Steglatro (Ertugliflozin). Good foot care is very important for people with diabetes. Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you notice symptoms of leg pain, poor circulation, bluish, cold skin, and poor hair or toenail growth.
Dehydration: Steglatro (Ertugliflozin) may cause an increased amount of fluid to be removed from the body, resulting in dehydration. Dehydration can cause decreased blood pressure and also contribute to heart problems. Certain other medications, such as diuretics (water pills) can cause dehydration. If you experience symptoms of dehydration, such as thirst, decreased urine or tear production, dizziness or Headaches, contact your doctor.
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA): Steglatro (Ertugliflozin) has been associated with DKA. This is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the body does not have enough insulin to use the glucose in the bloodstream. When this happens, the body starts to burn ketones for fuel instead, which can make the blood acidic. This condition is more likely to develop if you are following a very low carbohydrate diet, are dehydrated, or have consumed a large amount of alcohol. Symptoms of DKA include difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, confusion, loss of appetite, excessive thirst, and unusual fatigue or sleepiness. If you experience these symptoms, get immediate medical help.
Dizziness: Some people taking Steglatro (Ertugliflozin) may experience decreases in blood pressure. This occurs because the medication causes an increased amount of fluid to be removed from the body through the kidneys. These blood pressure drops could lead to dizziness, lightheadedness, and falls. This may occur when you shift your body position, such as rising from a sitting or lying position. If you experience this problem, try getting up more slowly. If it persists or if you faint, contact your doctor.
Glucose control: When Steglatro (Ertugliflozin) is taken along with other medications for diabetes, glucose levels may drop too far, causing confusion, cold sweats, cool and pale skin, headache, fast heartbeat, or weakness. Your doctor may suggest decreasing the dose of your other medications when you first start taking Steglatro (Ertugliflozin). If you take other medications for diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Steglatro (Ertugliflozin) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Kidney function: Steglatro (Ertugliflozin) may cause a decrease in kidney function. If you have reduced kidney function or kidney disease, discuss with your doctor how Steglatro (Ertugliflozin) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Steglatro (Ertugliflozin), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Urinary Tract Infections: Steglatro (Ertugliflozin) has been associated with urinary tract infections, including kidney infections and blood infections caused by bacteria spreading from the urinary tract. If you experience symptoms of a urinary tract infection, such as a burning feeling when you urinate, pain or pressure in your back or lower abdomen, cloudy, dark, bloody or strange-smelling urine, or fever or chills, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Yeast infections: There is an increased risk of developing genital or vaginal yeast infections when taking Steglatro (Ertugliflozin) as a result of increased glucose in the urine. This is more likely to occur for uncircumcised males and for people who have a history of yeast infections.
Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Steglatro (Ertugliflozin), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if Steglatro (Ertugliflozin) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Steglatro (Ertugliflozin), it may affect your baby. It is recommended that women do not breast-feed if they are taking this medication.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Steglatro (Ertugliflozin) have not been established for children.
Seniors: People over the age of 65 are more likely to experience side effects of taking Steglatro (Ertugliflozin). Doses for seniors should generally be lower and increase more slowly than for other adults.
