Steglatro is a brand-name prescription medication. It’s used in combination with diet and exercise in adults with type 2 diabetes.
With type 2 diabetes, your blood sugar levels become too high. Steglatro helps improve blood sugar levels.
Note: Steglatro is not suitable for people with type 1 diabetes. In people with this condition, the medication increases the risk of a life threatening condition called diabetic ketoacidosis.
Drug details
Steglatro contains the active drug ertugliflozin. It belongs to a drug class called sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors.
Steglatro comes as a tablet that you take by mouth. It’s available in two strengths: 5 milligrams (mg) and 15 mg.
Effectiveness
For information about the effectiveness of Steglatro, see the “Steglatro uses” section below.
Steglatro contains the active drug ertugliflozin. It’s available only as a brand-name medication. It’s not currently available in generic form.
A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. Generics usually cost less than brand-name drugs.
Steglatro can cause mild or serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while taking Steglatro. These lists do not include all possible side effects.
For more information about the possible side effects of Steglatro, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips on how to manage any side effects that may be concerning or bothersome.
Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tracks side effects of drugs it has approved. If you would like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Steglatro, you can do so through MedWatch.
Mild side effects
Mild side effects* of Steglatro can include:
- genital yeast infections†
- vaginal itching
- urinary tract infections (UTIs)†
- increased urination
- headache
- common cold
- back pain
- weight loss†
- thirst
- increased cholesterol level
Most of these side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. But if they become more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
* This is a partial list of mild side effects from Steglatro. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or view Steglatro’s prescribing information.
† For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect details” below.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects from Steglatro aren’t common, but they can occur. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.
Serious side effects and their symptoms can include:
- Dehydration, which can cause low blood pressure and kidney damage. Symptoms can include:
- dizziness, especially when changing positions, such as sitting up or standing up
- thirst
- headache
- urinating less than usual
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), when Steglatro is used with insulin or a sulfonylurea medication, such as glipizide (Glucotrol). Symptoms can include:
- dizziness
- feeling jittery
- headache
- confusion
- Increased risk for needing lower limb amputation (surgical removal of all or part of a leg, foot, or toe).
- Serious urinary tract infections (UTIs), such as pyelonephritis (kidney infection) and urosepsis (a severe response to an infection that started in your urinary tract, bladder, or kidneys, which may lead to severe problems, including death).*
- Fournier’s gangrene (a serious, life threatening infection of the perineum, which is the tissue between the genitals and anus).*
- Allergic reaction.*
- Ketoacidosis (high level of acid in the blood).*
* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect details” below.
Side effect details
Here are some details on certain side effects this drug may cause.
Weight loss
Steglatro increases the amount of sugar your body gets rid of in your urine. This removes calories from your body. As a result, some people may experience weight loss while taking Steglatro.
For some people with type 2 diabetes, weight loss can be a healthy effect. This is because it can help lower blood sugar levels, which are increased in people with diabetes. However, if you’re concerned about weight loss while taking Steglatro, talk with your doctor.
It’s important to note that Steglatro should not be taken for weight loss. It’s not FDA-approved as a weight-loss medication, it’s only approved to treat type 2 diabetes. Steglatro should only be used according to your doctor’s prescription.
Infections
Steglatro increases the amount of sugar in your urine. This can lead to an increased growth of bacteria in your urinary tract. It can also lead to an increased growth of yeast or bacteria in your genital area.
For this reason, taking Steglatro can increase your risk for developing certain genital or urinary infections. These include:
- genital yeast infections
- mild urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- serious urinary tract infections, such as pyelonephritis (kidney infection) and urosepsis (a severe response to an infection that started in your urinary tract, bladder, or kidneys, which may lead to severe problems, including death)
- Fournier’s gangrene (a serious, life threatening, bacterial infection of the perineum, which is the tissue between the genitals and anus)
In clinical trials, genital yeast infections and mild UTIs were commonly reported. However, serious UTIs only rarely occurred. Fournier’s gangrene has been rarely reported in people taking Steglatro after the drug was approved for use.
Infection symptoms
Symptoms of mild UTIs can include:
- needing to urinate often
- burning, stinging, or pain when urinating
- cloudy urine
Symptoms of more serious UTIs can include:
- pain in the lower abdomen, back, or side
- unpleasant-smelling or bloody urine
- fever
- shivering
- nausea and vomiting
- fast breathing or shortness of breath
- heart palpitations or fast heartbeat
Symptoms of genital yeast infections can vary among people as follows:
- in males,* symptoms may include:
- thick, white discharge from the penis
- redness, soreness, itching, or burning around the head of the penis and under the foreskin
- trouble pulling back the foreskin
- in females,* symptoms may include:
- thick, white, lumpy, vaginal discharge that doesn’t usually smell
- irritation, burning, itching, or soreness in and around the vagina
- burning, stinging, or soreness during sex or urination
Symptoms of Fournier’s gangrene can include:
- tenderness, pain, swelling, redness, or discoloration of the genitals or perineum
- fever above 100.4°F (38°C)
- malaise (feeling generally unwell)
* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the terms “male” and “female” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.
What you can do
To help prevent UTIs while taking Steglatro, be sure to drink plenty of water. This will also help prevent dehydration, which is a possible serious side effect of Steglatro. Drinking cranberry juice may also help prevent UTIs. Other tips to help prevent UTIs include:
- wiping from front to back after urinating, in females*
- urinating soon after having sex
To help prevent genital infections while taking Steglatro, you could try these measures:
- Avoid wearing tight-fitting underwear, tights, pants, or leggings.
- Wash your genitals daily using a mild cleanser.
- Avoid using perfumed products on your genitals.
- Eat yogurt or take supplements with lactobacillus to encourage healthy bacteria in your genital area.
If you have symptoms of a mild UTI or genital yeast infection while taking Steglatro, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They can recommend a treatment plan.
However, if you have symptoms of a more serious UTI or Fournier’s gangrene, see your doctor right away. These infections need urgent treatment with antibiotics. In some cases, they may need to be treated in the hospital.
* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the terms “male” and “female” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.
Ketoacidosis
Some people taking Steglatro may have a serious side effect called ketoacidosis.
Ketoacidosis occurs when cells in your body don’t get enough sugar to produce energy. As a result, they use fats instead of sugar to produce energy. When this happens, acidic substances called ketones can build up in your blood.
Although it’s not common, ketoacidosis is a medical emergency because it can be life threatening.
Symptoms of ketoacidosis include:
- dry mouth
- thirst
- nausea and vomiting
- abdominal pain
- malaise (feeling generally unwell)
- weakness or tiredness
- trouble breathing
- fruity smelling breath
While taking Steglatro, you may have a higher risk of ketoacidosis if you:
- have an illness with a fever
- eat much less than usual due to fasting or feeling unwell
- drink large amounts of alcohol
- have surgery
What you can do
To help prevent ketoacidosis with Steglatro, tell your doctor right away if you get a fever, or you’re eating less than usual. You should also avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol.
If you have any planned surgeries, talk with your doctor about your treatment plan. Your doctor may recommend stopping Steglatro for a few days before the planned surgery. Then, your doctor will tell you when to start taking the drug again after your surgery.
If you have symptoms of ketoacidosis, stop taking Steglatro and see your doctor right away. But if your symptoms are severe or feel life threatening, call 911 or your local emergency number. Ketoacidosis may need to be treated in hospital.
Allergic reactionAs with most drugs, some people can have an allergic reaction after taking Steglatro.
Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:
A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include:
- swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
- swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat
- trouble breathing
Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to Steglatro, as the reaction could become severe. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.
Typically, your doctor will start you on a low dosage of Steglatro and may increase it if needed. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.
The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Drug form
Steglatro comes as a tablet that you take by mouth.
Drug strengths: 5 mg and 15 mg
Steglatro is available in two strengths: 5 milligrams (mg) and 15 mg.
Dosage for type 2 diabetes
The usual starting dosage of Steglatro for type 2 diabetes is 5 mg once per day. This dose is taken in the morning.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t reduced enough, your doctor may increase your dosage. In this case, they’ll increase your daily dosage to 15 mg every morning. But they’ll only increase your dosage if you’re not having bothersome or severe side effects.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose of Steglatro, take it as soon as you remember. But if it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose as usual when scheduled.
Do not take two doses together to make up for missing a dose. And don’t take extra doses to make up for missed doses either. Doing so can increase your risk for side effects.
To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or using a timer. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.
Will I need to use this drug long term?
Steglatro is meant to be used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Steglatro is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as Steglatro to treat certain conditions.
Steglatro for type 2 diabetes
Steglatro is FDA-approved to help lower blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. It’s approved for use in combination with diet and exercise.
Note: Steglatro isn’t suitable for people with type 1 diabetes. In people with this condition, the medication increases the risk of a life threatening condition called diabetic ketoacidosis.
About type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a condition that causes your blood sugar levels to become high.
Usually, a hormone called insulin helps to move sugar out of your blood and into cells in your body. But with type 2 diabetes, your body becomes insulin resistant, meaning it doesn’t properly respond to insulin. And if you’ve had type 2 diabetes for a long time, your body may also produce less insulin than usual.
Over time, high blood sugar can damage your blood vessels. This can affect many parts of your body and lead to various complications of diabetes. These include:
About type 2 diabetes treatment
The aim of type 2 diabetes treatment is to have a long-term improvement in your blood sugar levels. This can reduce your risk of developing complications of diabetes.
Doctors assess how well your blood sugar is controlled over time using a blood test called the A1C test.This test shows your average blood sugar level over the past 2 to 3 months.
In people who don’t have diabetes, their A1C is usually below 5.7%. For most adults with type 2 diabetes, the American Diabetes Association recommends aiming for an A1C below 7%.
Most often, eating a healthy diet and staying active can help you reach this A1C goal. But if these measures don’t improve your A1C enough, you may need to take medication as well. Steglatro is a drug that lowers your blood sugar levels and can help you achieve your A1C goal.
You can read more about diabetes and its management in our diabetes hub.
Effectiveness for type 2 diabetes
Steglatro has been found effective for improving blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. To find out how the drug performed in clinical studies, see Steglatro’s prescribing information.
The American Diabetes Association recommends various drug classes as treatment options for lowering blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. One of the recommended drug classes is sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. Steglatro is an SGLT2 inhibitor.
Steglatro and children
Steglatro hasn’t been studied in people ages 18 years and younger. It’s not known if the medication is safe or effective for treating type 2 diabetes in children.
Steglatro is used in combination with a healthy diet and exercise to lower blood sugar levels. It’s used when a healthy diet and regular exercise haven’t lowered blood sugar enough.
It’s important to note that taking Steglatro isn’t a replacement for eating a healthy diet and staying active. Talk with your healthcare professional if you’d like advice on following a healthy diet and increasing your physical activity while you’re taking Steglatro.
In some cases, Steglatro may be used with other drugs that help lower your blood sugar levels. For example, Steglatro is commonly added to treatment with metformin in people whose blood sugar hasn’t improved enough with metformin alone. Metformin comes as a generic drug and as the brand-name drugs Fortamet, Glumetza, and Riomet.
Steglatro is used in combination with diet and exercise to lower blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes.
What happens with type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a condition that causes your blood sugar levels to become high.
Usually, a hormone called insulin helps to move sugar out of your blood and into cells in your body. But with type 2 diabetes, your body becomes insulin resistant, meaning it doesn’t properly respond to insulin. And if you’ve had type 2 diabetes for a long time, your body may also produce less insulin than usual.
Over time, high blood sugar can damage your blood vessels. This can affect many parts of your body and lead to various complications of diabetes.
What Steglatro does
Steglatro is part of a drug class called sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. It works in your kidneys.
Your kidneys filter waste products out of your blood and get rid of them in your urine. As part of this process, sugar and fluids get filtered out of your blood. However, your kidneys normally reabsorb the sugar back into your blood.
Steglatro stops your kidneys from reabsorbing the sugar back into your blood. So, more sugar leaves your body in your urine. This lowers your blood sugar levels.
When taken every day, Steglatro helps lower your blood sugar levels over time. A blood test called the A1C test can show this change. This test indicates your average blood sugar level over the past 2 to 3 months.
How long does it take 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.
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Steglatro.
Is Steglatro the same as Jardiance? If not, which is better, Steglatro or Jardiance?
No, Steglatro isn’t the same as Jardiance. However, these drugs are very similar. They both belong to a drug class called sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. Steglatro contains the active drug ertugliflozin, while Jardiance contains the active drug empagliflozin.
These two drugs haven’t been directly compared in clinical studies. However, they have similar side effects. And they’ve both been found effective for improving blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Jardiance has also been shown to reduce the risk of death from heart disease in people with type 2 diabetes who also have heart disease.
If you have heart disease, Jardiance may be a better option for you. However, the choice between these drugs may also depend on other factors. If you’re interested in taking one of these medications, talk with your doctor about which may be the best option for you.
Does Steglatro cause constipation?
Constipation wasn’t reported in clinical studies with Steglatro. And it hasn’t been reported since the drug has been available for use.
However, dehydration has been reported with Steglatro. And this can lead to constipation in some people.
Constipation has been reported with other drugs from the same class as Steglatro. (Keep in mind, Steglatro is part of a drug class called sodium glucose cotransporter 2 [SGLT2] inhibitors.) Examples of SGLT2 include canagliflozin (Invokana) and dapagliflozin (Farxiga).
If you have constipation while taking Steglatro, you can try to ease it by drinking plenty of fluids and exercising gently. If this isn’t helpful, talk with your doctor.
Tell your doctor if you have other symptoms of dehydration while taking Steglatro. These may include thirst, headache, confusion, dark urine, and urinating less than usual. If dehydration isn’t treated, it can lead to serious side effects such as low blood pressure and kidney damage.
Will Steglatro cure diabetes?
No, Steglatro won’t cure diabetes. There currently isn’t a cure for diabetes.
Lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet and exercising, can sometimes bring your blood sugar back to normal levels. If you have healthy blood sugar levels without medication, your doctor may say the diabetes is in remission. But diabetes medications such as Steglatro can’t cure diabetes.
However, Steglatro can help with long-term lowering of your blood sugar levels. This can help prevent complications of diabetes, including:
As with all medications, the cost of Steglatro can vary. The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.
Keep in mind that you may be able to get a 90-day supply of Steglatro. If approved by your insurance company, getting a 90-day supply of the drug could reduce your number of trips to the pharmacy and help lower the cost. If you’re interested in this option, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance company.
Before approving coverage for Steglatro, your insurance company may require you to get prior authorization. This means that your doctor and insurance company will need to communicate about your prescription before the insurance company will cover the drug. The insurance company will review the prior authorization request and decide if the drug will be covered.
If you’re not sure if you’ll need to get prior authorization for Steglatro, contact your insurance company.
Financial and insurance assistance
If you need financial support to pay for Steglatro, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available.
Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., the manufacturer of Steglatro, offers a coupon that can help lower the cost of its drug. For more information and to find out if you’re eligible for this support, visit the manufacturer’s website.
To learn more about saving money on prescriptions, check out this article.
Mail-order pharmacies
Steglatro may be available through a mail-order pharmacy. Using this service may help lower the drug’s cost and allow you to get your medication without leaving home.
If recommended by your doctor, you may be able to receive a 90-day supply of Steglatro, so there’s less concern about running out of the medication. If you’re interested in this option, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance company. Some Medicare plans may help cover the cost of mail-order medications.
If you don’t have insurance, you can ask your doctor or pharmacist about online pharmacy options.
Generic version
Steglatro is not available in a generic form at this time. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. Generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.
Steglatro belongs to a drug class called sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. Other drugs are available that can treat type 2 diabetes. Some may be a better fit for you than others. If you’re interested in finding an alternative to Steglatro, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about other medications that may work well for you.
Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat type 2 diabetes include:
- other SGLT2 inhibitors, such as:
- canagliflozin (Invokana)
- dapagliflozin (Farxiga)
- empagliflozin (Jardiance)
- glucagon-like peptide-1(GLP1) receptor agonists, such as:
- dulaglutide (Trulicity)
- liraglutide (Victoza)
- lixisenatide (Adlyxin)
- semaglutide (Ozempic)
- dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, such as:
- alogliptin (Nesina)
- sitagliptin (Januvia)
- linagliptin (Tradjenta)
- saxagliptin (Onglyza)
- thiazolidinediones, such as:
- pioglitazone (Actos)
- rosiglitazone (Avandia)
- sulfonylureas, such as:
- glimepiride (Amaryl)
- glipizide (Glucotrol)
- glyburide (Diabeta, Glynase)
- nateglinide
- biguanides, such as:
- metformin (Fortamet, Glumetza, and Riomet)
You should not drink large amounts of alcohol* while taking Steglatro. Doing so can increase your risk of serious side effects from this drug. These include:
- hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- dehydration
- ketoacidosis (high level of acid in the blood)
If you drink alcohol, ask your doctor if there’s a safe amount to consume while you take Steglatro.
* Drinking large amounts of alcohol means either binge drinking (drinking a lot of alcohol at once) or drinking alcohol very often.
Steglatro can interact with several other medications. It can also interact with certain supplements as well as certain foods.
Different interactions can cause different effects. For instance, some interactions can interfere with how well a drug works. Other interactions can increase side effects or make them more severe.
Steglatro and other medications
Below is a list of medications that can interact with Steglatro. This list does not contain all drugs that may interact with Steglatro.
Before taking Steglatro, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.
If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Types of drugs that can interact with Steglatro include:
- Diuretics. Diuretic medications (sometimes called water pills) are used to treat fluid retention and high blood pressure. Taking Steglatro with diuretics can increase your risk of dehydration and low blood pressure. Examples of these drugs include:
- bumetanide (Bumex)
- chlorthalidone
- furosemide (Lasix)
- hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide)
- spironolactone (Aldactone, Carospir)
- torsemide (Demadex)
- triamterene (Dyrenium)
- Insulin. Taking Steglatro with insulin can increase your risk for hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Examples of these drugs include:
- insulin aspart (Novolog)
- insulin lispro (Humalog)
- insulin detemir (Levemir)
- insulin glargine (Toujeo)
- insulin human (Humulin R, Novolin R)
- isophane insulin (Humulin N, Novolin N)
- Sulfonylureas. Like Steglatro, sulfonylureas are used to help lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Taking Steglatro with sulfonylureas can increase your risk for hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Examples of these drugs include:
- glipizide (Glucotrol)
- glimepiride (Amaryl)
- glyburide (Diabeta, Glynase)
- nateglinide
Steglatro and herbs and supplements
There aren’t any herbs or supplements that have been specifically reported to interact with Steglatro. However, you should still check with your doctor or pharmacist before using any of these products while taking Steglatro.
Steglatro and foods
There aren’t any foods that have been specifically reported to interact with Steglatro. If you have any questions about eating certain foods with Steglatro, talk with your doctor.
Steglatro and lab tests
While you take Steglatro, your urine will test positive for glucose (sugar). This is due to the way the medication works. If you’ll be having any urine tests while taking Steglatro, talk with your healthcare professional about this.
For more information about how Steglatro works, see the “How Steglatro works” section above.
You should take Steglatro according to the instructions your doctor gives you.
When to take
Steglatro should be taken once each day in the morning. Try to stick with the same time each morning.
To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or using a timer. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.
Taking Steglatro with food
You can take Steglatro either with or without food. And it doesn’t matter when you eat your meals in relation to taking the drug.
Can Steglatro be crushed, split, or chewed?
Steglatro tablets are meant to be swallowed whole. The drug’s manufacturer doesn’t state if these tablets can be crushed, split, or chewed.
If you have trouble swallowing Steglatro tablets, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can help you determine if there’s another way to take this drug.
It’s not known if Steglatro is safe to take during pregnancy.
In animal studies, Steglatro was found to cause kidney problems in the offspring of pregnant females given the drug. Animal studies don’t always predict what will happen in humans. However, due to the possible risk, your doctor will likely recommend that you don’t take Steglatro while you’re pregnant.
If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor. They can recommend appropriate treatment options for type 2 diabetes, which Steglatro treats. It’s important to note that if diabetes isn’t well managed during pregnancy, both the pregnant person and fetus are at risk of complications.
It’s not known if Steglatro is safe to take during pregnancy. If you’re sexually active and you or your partner can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your birth control needs while you’re using Steglatro.
For more information about taking Steglatro during pregnancy, see the “Steglatro and pregnancy” section above.
It’s not known if Steglatro passes into breast milk. However, if it does, it could cause kidney problems in a breastfed child. Due to this risk, your doctor will likely recommend that you don’t take Steglatro while you’re breastfeeding.
If you’re breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed, talk with your doctor. They can recommend safe treatment options for type 2 diabetes, which Steglatro treats.
This drug comes with several precautions.
Before taking Steglatro, talk with your doctor about your health history. Steglatro may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. These include:
- Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Steglatro or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Steglatro. Ask your doctor about other medications that might be better options for you.
- Kidney problems. If you have kidney problems, taking Steglatro could make these worse. You should not take Steglatro if you have severe kidney problems or you’re on dialysis. (This is a process used to remove waste products from your blood when your kidneys no longer can.) If you have kidney problems, talk with your doctor about whether Steglatro is right for you.
- Risk factors for genital yeast infection. Genital yeast infections commonly occur in people taking Steglatro. You may have a higher risk for this side effect if you’re female* or if you’re a male* who hasn’t been circumcised. You may also have a higher risk if you’ve had genital yeast infections in the past. Talk with your doctor about whether Steglatro is right for you and ways to help prevent these infections.
- Dehydration. Steglatro can sometimes cause dehydration. This can lead to low blood pressure and kidney damage. You may have a higher risk for these side effects if you already have low blood pressure or kidney problems, or you’re ages 65 years or older. You may also have a higher risk if you follow a low-salt diet or take diuretic medication. It’s important to drink plenty of fluids while you take Steglatro, especially in hot weather and when doing strenuous exercise. Talk with your doctor about ways to prevent dehydration while you take Steglatro.
- Risk factors for lower limb amputation. People with diabetes have an increased risk of leg and foot infections. These can sometimes lead to lower limb amputation. With lower limb amputation, you have surgery to remove all or part of a leg, foot, or toe. Taking Steglatro can increase your risk of needing lower limb amputation. This is particularly the case if you have poor blood circulation or nerve damage in your legs or feet. If you have diabetic foot ulcers or you’ve had an amputation in the past, you may also have a higher risk. Talk with your doctor about whether Steglatro is right for you.
- History of pancreatitis. Steglatro can sometimes cause a serious side effect called ketoacidosis (high level of acid in the blood). If you’ve had pancreatitis in the past, you may have a higher risk for this side effect. Talk with your doctor about whether Steglatro is right for you.
- Pregnancy. It’s not known if Steglatro is safe to use during pregnancy. If you’re pregnant, your doctor typically won’t prescribe Steglatro. For more information, see the “Steglatro and pregnancy” section above.
- Breastfeeding. It’s not known if Steglatro gets into breast milk. If you’re breastfeeding, your doctor typically won’t prescribe Steglatro. For more information, see the “Steglatro and breastfeeding” section above.
* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the terms “male” and “female” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.
Note: For more information about the potential negative effects of Steglatro, see the “Steglatro side effects” section above.
Do not use more Steglatro than your doctor recommends. For some drugs, doing so may lead to unwanted side effects or overdose.
What to do in case you take too much Steglatro
If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor. You can also call the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 800-222-1222 or use their online tool. But if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room right away.
When you get Steglatro from the pharmacy, the pharmacist will add an expiration date to the label on the bottle. This date is typically 1 year from the date they dispensed the medication.
The expiration date helps guarantee that the medication is effective during this time. The
Storage
How long a medication remains good to use can depend on many factors, including how and where you store the medication.
Steglatro tablets should be stored at a room temperature of 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C). It should be kept in a tightly sealed container. Avoid storing this medication in areas where it could get damp or wet, such as bathrooms.
Disposal
If you no longer need to take Steglatro and have leftover medication, it’s important to dispose of it safely. This helps prevent others, including children and pets, from taking the drug by accident. It also helps keep the drug from harming the environment.
This article provides several useful tips on medication disposal. You can also ask your pharmacist for information about how to dispose of your medication.
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