Managing Side Effects of Steglatro Medication
Steglatro, a sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor, is a brand-name prescription medication approved by the FDA in 2017 to help manage type 2 diabetes in adults. As with any medication, it's essential to understand both the benefits and potential side effects.
One of the primary concerns with Steglatro is the increased risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), genital yeast infections, and, in rare cases, Fournier's gangrene, a severe genital infection. These infections may be more common in individuals with a history of such infections or those who take higher doses of the drug.
Mild UTIs while taking Steglatro can be treated with medication prescribed by a doctor, while mild symptoms of yeast infections can be treated with over-the-counter treatments like Monistat (miconazole) cream or suppositories. However, serious UTIs or yeast infections may require prescription medication.
In addition to infections, Steglatro may cause low blood pressure due to fluid loss, which can lead to dizziness or kidney problems, including sudden kidney injury. Other serious but less common effects include ketoacidosis (dangerous buildup of ketones) and dehydration.
Patients on Steglatro should be monitored for signs of infections in urinary or genital areas, symptoms of low blood pressure or dehydration, kidney function changes, and ketoacidosis symptoms.
Other common side effects of Steglatro include headache, vaginal itching, common cold, genital or urinary tract infection, increased urination, back pain, weight loss, dry throat, dry mouth, excessive thirst, and mild genital or urinary tract infection.
It's important to note that Steglatro is not known to pass into breast milk, and it's recommended to avoid breastfeeding while taking Steglatro. Also, it's best to avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol while taking Steglatro to reduce the risk of certain side effects.
Steglatro is typically a long-term treatment to help improve blood sugar levels in combination with diet and exercise. It's an oral tablet.
While Steglatro can have potential side effects, it also offers benefits for managing type 2 diabetes. As with any medication, it's crucial to discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider to determine if Steglatro is the right choice for you.
[1] FDA Drug Information - Steglatro (ertugliflozin) tablets, for oral use. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/fda-drug-information-steglatro-ertugliflozin-tablets-oral-use
[2] Steglatro (ertugliflozin) - Side Effects, Interactions, Warning, Dosage, Uses, and More. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.drugs.com/steglatro.html
[3] Steglatro (ertugliflozin) - Drug Information. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.rxlist.com/steglatro-drug.htm
[4] Steglatro (ertugliflozin) - Side Effects, Uses, Warnings, and Dosage. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/steglatro-oral-route/description/drg-20407894
[5] Steglatro (ertugliflozin) - Drug Information. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/medicine/32793
- Medical-condition alerts for individuals taking Steglatro include a history of urinary tract infections, genital yeast infections, or those susceptible to rare severe infections like Fournier's gangrene, as the drug can increase the risk of these side effects.
- Science reveals that Steglatro can have effects on health and wellness beyond managing type 2 diabetes, such as causing low blood pressure, kidney problems, ketoacidosis, and dehydration, which necessitate careful monitoring by health-care providers.
- Chronic-diseases like kidney problems and dehydration may be linked to the fluid loss side effect of Steglatro, emphasizing the importance of discussing the benefits and risks of this medication with a medical professional.
- Despite potential side effects, Steglatro is recommended for long-term treatment to help improve blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes when combined with diet and exercise, demonstrating its role in managing chronic diseases like diabetes.
