ertugliflozin

Brand: Steglatro

Prototype: empagliflozin
Drug Class: SGLT-2 inhibitor
Drug Family: antidiabetic
Subclass: sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor
Organ Systems: endocrine

Mechanism of Action

Inhibits SGLT-2 in the proximal convoluted tubule to reduce glucose reabsorption, causing glycosuria and lowering blood glucose. Produces modest weight loss and blood pressure reduction. Least clinical outcomes data among SGLT-2 inhibitors.

SGLT-2 (proximal tubule)

Indications

  • type 2 diabetes mellitus

Contraindications

  • type 1 diabetes
  • DKA
  • eGFR <30 mL/min

Adverse Effects

Common

  • genital mycotic infections
  • UTIs
  • volume depletion

Serious

  • DKA (euglycemic)
  • Fournier's gangrene
  • AKI

Pharmacokinetics (ADME)

Absorption oral bioavailability ~100%
Distribution 93% protein bound
Metabolism hepatic glucuronidation (UGT1A9, UGT2B7)
Excretion renal (50%) and fecal (41%)
Half-life 16.6 hours
Onset rapid
Peak 1 hour
Duration 24 hours
Protein Binding 93%
Vd 85.5 L

Drug Interactions

Drug / Agent Mechanism Severity
diuretics additive volume depletion moderate

Nursing Considerations

  1. Monitor eGFR at baseline and periodically; discontinue if eGFR <30 mL/min.
  2. Counsel on genital mycotic infection risk and hygiene practices.
  3. Hold before major surgery or prolonged fasting to reduce DKA risk.
  4. No proven CV or renal outcomes benefit established (VERTIS-CV trial: CV-neutral) — factor into clinical decision-making.

Clinical Pearls

  • Unlike empagliflozin, dapagliflozin, and canagliflozin, ertugliflozin demonstrated only CV non-inferiority without superiority in the VERTIS-CV trial, limiting its differentiation from other SGLT-2 inhibitors.
  • Available as fixed-dose combinations with metformin (Segluromet) and sitagliptin (Steglujan).

Safety Profile

Pregnancy avoid
Lactation avoid
Renal Adjustment Required
Hepatic Adjustment Not required
TDM Not required

Concordance Terms

Cross-referenced clinical concepts — click any term to see all content where it appears.