ertugliflozin L-pyroglutamic acid at a glance
Medicine class
Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor.
Licensed role
Glycaemic control in adults with insufficiently controlled type 2 diabetes.
Food
The tablet can be taken with or without food.
Swallowing difficulty
The immediate-release tablet may be broken or crushed.
What is ertugliflozin L-pyroglutamic acid used for?
Licensed uses alongside diet and exercise include:
Insufficiently controlled type 2 diabetes in adults when metformin is unsuitable because of intolerance or contraindications.
Insufficiently controlled type 2 diabetes in adults as an addition to other diabetes treatments.
How does ertugliflozin L-pyroglutamic acid work?
It blocks SGLT2 in the kidneys, reducing glucose return to the bloodstream. More glucose leaves in urine and blood glucose falls. Increased urine production helps explain effects such as thirst, dehydration and genital or urinary infections.
ertugliflozin L-pyroglutamic acid preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 5 mg, 15 mg
How to take ertugliflozin L-pyroglutamic acid
Follow the prescriber's instructions and continue the agreed diet and activity plan.
Swallow the tablet with water, with or without food.
If swallowing is difficult, the immediate-release tablet may be broken or crushed.
Do not alter treatment without discussing it with the prescriber.
ertugliflozin L-pyroglutamic acid side effects
Common or expected effects
- Genital fungal infection, including vaginal thrush or balanitis
- Urinary tract infection
- Passing urine more often
- Thirst
- Volume depletion, which may cause dizziness or low blood pressure
- Low blood glucose when combined with insulin or an insulin-releasing treatment
Get urgent medical advice
- Diabetic ketoacidosis, which can occur without markedly raised blood glucose
- Severe dehydration, fainting or symptomatic low blood pressure
- Fournier's gangrene: severe genital or perineal pain, redness, swelling or tenderness with fever or malaise
ertugliflozin L-pyroglutamic acid in pregnancy
It should not be used during pregnancy because human information is limited and animal studies raise concern about kidney development. If pregnancy occurs, contact the diabetes or maternity team promptly so treatment can be reviewed; do not simply abandon diabetes treatment.
ertugliflozin L-pyroglutamic acid while breastfeeding
It should not be used while breastfeeding. It is unknown whether it enters human milk, and a risk to the infant's developing kidneys cannot be excluded. Discuss alternative glucose-lowering treatment and feeding plans with the clinical team.
ertugliflozin L-pyroglutamic acid interactions
Important practical interactions include:
Diuretics
The combined urine-producing effect can increase dehydration and low-blood-pressure risk.
Insulin
Combined treatment can increase hypoglycaemia risk and may need clinician review.
Insulin secretagogues, including sulfonylureas
Combined treatment can increase hypoglycaemia risk and may need clinician review.
Common questions about ertugliflozin L-pyroglutamic acid
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is it used for?
It is licensed to improve glycaemic control in adults with insufficiently controlled type 2 diabetes, alongside diet and exercise.
Is the salt form the same as ertugliflozin?
The salt form used in the tablet supplies the active ertugliflozin responsible for the clinical effect.
Can it be taken with food?
Yes. The tablet may be taken with or without food.
Can the tablets be crushed?
Yes. The selected immediate-release tablets may be broken or crushed if swallowing is difficult.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.