Managing Type 2 Diabetes with Steglatro

Overview of type II diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic medical condition characterized by high levels of blood sugar, also known as glucose.

This condition may be caused because:

• Your pancreas fails to produce an adequate amount of insulin, which is a hormone that’s essential for regulating sugar entry into cells.
• Your cells have reduced responsiveness to insulin, leading to less sugar uptake.

While type 2 diabetes is more prevalent among older adults, the surge in childhood obesity has contributed to an increased incidence of the condition in younger individuals.

Type 2 diabetes is often associated with lifestyle factors such as poor diet, lack of physical activity, and obesity. If left untreated it can lead to serious health complications such as cardiovascular problems, kidney disease, and/or nerve damage.

What is Steglatro?

Steglatro is an FDA-approved medication for managing type 2 diabetes in adults. It contains the active ingredient ertugliflozin, which belongs to a class of drugs known as sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, typically identified by the suffix "-gliflozin."

Normally, when blood is filtered through the kidneys, glucose is reabsorbed into the bloodstream via SGLT2 proteins. This process ensures that glucose, a valuable energy source, is not lost in the urine. However, in individuals with type 2 diabetes, this reabsorption contributes to elevated blood glucose levels.

By inhibiting SGLT2, Steglatro reduces the reabsorption of glucose in the kidneys. As a result, a greater amount of glucose is excreted in the urine, which leads to a reduction in the overall blood glucose levels.

It's important to note that the efficacy of SGLT2 inhibitors like Steglatro is dependent on the kidneys' filtering function. Therefore, they are typically used in conjunction with lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise, and sometimes with other glucose-lowering medications to achieve optimal glycemic control.

Taking Steglatro

• Starting Dose: The recommended starting dose is 5 mg taken once daily in the morning, with or without food.
• Dose Increase for Additional Control: For better glycemic control, the dose may be increased to 15 mg once daily in patients who tolerate Steglatro well.
• Usage in Kidney Issues: Steglatro is not recommended for patients with an estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) less than 45 mL/min/1.73 m^2.

Regarding the price, the retail cost for Steglatro (either 5 mg or 15 mg tablets) is approximately $368 to $452 for a supply of 30 tablets. This price can vary depending on the pharmacy and the dosage.

For individuals concerned about the cost of diabetes medication, Brenzavvy, another SGLT2 inhibitor, presents a more affordable option. Priced at $59.95 without insurance, Brenzavvy offers a significantly lower cost alternative compared to other drugs in the same class. Additional information about Brenzavvy, including its comparatively lower price point, is available on this page.

Side Effects of Steglatro

Common side effects

• Yeast infection in both men and women
• Urinary tract infection (UTI)
• Headaches
• Vaginal odor, discharge, and/or itching
• Frequent urination
• Weight loss

Common side effects

• Experiencing signs of a bladder infection, including symptoms such as pain or burning when urinating, frequent urination, blood in your urine, fever, and pain in your pelvis or back.
• Having too much acid in your blood (ketone), also known as ketoacidosis. Symptoms of this may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, confusion, or having difficulty breathing.
• Having symptoms of dehydration, including dizziness, weakness, feeling light- headed, or feeling like you might pass out.
• Developing a flesh-eating bacterial infection of the genitals, also known as Fournier's gangrene. Symptoms of this may include fever, pain, tenderness, redness, or swelling in your genital area.
• Low blood pressure, which may include symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, tiredness, and/or blurred vision.
• Low blood sugar, which may include symptoms such as headache, sleepiness, hunger, dizziness, sweating, shakiness, and/or increased heartbeat.
• Leg and foot amputations, particularly in your lower legs, including your toes and feet.
• Serious urinary tract infections (UTIs) that may lead to hospitalization.

Contraindications

Contraindications refer to particular health circumstances or conditions in which an individual should avoid taking medication due to safety considerations. Taking this medication may not be safe for those with following conditions, and your doctor needs to be aware of these factors to ensure your safety and well-being.

• Experiencing signs of a bladder infection, including symptoms such as pain or burning when urinating, frequent urination, blood in your urine, fever, and pain in your pelvis or back.
• Having too much acid in your blood (ketone), also known as ketoacidosis. Symptoms of this may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, confusion, or having difficulty breathing.
• Having symptoms of dehydration, including dizziness, weakness, feeling light- headed, or feeling like you might pass out.
• Developing a flesh-eating bacterial infection of the genitals, also known as Fournier's gangrene. Symptoms of this may include fever, pain, tenderness, redness, or swelling in your genital area.
• Low blood pressure, which may include symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, tiredness, and/or blurred vision.

Overpaying for Steglatro?

While Steglatro has been recognized as an effective treatment for type 2 diabetes, its cost can be a concern for many patients, particularly those without comprehensive insurance coverage.

This is where Marley Drug's offering of Brenzavvy (bexagliflozin) comes into play as a more budget-friendly alternative. Brenzavvy, belonging to the same class of medications as Steglatro, provides similar benefits but at a fraction of the cost. Marley Drug’s Direct-to-Patient model ensures that Brenzavvy is available at a significantly lower price point, making it an accessible option for those seeking quality diabetes management without the financial burden. This approach not only helps alleviate the stress of high medication costs but also ensures that more patients have access to the essential care they need

Learn more about BRENZAVVY (bexagliflozin) and how to access it through Marley Drug.

Speak With Your Doctor

You should talk with your doctor about taking Steglatro to ensure its safety and efficacy in your condition. By consulting with your healthcare provider, you can receive personalized guidance on whether Steglatro is a suitable option for managing type 2 diabetes and address any potential concerns, contraindications, or necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. This communication helps optimize diabetes management and overall quality of life.