A new pill to control diabetes: What you need to know about Ertugliflozin and Sitagliptin

Are you struggling with Type 2 Diabetes? If so, your doctor may have told you about a new medication. It's a combination of two drugs called Ertugliflozin and Sitagliptin. Let's take a look at how it can help control your blood sugar levels, and what you need to be aware of when using it.

What is this medicine?

Simply put, Ertugliflozin and Sitagliptin are two medications given to people with type 2 diabetes (Type 2 Diabetes) in one pill. The main thing in this is to lower your blood sugar levels (blood glucose) . However, this medicine alone is not enough to get good results. You need to control your diet and do some exercise every day along with this medicine. That's when it's really good.

Sometimes doctors may use this medicine for other health conditions, so if you have any questions, it's best to ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Another common brand name for this medication is Steglujan . Your doctor may have mentioned that name.

What should you tell your doctor before taking this medicine?

Okay, now there are some things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication. Because it's very important for him to know how this medication will interact with your other health conditions. Here are some things you should definitely tell him if you have:

• If you have heart disease or blood vessel problems .
• If there is a condition such as dehydration in the body.
• If you have previously experienced a condition called diabetic ketoacidosis .
• If you have reduced the salt in your diet.
• If you are eating less due to an illness, surgery, diet, or other reason.
• If there are wounds on the legs .
• If you are going to have surgery soon.
• If your cholesterol level is high .
• If part of a leg has been removed previously.
• If you have a history of pancreatitis or other pancreatic problems.
• If you frequently get genital yeast infections .
• If you are a regular drinker .
• If you have frequent bladder, kidney, or urinary tract infections .
• If you have kidney disease .
• If you have liver disease .
• If blood pressure is low .
• If you have neurological disorders .
• If you are on hemodialysis .
• If you have previously experienced things like swelling of the tongue, face, or lips, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, or voice changes .
• If you have difficulty urinating .
• If you have type 1 diabetes (this medicine is only given for type 2 diabetes).
• If you are an uncircumcised male .
• If you are allergic to Ertugliflozin, Sitagliptin, or any other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives .
• It's okay if you're pregnant , if you're trying to get pregnant .
• If you are a breastfeeding mother .

How should I use this medicine?

This tablet should be taken by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions exactly as your doctor has prescribed. You can take this with or without food. However, if you have an upset stomach, it is best to take it with food. It is best to take this medicine in the morning . Try to take it at the same time every day. Do not take more than your doctor has told you to, or take it more often. Also, do not stop taking the medicine suddenly without your doctor's advice .

When you get this medicine from the pharmacy, you will be given a special information leaflet (MedGuide) with it. Be sure to read it carefully every time you get your medicine or get a refill. It contains a lot of important information.

Talk to your healthcare team about giving this medicine to children . Special care may be needed.

If you take too much medicine: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, call a poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Important: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not share it with anyone else.

What to do if you miss a dose of medication?

Suppose you forget to take your medicine in the morning. Take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose as scheduled. Never take two doses at once.

What other things can interact with this medicine?

If you are taking other medications, herbal remedies, or vitamins while taking this diabetes medication, you should also tell your doctor about them. Some things can interact with this medication. Also, tell your doctor if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Here are some things that can interact with this medication:

• Alcohol
• Digoxin (a medicine for heart disease)
• Lithium (this is given for mental illnesses)
• Steroid medications, such as prednisone or cortisone
• Sulfonylureas, such as glimepiride, glipizide, and glyburide
• Thyroid medication

This list is not all-inclusive, so it's best to tell your doctor about everything you use.

What special precautions should be taken when taking this medicine?

While taking this medication, see your doctor regularly to check how your health is. Then you can see if the medication is right for you and if any changes need to be made.

This medicine can sometimes cause a serious condition in which the blood becomes too acidic . If you experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, unusual tiredness, or difficulty breathing , stop taking this medicine immediately and call your doctor . If possible, check your urine for ketones with a ketone test strip .

Your HbA1C (A1C) test is also done regularly. This is a simple blood test. It looks at how well your blood sugar has been controlled over the past 2-3 months. This test is done every 3-6 months.

Learn how to check your blood sugar levels at home . It's important to learn the symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) and how to manage them.

Always keep a quick source of sugar with you in case of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) . For example, sugar cubes or glucose tablets. If you have a very low blood sugar and are having a seizure or loss of consciousness, tell those around you that giving them food or drink at that time could cause them to choke. If this happens, they should seek medical help immediately.

Tell your doctor if you feel your blood sugar is high. Your medication dose may need to be adjusted. You may need to adjust your medication dose if you get sick or if you exercise more than usual .

Don't skip meals . Ask your doctor if you should avoid alcohol. Many over-the-counter cough and cold medicines may contain sugar or alcohol. These can affect your blood sugar levels.

Wear or keep a medical ID card with you that lists details such as your medical condition, medications you use, and when to take your medications.

What are the possible side effects of this medicine?

Like any medicine, this one can cause side effects in some people. Some are serious, some are not so serious. But if you notice anything unusual, it's best to tell your doctor.

Side effects that you should tell your doctor about immediately

• Allergic reactions: skin rash, itching, urticaria (hives), swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat.
• Dehydration: Excessive thirst, dry mouth, dizziness, headache, dark yellow or brown urine.
• Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA): Excessive thirst or urination, dry mouth, extreme fatigue, fruity breath odor, shortness of breath, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting.
• Genital yeast infection: redness, swelling, pain or itching, foul-smelling, thick or curdled discharge. (This can happen to both men and women).
• Symptoms of a heart attack: shortness of breath, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands, sudden weight gain, and feeling unusually weak or tired.
• Infection, redness, swelling, stiffness, or pain around the genitals or in the area leading up to the anus: This could be a sign of a very serious condition called Fournier's gangrene , so if you notice anything like this, tell your doctor immediately.
• Kidney damage: decreased urine output, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet.
• New pain or tenderness in the leg or foot, skin discoloration, sores or ulcers, or infection .
• Pancreatitis: Severe abdominal pain that spreads to the back, pain that worsens after eating or when touched, fever, nausea, and vomiting.
• If you experience redness, blistering, peeling of the skin, or similar things inside your mouth .
• Severe joint pain.
• Urinary tract infection (UTI): Burning sensation when urinating, frequent urination, bloody or cloudy urine, pain in the lower abdomen or sides.

Side effects that do not usually require medical advice, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist

• Headache
• Runny nose or stuffy nose
• Sore throat

This list may not include all possible side effects. If you notice anything unusual, it is best to ask your doctor for advice. You can also report side effects to the FDA (1-800-FDA-1088).

How should you store your medicine?

Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets .

Store at room temperature, between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius (59 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit). Throw away expired medicine.

Please note: This article is a summary only. It may not contain all the information. If you have any further questions about this medicine, please talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or healthcare provider.

The most important things you need to remember

Okay, so, from what we've talked about with these diabetes drugs called Ertugliflozin and Sitagliptin, here are some of the key things you need to remember:

• This medicine helps control your blood sugar , but the best results are achieved with a good diet and exercise .
• Be sure to tell your doctor about your other health conditions before starting the medication.
• Take the prescribed dose, at the prescribed time, as prescribed by the doctor. Do not skip doses or take two doses at once.
• Be aware of the signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and keep some sugar handy for when you need it.
• If you experience symptoms of a serious condition called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) (nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, extreme fatigue, difficulty breathing) , tell your doctor immediately .
• Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any unusual side effects , especially genital infections, leg ulcers, or symptoms of heart failure.
• Tell your doctor about all other medications you take, as some medications may interact with this one.

Living with diabetes can be challenging, but taking your medication properly, making lifestyle changes, and staying in touch with your doctor can go a long way in helping you stay healthy. Don't worry, you're not alone!

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