Ertugliflozin is used on its own or together with other medicines to treat type 2 diabetes (long-term condition in which the body gradually becomes resistant to the effects of insulin or the pancreas does not produce enough insulin).
This medicine helps treat your diabetes by keeping your blood sugar under control.
Ertugliflozin is meant to be taken as part of a complete diabetes care programme that should include exercise, a healthy diet, and regular monitoring of blood sugar levels.
Take Ertugliflozin exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
It is best to take this medicine in the morning with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
If you have difficulty swallowing tablet(s), you may crush the tablet(s) and mix it with half glass of water, stir and drink immediately.
Ertugliflozin must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- severe kidney disease or if you are undergoing dialysis
- diabetic ketoacidosis (complication of diabetes characterised by high level of blood acid in your body)
as Ertugliflozin may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- history of low blood pressure
- history of genital fungal infections
- previous amputation or risk factors for amputation e.g. foot ulcers or sores, peripheral vascular disease (narrowing of the blood vessels supplying the arms and legs), nerve damage in your leg
- problems with your pancreas e.g. history of pancreatitis (swelling of the pancreas), had undergone pancreatic surgery
- dehydration
- stress-related states e.g. fever, trauma, infection
- heart disease
- liver disease
- mild to moderate kidney disease
Ertugliflozin is not intended for the treatment of type 1 diabetes (long-term condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin).
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to the elderly. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Notify your doctor if you consume large amounts of alcohol or if you are a frequent drinker.
Ertugliflozin may interfere with the results of urine tests for sugar. Discuss with your doctor how you should monitor your urine tests while taking this medicine.
If you are going to have an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine. Your doctor may temporarily discontinue your therapy at least 4 days before the procedure or any event that may precipitate ketoacidosis.
It is important to check your feet regularly and adhere to the routine foot care advised by your doctor. Inform your doctor immediately if you notice any wounds or discolouration, or if you experience any tenderness or pain in your feet.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Your blood pressure may fall to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. blood sugar, cholesterol, or electrolyte levels, kidney function tests) may be done while you are being treated with Ertugliflozin. Your doctor will advise you about how often you will need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring for signs and symptoms of ketoacidosis, feet sores or ulcers, bladder or genital infection, and allergic reactions may also be needed.
If you are taking Ertugliflozin with other types of oral anti-diabetic medicines, you may have been warned about hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar). This medicine itself does not usually cause hypoglycaemia, but it may increase the hypoglycaemic effect of other oral anti-diabetic medicines.
How do I know if I am experiencing hypoglycaemia?
Hypoglycaemia is the medical term for low blood sugar. Symptoms of hypoglycaemia include dizziness, tremor, shaky hands, feeling hungry, weak or confused, sweating. These signs are your body’s way of warning you that your blood sugar level is low.
It is important to recognise these symptoms and get relief for hypoglycaemia quickly, as the hypoglycaemia may worsen.
What should I do if I am experiencing hypoglycaemia?
Always carry some glucose tablets (also known as dextrose tablets) with you. Take 15 grams of glucose tablet at the first sign of hypoglycaemia, wait for 15 minutes and re-check your blood sugar level. If you are not feeling better or if your blood sugar level is still low (less than 4 mmol/L or 70 mg/dL), take another 15 grams of glucose tablet.
If you don’t have glucose tablets, you may take any of the following:
- 1/2 cup (120 mL) of juice or regular soda (not diet)
- 1 tablespoon of sugar, honey, or corn syrup
- hard candies, jellybeans, or gumdrops (not sugar-free)
Get medical help should symptoms did not improve after second serving.
Ertugliflozin may cause any of the following side effects: headache, thirst, increased urination, back pain, and weight loss.
This medicine may cause you to be more prone to genital infections. Maintain good hygiene to reduce the chances of getting an infection. Notify your doctor if you experience genital irritation, redness, or itching and an unusual discharge or odour.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- shortness of breath, rapid weight loss, breath with a sweet smell, sweet or metallic taste in your mouth, different odour of your urine or sweat
- frequent or painful urination, fever, chills, burning sensation when passing urine
- pain, redness or swelling of the genitals and the anus with fever or feeling generally unwell
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking or using any of these medicines:
- other medicines for diabetes e.g. insulin, glimepiride, glipizide, glibenclamide
- water pills or medicines for water retention e.g. bumetanide, hydrochlorothiazide
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Ertugliflozin.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicine, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
It is important for you to maintain a healthy diet and weight in order to help keep your diabetes under control.
It may be helpful to discuss your diet plan with your doctor or dietitian to manage your weight and blood sugar levels.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. Protect from moisture.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
Sign Out
