If you have type 2 diabetes, your doctor might suggest Steglatro as a treatment option. It’s a prescription drug used along with diet and exercise to manage blood sugar in adults with this condition.
Steglatro comes as a tablet that you swallow. It contains the active ingredient ertugliflozin. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) Ertugliflozin belongs to a group of drugs known as sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors.
This article describes the dosage of Steglatro, as well as its strengths and how to take it. To learn more about the drug, see this in-depth article.
Note: This chart highlights the basics of Steglatro’s dosage. Be sure to read on for more detail. And please keep in mind that this article covers Steglatro’s standard dosing schedule, which is provided by the drug’s manufacturer. But always follow the dosing instructions your doctor prescribes.
| Recommended Steglatro starting dose | Steglatro maximum dose |
| 5 milligrams (mg) once daily | 15 mg once daily |
This section describes standard dosage information for Steglatro. Before you start taking this medication, your doctor will review dosage instructions specific to your condition.
What is Steglatro’s form?
Steglatro comes as a tablet that you swallow.
What strengths does Steglatro come in?
Steglatro tablets are available in the following strengths:
- 5 milligrams (mg)
- 15 mg
What is the usual dosage of Steglatro?
Your doctor will usually start you on a low dosage of Steglatro. They’ll then adjust your dosage over time to reach the right amount for you. They’ll ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.
The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
The recommended starting dose for Steglatro is 5 mg taken once daily. If this dosage isn’t enough to manage your blood sugar, your doctor may increase your dosage. The maximum dose is 15 mg taken once daily.
But your doctor will only increase your dosage if you don’t have bothersome side effects from Steglatro.
Is Steglatro used long term?
Yes, Steglatro is typically used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Steglatro is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.
Dosage adjustments
Your doctor will likely check your blood sugar levels frequently while you’re taking Steglatro. They may do this at the doctor’s office using an A1C blood test. They may also have you regularly test your blood sugar levels at home using a blood sugar meter.
A healthcare professional will go over the range of blood sugar levels that’s best for you. If your Steglatro dosage doesn’t keep your blood sugar levels within this range, your doctor may adjust your dose.
It’s important to let your doctor know if you have any scheduled surgeries. In some cases, they may have you temporarily stop taking Steglatro a few days before your surgery. You’ll likely begin retaking the medication after your surgery.
Your blood sugar levels may change if your body experiences certain kinds of stress, such as:
Your doctor may adjust your Steglatro dosage if you have these or other stress-producing conditions.
Below are answers to some common questions about Steglatro dosage.
Is there a renal dose of Steglatro?
No, there is no renal dosing for Steglatro. A renal dose is a specific dose that would be prescribed to someone with kidney problems. Sometimes, people with kidney problems can take certain medications if the dose is adjusted, but this isn’t the case with Steglatro.
Steglatro works by helping your kidneys filter sugar out of your blood and pass it in your urine. Before prescribing Steglatro, your doctor will need to check how well your kidneys work. They’ll do this using a blood test that estimates how much blood your kidneys can filter in one minute. This is called an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) test.
If tests show that you have mild to moderate kidney problems, your doctor may prescribe Steglatro without a dose adjustment. But if you have more severe kidney problems or are on dialysis, your doctor may not prescribe this medication for you.
When is the best time to take Steglatro?
The recommended time to take Steglatro is in the morning. You may need to urinate more often than normal while taking this medication. Taking Steglatro in the morning minimizes potential nighttime awakenings to use the bathroom.
But you should always follow your doctor’s instructions on how to take Steglatro.
The dosage of Steglatro you’re prescribed may depend on several factors. These include:
- the type and severity of the condition you’re using Steglatro to treat
- other medications you’re taking
- other conditions you may have (see “Dosage adjustments” under “What is Steglatro’s dosage?”)
The recommended way to take Steglatro is once per day in the morning. You can take this dose with or without food. But always take Steglatro exactly as your doctor prescribes.
For information on Steglatro expiration, storage, and disposal, see this article.
Accessible drug containers and labels
If you find it hard to read the prescription label on your medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist. Some pharmacies provide medication labels that:
- have large print or use braille
- feature a code that you can scan with a smartphone to change the text to audio
Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend pharmacies that offer these accessibility features if your current pharmacy doesn’t.
If you have trouble opening medication bottles, let your pharmacist know. They may be able to supply Steglatro in an easy-open container. Your pharmacist may also have some tips that can help make it simpler to open the drug’s container.
If you miss a dose of Steglatro, take it as soon as you remember. But if it’s almost time for your next dose, just skip the missed dose. Then take your next dose as scheduled. If you’re unsure of whether to take a missed dose, call your doctor or pharmacist.
If you need help remembering to take your dose of Steglatro on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone.
Do not take more Steglatro than your doctor prescribes. Taking more than this can lead to serious side effects.
What to do in case you take too much Steglatro
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Steglatro. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers, or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.
The sections above describe the usual dosage provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Steglatro for you, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you.
Remember, you should not change your dosage of Steglatro without your doctor’s recommendation. Only take Steglatro exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage.
Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Would my Steglatro dosage change if my exercise routine changes?
- How would taking other medications for diabetes affect my Steglatro dosage?
- Would a lower dosage decrease my risk of side effects from Steglatro?
For a guide on managing type 2 diabetes, you can subscribe to Healthline’s online newsletter. You can also find support and advice from our Bezzy T2D community.
Q:
Will my doctor need to change my Steglatro dosage after I turn 65 years old?
AnonymousA:
No, your Steglatro dosage doesn’t need to be adjusted based on your age.
In studies, Steglatro worked as well for adults ages 65 years and older as it did for those who were younger and taking the same dosage.
But your risk of certain side effects from Steglatro may increase if you’re age 65 years or older. And kidney function may decrease for some people as they get older.
Your doctor will likely continue to monitor your kidney function and risk of side effects while you’re taking Steglatro. They’ll let you know if it’s safe to continue taking this medication.
The Healthline Pharmacist TeamAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
