The FDA has approved a new medication called Steglujan for adults with type 2 diabetes. Steglujan is a single pill that combines two different drugs: ertugliflozin and sitagliptin. These two drugs work in different ways to help lower blood sugar. The approval is based on a 26 week study in over 1,200 patients whose blood sugar was not well controlled with metformin alone. Those who took Steglujan had greater reductions in their HbA1c (a measure of blood sugar control) compared to those who took either drug alone.
Steglujan is meant to be used along with diet and exercise. It is not for people with type 1 diabetes or those who have had pancreatitis. Before starting Steglujan, your doctor will check your kidney function. The drug is only recommended for people with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 45 or higher. Your doctor will also make sure you are not dehydrated before you start.
The usual starting dose is one tablet containing 5 mg of ertugliflozin and 100 mg of sitagliptin once daily. If needed, your doctor may increase the dose to 15 mg/100 mg for better blood sugar control. This approval gives patients and doctors another tool to manage type 2 diabetes. However, it is important to remember that this medication is not right for everyone. Talk to your doctor to see if Steglujan could be a good option for you.