Drug Reference

Ertugliflozin

Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors

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Therapeutic class
Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors
Habit forming
No
Availability
Prescription (Rx)

Brand names

SeglurometSteglatroSteglujan

Available as

2.5 MG · Oral Tablet7.5 MG · Oral Tablet5 MG · Oral Tablet15 MG · Oral Tablet

FDA label sections are from openFDA and may not reflect the most recent labeling — confirm against the current DailyMed label.

⚠ Boxed warning
WARNING: LACTIC ACIDOSIS Postmarketing cases of metformin-associated lactic acidosis have resulted in death, hypothermia, hypotension, and resistant bradyarrhythmias. The onset of metformin-associated lactic acidosis is often subtle, accompanied only by nonspecific symptoms such as malaise, myalgias, respiratory distress, somnolence, and abdominal pain. Metformin-associated lactic acidosis was characterized by elevated blood lactate levels (>5 mmol/Liter), anion gap acidosis (without evidence of ketonuria or ketonemia), an increased lactate/pyruvate ratio, and metformin plasma levels generally >5 mcg/mL [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Risk factors for metformin-associated lactic acidosis include renal impairment, concomitant use of certain drugs (e.g., carbonic anhydrase inhibitors such as topiramate), age 65 years old or greater, having a radiological study with contrast, surgery and other procedures, hypoxic states (e.g., acute congestive heart failure), excessive alcohol intake, and hepatic impairment. Steps to reduce the risk of and manage metformin-associated lactic acidosis in these high risk groups are provided in the Full Prescribing Information [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) , Contraindications (4) , Warnings and Precautions (5.1) , Drug Interactions (7) , and Use in Specific Populations (8.6 , 8.7 )] . If metformin-associated lactic acidosis is suspected, immediately discontinue SEGLUROMET and institute general supportive measures in a hospital setting. Prompt hemodialysis is recommended [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . WARNING: LACTIC ACIDOSIS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning . Postmarketing cases of metformin-associated lactic acidosis have resulted in death, hypothermia, hypotension, and resistant bradyarrhythmias. Symptoms included malaise, myalgias, respiratory distress, somnolence, and abdominal pain. Laboratory abnormalities included elevated blood lactate levels, anion gap acidosis, increased lactate/pyruvate ratio, and metformin plasma levels generally >5 mcg/mL. ( 5.1 ) Risk factors include renal impairment, concomitant use of certain drugs, age ≥65 years old, radiological studies with contrast, surgery and other procedures, hypoxic states, excessive alcohol intake, and hepatic impairment. Steps to reduce the risk of and manage metformin-associated lactic acidosis in these high risk groups are provided in the Full Prescribing Information. ( 5.1 ) If lactic acidosis is suspected, discontinue SEGLUROMET and institute general supportive measures in a hospital setting. Prompt hemodialysis is recommended. ( 5.1 )
Uses
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE SEGLUROMET ® is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. SEGLUROMET is a combination of ertugliflozin, a sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, and metformin, a biguanide, indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. ( 1 ) Limitations of Use: Not recommended for use to improve glycemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. ( 1 ) Limitations of Use Not recommended for use to improve glycemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ].
How it works
12.1 Mechanism of Action SEGLUROMET SEGLUROMET combines two antihyperglycemic agents with complementary mechanisms of action to improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: ertugliflozin, a SGLT2 inhibitor, and metformin hydrochloride, a member of the biguanide class. Ertugliflozin SGLT2 is the predominant transporter responsible for reabsorption of glucose from the glomerular filtrate back into the circulation. Ertugliflozin is an inhibitor of SGLT2. By inhibiting SGLT2, ertugliflozin reduces renal reabsorption of filtered glucose and lowers the renal threshold for glucose, and thereby increases urinary glucose excretion. Metformin HCl Metformin is an antihyperglycemic agent which improves glucose tolerance in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, lowering both basal and postprandial plasma glucose. Its pharmacologic mechanisms of action are different from other classes of oral antihyperglycemic agents. Metformin decreases hepatic glucose production, decreases intestinal absorption of glucose, and improves insulin sensitivity by increasing peripheral glucose uptake and utilization. Metformin does not produce hypoglycemia in either patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus or normal subjects (except in special circumstances) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] and does not cause hyperinsulinemia. With metformin therapy, insulin secretion remains unchanged while fasting insulin levels and day-long plasma insulin response may actually decrease.
How to use / dosing
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Assess renal function prior to initiation and as clinically indicated. ( 2.1 ) Correct volume depletion before initiation. ( 2.1 ) Individualize the starting dosage based on the patient's current regimen. ( 2.2 ) Maximum recommended dosage is 7.5 mg ertugliflozin/1,000 mg metformin orally twice daily. ( 2.2 ) Take orally twice daily with meals, with gradual dose escalation. ( 2.2 ) Do not use in patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) below 30 mL/minute/1.73 m 2 . Use is not recommended in patients with an eGFR less than 45 mL/min/1.73 m 2 . ( 2.2 ) Use is contraindicated in patients with severe renal impairment (eGFR less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ), end stage-renal disease (ESRD), or on dialysis. ( 2.2 ) SEGLUROMET may need to be discontinued at time of, or prior to, iodinated contrast imaging procedures. ( 2.3 ) Withhold SEGLUROMET for at least 4 days, if possible, prior to surgery or procedures associated with prolonged fasting. ( 2.4 ) 2.1 Prior to Initiation of SEGLUROMET Assess renal function before initiating SEGLUROMET and as clinically indicated [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . Assess volume status. In patients with volume depletion, correct this condition before initiating SEGLUROMET [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) and Use in Specific Populations (8.5 , 8.6) ]. 2.2 Recommended Dosage Individualize the starting dosage of SEGLUROMET, ertugliflozin and metformin hydrochloride (HCI), based on the patient’s current regimen, while not exceeding the maximum recommended oral daily dosage of 15 mg ertugliflozin and 2,000 mg metformin HCl: In patients on metformin HCI, switch to SEGLUROMET tablets containing 2.5 mg ertugliflozin, with a similar total oral daily dosage of metformin HCl. In patients on ertugliflozin, switch to SEGLUROMET tablets containing 500 mg metformin HCl, with a similar total oral daily dosage of ertugliflozin. In patients already treated with ertugliflozin and metformin HCl, switch to SEGLUROMET tablets containing the same total oral daily dosage of ertugliflozin and a similar daily dosage of metformin HCI. Take SEGLUROMET orally twice daily with meals, with gradual dosage escalation for those initiating metformin HCl to reduce the gastrointestinal side effects due to metformin [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ]. Dosing may be adjusted based on effectiveness and tolerability. Use of SEGLUROMET is not recommended in patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) less than 45 mL/min/1.73 m 2 . Use of SEGLUROMET is contraindicated in patients with severe renal impairment (eGFR less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ), end stage-renal disease (ESRD), or on dialysis [see Contraindications (4) ] . 2.3 Discontinuation for Iodinated Contrast Imaging Procedures Discontinue SEGLUROMET at the time of, or prior to, an iodinated contrast imaging procedure in patients with an eGFR less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ; in patients with a history of liver disease, alcoholism or heart failure; or in patients who will be administered intra-arterial iodinated contrast. Re-evaluate eGFR 48 hours after the imaging procedure; restart SEGLUROMET if renal function is stable [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . 2.4 Temporary Interruption for Surgery Withhold SEGLUROMET for at least 4 days, if possible, prior to surgery or procedures associated with prolonged fasting. Resume SEGLUROMET when the patient is clinically stable and has resumed oral intake [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.2) ].
Side effects
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following important adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Lactic Acidosis [see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes and Other Ketoacidosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Lower Limb Amputation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Volume Depletion [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Urosepsis and Pyelonephritis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Hypoglycemia with Concomitant Use with Insulin or Insulin Secretagogues [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Necrotizing Fasciitis of the Perineum (Fournier's Gangrene) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] Genital Mycotic Infections [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] Vitamin B 12 Deficiency [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] Most common adverse reactions associated with ertugliflozin (incidence ≥5%) were female genital mycotic infections. ( 6.1 ) Most common adverse reactions associated with metformin (incidence ≥5%) were diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, flatulence, abdominal discomfort, indigestion, asthenia, and headache. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC at 1-877-888-4231 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Ertugliflozin and Metformin Hydrochloride The incidence and type of adverse reactions in the two 26-week, placebo-controlled trials of ertugliflozin 5 mg and 15 mg added to metformin HCl, representing a majority of data from the three 26-week, placebo-controlled trials, were similar to the adverse reactions described in Table 1 . Ertugliflozin Pool of Placebo-Controlled Trials The data in Table 1 are derived from a pool of three 26-week, placebo-controlled trials. Ertugliflozin was used as monotherapy in one trial and as add-on therapy in two trials [see Clinical Studies (14) ] . These data reflect exposure of 1,029 patients to ertugliflozin with a mean exposure duration of approximately 25 weeks. Patients received ertugliflozin 5 mg (N=519), ertugliflozin 15 mg (N=510), or placebo (N=515) once daily. The mean age of the population was 57 years and 2% were older than 75 years of age. Fifty-three percent (53%) of the population was male and 73% were White, 15% were Asian, and 7% were Black or African American. At baseline the population had diabetes for an average of 7.5 years, had a mean HbA1c of 8.1%, and 19.4% had established microvascular complications of diabetes. Baseline renal function (mean eGFR 88.9 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ) was normal or mildly impaired in 97% of patients and moderately impaired in 3% of patients. Table 1 shows common adverse reactions associated with the use of ertugliflozin. These adverse reactions were not present at baseline, occurred more commonly on ertugliflozin than on placebo, and occurred in at least 2% of patients treated with either ertugliflozin 5 mg or ertugliflozin 15 mg. Table 1: Adverse Reactions Reported in ≥2% of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Treated with Ertugliflozin The three placebo-controlled studies included one monotherapy trial and two add-on combination trials with metformin HCl or with metformin HCl and sitagliptin. and Greater than Placebo in Pooled Placebo-Controlled Clinical Studies of Ertugliflozin Monotherapy or Combination Therapy Number (%) of Patients Placebo N = 515 Ertugliflozin 5 mg N = 519 Ertugliflozin 15 mg N = 510 Female genital mycotic infections Includes: genital candidiasis, genital infection fungal, vaginal infection, vulvitis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, vulvovaginal mycotic infection, and vulvovaginitis. Percentages calculated with the number of female patients in each group as denominator: placebo (N=235), ertugliflozin 5 mg (N=252

Safety advice

Conservative summary derived from FDA labeling — defaults to “consult your doctor” unless the label is explicit. Not a substitute for your clinician’s advice.

PregnancyUnsafe
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on animal data showing adverse renal effects, from ertugliflozin, SEGLUROMET is not recommended during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Published studies with metformin use during pregnancy have not reported a clear association with metformin and major birth defect or miscarriage risk (see Data ) . The limited available data with SEGLUROMET in pregnant women are not sufficient to determine a drug-associated risk for major birth defects or miscarriage. There are risks to the mother and fetus associated with poorly controlled diabetes in pregnancy (see Clinical Considerations ) . In animal studies, adverse renal changes were observed in rats when ertugliflozin was administered during a period of renal development corresponding to the late second and third trimesters of human pregnancy. Doses approximately 13 times the maximum clinical dose caused renal pelvic and tubule dilatations and renal mineralization that were not fully reversible. There was no evidence of fetal harm in rats or rabbits at exposures of ertugliflozin approximately 300 times higher than the maximal clinical dose of 15 mg/day when administered during organogenesis (see Data ) . The estimated background risk of major birth defects is 6-10% in women with pre-gestational diabetes with a HbA1c >7 and has been reported to be as high as 20-25% in women with HbA1c >10. The estimated background risk of miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Disease-Associated Maternal and/or Embryo/Fetal Risk Poorly controlled diabetes in pregnancy increases the maternal risk for diabetic ketoacidosis, pre-eclampsia, spontaneous abortions, preterm delivery, and delivery complications. Poorly controlled diabetes increases the fetal risk for major birth defects, stillbirth, and macrosomia related morbidity. Data Human Data Published data from postmarketing studies have not reported a clear association with metformin and major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes when metformin was used during pregnancy. However, these studies cannot definitely establish the absence of any metformin-associated risk because of methodological limitations, including small sample size and inconsistent comparator groups. Animal Data Ertugliflozin When ertugli
BreastfeedingCaution
…( 8.1 ) Lactation: Breastfeeding not recommended.…
AlcoholCaution
…hypoxic states (e.g., acute congestive heart failure), excessive alcohol intake, and hepatic impairment.…
DrivingNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
KidneyCaution
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Assess renal function prior to initiation and as clinically indicated.…
LiverCaution
…an eGFR less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ; in patients with a history of liver disease, alcoholism or heart failure; or in patients who will be administered intra-arterial iodinated contrast.…
Warnings & precautions
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Lactic Acidosis: See boxed warning . ( 5.1 ) Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus and Other Ketoacidosis: Consider ketone monitoring in patients at risk for ketoacidosis, as indicated. Assess for ketoacidosis regardless of presenting blood glucose levels and discontinue SEGLUROMET if ketoacidosis is suspected. Monitor patients for resolution of ketoacidosis before restarting. ( 5.2 ) Lower Limb Amputation: Monitor patients for infections or ulcers of lower limbs, and discontinue if these occur. ( 5.3 ) Volume Depletion: May result in acute kidney injury. Before initiating, assess and correct volume status in patients with renal impairment, low systolic blood pressure, elderly patients, or patients on diuretics. Monitor for signs and symptoms during therapy. ( 5.4 ) Urosepsis and Pyelonephritis: Evaluate patients for signs and symptoms of urinary tract infections and treat promptly, if indicated. ( 5.5 ) Hypoglycemia: Consider a lower dose of insulin or insulin secretagogue to reduce risk of hypoglycemia when used in combination. ( 5.6 ) Necrotizing Fasciitis of the Perineum (Fournier's Gangrene): Serious, life-threatening cases have occurred in both females and males. Assess patients presenting with pain or tenderness, erythema, or swelling in the genital or perineal area, along with fever or malaise. If suspected, institute prompt treatment. ( 5.7 ) Genital Mycotic Infections: Monitor and treat if indicated. ( 5.8 ) Vitamin B 12 Deficiency: Metformin may lower vitamin B 12 levels. Measure hematological parameters annually. ( 5.9 ) 5.1 Lactic Acidosis There have been postmarketing cases of metformin-associated lactic acidosis, including fatal cases. These cases had a subtle onset and were accompanied by nonspecific symptoms such as malaise, myalgias, abdominal pain, respiratory distress, or increased somnolence; however, hypothermia, hypotension and resistant bradyarrhythmias have occurred with severe acidosis. Metformin-associated lactic acidosis was characterized by elevated blood lactate concentrations (>5 mmol/Liter), anion gap acidosis (without evidence of ketonuria or ketonemia), and an increased lactate: pyruvate ratio; metformin plasma levels were generally >5 mcg/mL. Metformin decreases liver uptake of lactate increasing lactate blood levels which may increase the risk of lactic acidosis, especially in patients at risk. If metformin-associated lactic acidosis is suspected, general supportive measures should be instituted promptly in a hospital setting, along with immediate discontinuation of SEGLUROMET. In SEGLUROMET-treated patients with a diagnosis or strong suspicion of lactic acidosis, prompt hemodialysis is recommended to correct the acidosis and remove accumulated metformin (metformin hydrochloride is dialyzable, with a clearance of up to 170 mL/minute under good hemodynamic conditions). Hemodialysis has often resulted in reversal of symptoms and recovery. Educate patients and their families about the symptoms of lactic acidosis and if these symptoms occur instruct them to discontinue SEGLUROMET and report these symptoms to their healthcare provider. For each of the known and possible risk factors for metformin-associated lactic acidosis, recommendations to reduce the risk of and manage metformin-associated lactic acidosis are provided below: Renal Impairment: The postmarketing metformin-associated lactic acidosis cases primarily occurred in patients with significant renal impairment. The risk of metformin accumulation and metformin-associated lactic acidosis increases with the severity of renal impairment because metformin is substantially excreted by the kidney [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Before initiating SEGLUROMET, obtain an eGFR. Use of SEGLUROMET is not recommended in patients with an eGFR less than 45 mL/min/1.73 m 2 . SEGLUROMET is contraindicated in patients with severe renal impairment (an eGFR less than
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS SEGLUROMET is contraindicated in patients with: Hypersensitivity to ertugliflozin, metformin, or any excipient in SEGLUROMET. Reactions such as angioedema or anaphylaxis have occurred [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ]. Severe renal impairment (eGFR less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ), end stage-renal disease (ESRD), or on dialysis [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6) ] . Acute or chronic metabolic acidosis, including diabetic ketoacidosis, with or without coma. Severe renal impairment (eGFR less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ), end stage-renal disease, or patients on dialysis. ( 4 ) Metabolic acidosis, including diabetic ketoacidosis. ( 4 ) Hypersensitivity to ertugliflozin, metformin or any excipient. ( 4 )

Pediatric use

8.4 Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness of SEGLUROMET in pediatric patients under 18 years of age have not been established.

⚑ About half of pediatric medication use is off-label and not described in FDA labels — absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children. Confirm with your clinician.

Interactions (label text — not an interaction checker)
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Table 3: Clinically Significant Drug Interactions with SEGLUROMET Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors Clinical Impact: The risk of lactic acidosis may increase due to concomitant use of Topiramate or other carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (e.g., zonisamide, acetazolamide or dichlorphenamide) with metformin. These drugs frequently cause a decrease in serum bicarbonate and induce non-anion gap, hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis. Intervention: more frequent monitoring of these patients. Drugs that Reduce Metformin Clearance Clinical Impact: The risk of lactic acidosis may increase due to concomitant use of drugs that interfere with common renal tubular transport systems involved in the renal elimination of metformin (e.g., organic cationic transporter-2 [OCT2] / multidrug and toxin extrusion [MATE] inhibitors such as ranolazine, vandetanib, dolutegravir, and cimetidine) which increase systemic exposure to metformin Intervention Consider the benefits and risks of concomitant use. Alcohol Clinical Impact: Potentiate the effect of metformin on lactate metabolism. Intervention: Warn patients against excessive alcohol intake while receiving SEGLUROMET. Insulin or Insulin Secretagogues Clinical Impact: The risk of hypoglycemia is increased when ertugliflozin is used in combination with insulin or an insulin secretagogue. Intervention: A lower dose of insulin or insulin secretagogue may be required to minimize the risk of hypoglycemia when used in combination with SEGLUROMET. Drugs that Affect Glycemic Control Clinical Impact: Certain drugs tend to produce hyperglycemia and may lead to loss of glycemic control. These drugs include the thiazides and other diuretics, corticosteroids, phenothiazines, thyroid products, estrogens, oral contraceptives, phenytoin, nicotinic acid, sympathomimetics, calcium channel blocking drugs, and isoniazid. Intervention: When a patient is receiving SEGLUROMET along with such drugs, the patient should be closely observed to maintain adequate glycemic control. Lithium Clinical Impact: Concomitant use of an SGLT2 inhibitor with lithium may decrease serum lithium concentrations. Intervention: Monitor serum lithium concentration more frequently during SEGLUROMET initiation and dosage changes. Positive Urine Glucose Test Clinical Impact: SGLT2 inhibitors increase urinary glucose excretion and will lead to positive urine glucose tests. Intervention: Monitoring glycemic control with urine glucose tests is not recommended in patients taking SEGLUROMET. Use alternative methods to monitor glycemic control. Interference with 1,5-anhydroglucitol (1,5-AG) Assay Clinical Impact: Measurements of 1,5-AG are unreliable in assessing glycemic control in patients taking SGLT2 inhibitors. Intervention: Monitoring glycemic control with 1,5-AG assay is not recommended. Use alternative methods to monitor glycemic control. Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors: May increase risk of lactic acidosis. Consider more frequent monitoring. ( 7.2 ) Drugs that Reduce Metformin Clearance: May increase risk of lactic acidosis. Consider benefits and risks of concomitant use. ( 7.2 ) See full prescribing information for additional drug interactions and information on interference of SEGLUROMET with laboratory tests. ( 7 )
Overdose
10 OVERDOSAGE SEGLUROMET In the event of an overdose with SEGLUROMET, contact the Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222) or a medical toxicologist for additional overdosage management recommendations. Employ the usual supportive measures as dictated by the patient's clinical status. Ertugliflozin Removal of ertugliflozin by hemodialysis has not been studied. Metformin HCl Overdose of metformin hydrochloride has occurred, including ingestion of amounts greater than 50 g (25 times the maximum recommended daily dose). Hypoglycemia was reported in approximately 10% of cases, but no causal association with metformin hydrochloride has been established. Lactic acidosis has been reported in approximately 32% of metformin overdose cases [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Metformin is dialyzable with a clearance of up to 170 mL/min under good hemodynamic conditions. Therefore, hemodialysis may be useful for removal of accumulated drug from patients in whom metformin overdosage is suspected.
Current FDA labels (DailyMed)

16 marketed products on record (RxNorm)

Reference only — not clinical advice. Verify against current FDA labeling and consult a licensed provider. About half of pediatric drug use is off-label and is not reflected in FDA labels; absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children.