Your session is about to expire
Steglatro vs Jardiance
Introduction
For patients with type 2 diabetes, certain drugs that help to control blood sugar levels by influencing the function of the kidneys can be highly beneficial. Steglatro and Jardiance are two such medications often prescribed for this purpose. They work by inhibiting sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2), a protein in the human body that facilitates glucose reabsorption in the kidneys. Both have effects on maintaining better glycemic control in diabetic patients.
Steglatro, also known as Ertugliflozin, works primarily by blocking SGLT2 which leads to a decrease in blood glucose levels due to increased urinary glucose excretion. On the other hand, Jardiance or Empagliflozin not only influences these same mechanisms but has also been demonstrated to improve cardiovascular outcomes and reduce heart-related deaths among adults with type 2 diabetes.
What is Steglatro?
Ertugliflozin (the generic name for Steglatro) is a relatively new medication in the SGLT2 inhibitor class of antidiabetic drugs, which marked a significant addition to the first generation of diabetes medicines like metformin. Ertugliflozin was approved by the FDA in 2017. Steglatro works by blocking a protein called SGLT2, effectively preventing glucose from being reabsorbed into the blood and instead letting it be excreted with urine. It is prescribed for type 2 diabetes treatment as part of an overall management plan including diet and exercise. Steglatro selectively inhibits only SGLT2 proteins, having minimal influence on other types of proteins such as GLUT1 or GLUT4, resulting in fewer side effects than other antidiabetic medications that have broader mechanisms of action.
Empagliflozin (known as Jardiance), on the other hand, belongs to the same class but has been around since 2014. Both these drugs share similar efficacy and safety profiles but individual patient response may vary.
What conditions is Steglatro approved to treat?
Steglatro is approved for the treatment of specific conditions related to diabetes:
- Type 2 diabetes Mellitus in adults, as an adjunct to diet and exercise
- Reducing the risk of major cardiovascular events like heart attack or stroke in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus who have known cardiovascular disease (in combination with other drugs)
In contrast, Jardiance is also used for:
- Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in adults, alongside a low-calorie diet and physical activity.
- Reducing the risk of cardiovascular death in adult patients who have both type 2 diabetes mellitus and established cardiovascular disease.
How does Steglatro help with these illnesses?
Steglatro helps to manage Type 2 diabetes by increasing the amount of glucose that is excreted from the body through urine. It accomplishes this by inhibiting a protein in the kidneys called SGLT2, which reabsorbs glucose back into the blood. By blocking its function, Steglatro allows more glucose to be eliminated from the body, thus helping to lower and control blood sugar levels. Glucose plays a crucial role in providing energy for cells throughout our bodies but can cause harm if left uncontrolled in diabetics leading to complications like heart disease or kidney damage. Therefore, by increasing urinary glucose excretion, Steglatro limits negative effects of high blood sugar and aids patients with their condition management.
Similarly, Jardiance also functions as an SGLT2 inhibitor thereby assisting with glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Both medications operate on similar principles but may differ slightly when it comes down to factors such as side-effects profile and dose strength options available.
What is Jardiance?
Jardiance, also known by its generic name empagliflozin, is a sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2 inhibitor), which works by blocking a protein in the kidneys that reabsorbs glucose back into the bloodstream. By inhibiting this protein, Jardiance allows more glucose to be excreted from the body through urine. It was first approved by the FDA in 2014 and is often prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for Type 2 diabetes.
As an SGLT2 inhibitor, Jardiance does not impact insulin levels directly. This distinguishes it from other classes of diabetes medications and reduces certain side effects such as hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Common side effects may include urinary tract infections due to increased sugar in urine. Importantly, studies have suggested that Jardiance has benefits beyond blood sugar control—it's been shown to reduce cardiovascular death in patients with heart disease in addition to managing their Type 2 diabetes symptoms.
This unique profile makes Jardiance particularly useful for certain patients who might not respond well or tolerate other common types of diabetic medication like Steglatro.
What conditions is Jardiance approved to treat?
Jardiance is an FDA-approved medication with the following indications:
- Glycemic control improvement in adults suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus, as part of their diet and exercise regimen.
- Reduction of cardiovascular death risk in adult patients with both established cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
How does Jardiance help with these illnesses?
Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are a class of drugs that help lower blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes, and they do this by prompting the kidneys to remove sugar from the body through urine. Jardiance is one such SGLT2 inhibitor that plays pivotal roles in various processes within the body, affecting insulin sensitivity, glucose absorption, and renal gluconeogenesis. Lowering blood glucose levels helps in managing type 2 diabetes symptoms effectively. Its action on glucagon secretion may also play a role in how Jardiance works as an antidiabetic drug. Since it does not significantly affect pancreatic beta cells like sulfonylureas or meglitinides (such as Steglatro), it might be preferred when a patient does not respond well to these typical antidiabetic medications or may be combined with them for enhanced effect.
How effective are both Steglatro and Jardiance?
Both ertugliflozin (Steglatro) and empagliflozin (Jardiance) are effective SGLT2 inhibitors, used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for type 2 diabetes. As they were both approved by the FDA within a few years of each other, they have similar histories of usage and regulatory review. Since their mechanisms focus on blocking the reabsorption of glucose in kidneys, they can be prescribed under comparable circumstances.
The effectiveness of Steglatro and Jardiance in managing blood sugar levels was studied directly in various clinical trials. The two drugs displayed similar efficacy in lowering HbA1c levels - an important measure for long-term blood glucose control - along with promising safety profiles. In these studies, no significant differences were found between patients receiving Steglatro or Jardiance concerning the metrics used to measure efficacy in treating type 2 diabetes.
Empagliflozin has been shown to offer cardiovascular benefits beyond just glycemic control; it reduces hospitalization due to heart failure and slows progression of kidney disease among individuals with type 2 diabetes who also have cardiovascular diseases. This additional benefit led to its becoming one of the most widely-prescribed SGLT-2 inhibitors globally.
Ertugliflozin was later introduced into this class but has demonstrated strong efficacy in reducing HbA1c levels similar to other SGLT-2 inhibitors like empagliflozin. Although there is less real-world data available regarding its long-term effects compared with empagliflozin due to its more recent introduction into market, initial research indicates that it may be another viable option for patients requiring second-line therapy after metformin.
At what dose is Steglatro typically prescribed?
Oral dosages of Steglatro range from 5–15 mg/day, but studies have indicated that 5 mg/day is sufficient for treating type 2 diabetes in most people. There is no recommended dosage for children as it's not approved for use in individuals under the age of 18. In adults, dosage can be increased to a maximum of 15 mg per day after assessing renal function if there is insufficient glycemic control. On the other hand, Jardiance has an initial dose recommendation of 10 mg once daily and it can also be increased up to a maximum dose of 25 mg once daily based on efficacy and tolerability. It's equally important to note that Jardiance isn't recommended for patients below the age of 18.
Find Top Clinical Trials
Choose from over 30,000 active clinical trials.
At what dose is Jardiance typically prescribed?
Jardiance treatment is typically initiated at a dosage of 10 mg once daily, taken orally in the morning. This dose can then be increased to 25 mg/day if further glycemic control is required after a few weeks and tolerability has been established. The maximum recommended daily dose for Jardiance is 25 mg. It's vital to remember that this medication should be used in conjunction with diet and exercise as part of an overall diabetes management plan, not as a replacement. As always, any adjustments or changes to your medication regimen should only be made under the supervision of your healthcare provider.
What are the most common side effects for Steglatro?
Common side effects of Steglatro can include:
- Urinary tract infections
- Increased urination
- Thirstiness
- Yeast infections in women and men
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vaginal itching in women
- Lower limb amputations
On the other hand, common side effects of Jardiance may include:
-Urinary tract infections
-Yeast infections in women and men
-Increased cholesterol levels
-Nausea
-Increased urination
-Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when used with insulin or drugs that increase insulin production.
It should be noted that both medications carry a risk for dehydration due to increased urination.
Are there any potential serious side effects for Steglatro?
While taking Steglatro, you should be cautious of certain serious side effects:
- The manifestation of a severe allergic reaction which may include hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling in your face or throat;
- Symptoms suggesting ketoacidosis (a condition that could lead to diabetic coma), such as unusual tiredness or weakness, fast heartbeat, shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting;
- Genital yeast infections present with symptoms like itching or discomfort around the genital area for both genders and abnormal discharge in women;
- Dehydration manifesting as extreme thirstiness
- Kidney problems signaled by changes in urination frequencies: either too much or too little.
If you experience any of these while on Steglatro medication, it's crucial to seek medical attention promptly.
Just like with Steglatro above, Jardiance also comes with its own set of potential side effects:
- Hypersensitivity reactions: This includes rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness and trouble breathing.
- Ketoacidosis: Watch out for signs such as difficulty breathing; feeling very thirsty/ hungry; large amounts of urine; rapid weight loss due to muscle mass reduction.
- Kidney issues: Look out for changes in the amount/color/smell/habit frequency concerning urination.
Again if any adverse symptoms are experienced when using Jardiance do not hesitate to reach out immediately to a healthcare professional.
What are the most common side effects for Jardiance?
Jardiance, like Steglatro, is a medication used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. However, it may cause some different side effects. When using Jardiance you might experience:
- Increased urination
- Thirst and dry mouth due to dehydration
- Nausea or stomach pain
- Slight weight loss as body expels more sugar through urine
- Tiredness or fatigue
- Possible skin rashes or yeast infections due to increased sugar in urine
- Headache and dizziness might occur as your body adjusts to the medicine
It's important to note that while these side effects are possible with Jardiance, they do not occur in everyone and most users tolerate the drug well without severe complications. Nonetheless, any persistent discomfort should be reported to your healthcare provider promptly.
Are there any potential serious side effects for Jardiance?
While Jardiance is generally well-tolerated, there can be some serious side effects of concern. If you experience any of the following symptoms while taking Jardiance, it's crucial to seek medical attention immediately:
- Signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling in your face or throat.
- Symptoms related to a urinary tract infection such as burning when urinating, frequent urge to urinate, blood in the urine or pain around the pelvis area.
- Dehydration signs like feeling very thirsty or hot, being unable to urinate and heavy sweating
- Ketoacidosis (too much acid in the blood) which may cause nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, tiredness and trouble breathing
- Symptoms indicative of heart failure: shortness of breath (especially when lying down), sudden weight gain from fluid retention and unusual fatigue
- Serious skin reactions such as skin redness or blisters that could indicate Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.
It’s also important not to ignore less severe but persistent issues like yeast infections in women and men or changes in lipid levels. Always share all health concerns with your healthcare provider for proper management.
Contraindications for Steglatro and Jardiance?
Both Steglatro and Jardiance, like many other medications for type 2 diabetes management, may lead to some undesirable side effects in certain individuals. If you notice symptoms such as unusual thirst or hunger, frequent urination, fatigue or skin infections worsening after taking these drugs, please seek immediate medical attention.
Neither Steglatro nor Jardiance should be taken if you have severe kidney disease or are on dialysis. Always tell your physician which medications you are currently using; any changes in medication could influence the effectiveness of either Jardiance or Steglatro.
Furthermore, both Steglatro and Jardiance come with a risk of causing diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a serious condition that can lead to diabetic coma (loss of consciousness) or even death. This risk is higher if you have heart failure or kidney disease.
Taking these two drugs can also result in dehydration and low blood pressure especially among elderly patients above 75 years old and those taking diuretics ("water pills"). It's important to stay hydrated while under this medication regimen.
How much do Steglatro and Jardiance cost?
For the brand name versions of these drugs:
- The price of 30 tablets of Steglatro (5 mg) averages around $470, which works out to approximately $15.67 per day.
- The price of a 30-tablet pack of Jardiance (10 mg) is about $500, translating to roughly $16.67 per day.
Thus, if you're prescribed the higher dosages for Steglatro or Jardiance, their costs are relatively comparable on a per-day treatment basis. Please note that cost should not be your primary consideration in determining which medication is right for you - effectiveness and side effects are crucial factors as well.
Currently there are no generic versions available for either Steglatro (ertugliflozin) or Jardiance (empagliflozin), so prices remain high across both medications compared to some other drug categories where generics exist.
Popularity of Steglatro and Jardiance
Ertugliflozin, in its generic form as well as under the brand name Steglatro, was estimated to have been prescribed to about 105,000 people in the US in 2020. Ertugliflozin accounted for just over 2% of SGLT2 inhibitor prescriptions in the US. However, it appears to be increasing modestly since its introduction to the market.
Empagliflozin, available through brand versions such as Jardiance, was prescribed to around 4 million people in the USA during 2020. In terms of SGLT2 inhibitor prescriptions within that year in America alone, empagliflozin represented a significant portion at approximately 40%. The prevalence and popularity of empagliflozin has been on a consistent rise since its approval by FDA back in August of 2014.
Conclusion
Both Steglatro (ertugliflozin) and Jardiance (empagliflozin) have established records of usage in patients with type 2 diabetes, and are validated by numerous clinical trials indicating that they improve glycemic control more effectively than placebo treatments. In some scenarios, these drugs can be combined with other antidiabetic agents but the choice depends upon careful assessment by a healthcare professional as interactions may occur. Both belong to the class of medications known as SGLT2 inhibitors which work primarily by preventing glucose reabsorption in kidneys thereby promoting its excretion.
Steglatro is often considered for individuals who require an added benefit of weight reduction along with blood sugar control while Jardiance has been shown to reduce cardiovascular death in addition to controlling blood sugar levels making it a preferred option for those at high risk of heart disease.
Both medications come in generic forms representing significant cost savings especially for patients paying out-of-pocket. It's important to note that both Steglatro and Jardiance may take several days before their full effects become noticeable.
The side effect profile is similar between these two drugs, generally being well-tolerated but potential common adverse events include urinary tract infections and genital fungal infections due to increased urinary glucose. For both drugs, patients must closely monitor their blood sugar levels particularly when initiating treatment or adjusting doses, and should seek medical help immediately if they experience signs of dehydration or ketoacidosis.