AI Summary Steglatro (ertugliflozin) is a prescription SGLT2 inhibitor approved for adults with type 2 diabetes, and did not show cardiovascular or kidney benefits to the same extent as other SGLT2 inhibitors in the VERTIS-CV outcomes trial.
Medically reviewed.
Ertugliflozin (Steglatro) is a prescription sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor approved to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes. In dedicated outcomes trials, ertugliflozin has not demonstrated cardiovascular or kidney benefits to the same extent as other agents in the SGLT2 inhibitor class. Because obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes are closely linked to MASLD and MASH, some healthcare providers may consider ertugliflozin for eligible patients to help manage these underlying metabolic risk factors, even though it is not FDA-approved specifically for liver disease. Treatment decisions should always be individualized and guided by a healthcare professional.
This page covers ertugliflozin's role in metabolic and MASLD/MASH management — how it works, who may be eligible, benefits, side effects, and monitoring. You can also connect with a liver specialist near you for personalized guidance on whether ertugliflozin fits your care plan.
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ABOUT ERTUGLIFLOZIN TREATMENT
Ertugliflozin is a prescription medicine sold under the brand name Steglatro. It belongs to a class of medications called sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. It is approved to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes.
Steglatro's approved use is diabetes management: it works in the kidneys, not the liver. Ertugliflozin blocks the SGLT2 transporter, which reduces how much glucose the kidneys reabsorb and increases the amount removed in urine. This lowers blood sugar levels throughout the day.
Because obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes are closely linked to MASLD and MASH, some healthcare providers may consider Steglatro for eligible patients to help manage the metabolic risk factors that drive liver disease, even though it is not FDA-approved specifically for liver disease. In the dedicated VERTIS-CV outcomes trial, ertugliflozin did not demonstrate cardiovascular or kidney benefits to the same extent as other agents in the SGLT2 inhibitor class. Treatment decisions should always be individualized and guided by a healthcare provider, alongside monitoring such as Liver Function Tests (LFTs) or Fasting Glucose testing.
WHO STEGLATRO MAY BE SUITABLE FOR
Eligibility for Steglatro depends on your diagnosis, metabolic profile, and individual health needs. Your healthcare provider may prescribe Steglatro if you have type 2 diabetes and need additional blood sugar control, if you have metabolic risk factors associated with liver disease, or if lifestyle modifications alone have not achieved your treatment goals.
Before prescribing Steglatro, your provider will typically review your kidney function and hydration status, since the medication works by increasing urinary glucose loss and can affect these systems. Your medical history, current health status, and other medications all factor into whether Steglatro is an appropriate option for you.
Because every patient's health profile is different, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to who should take Steglatro. Treatment decisions are individualized and should be made by a qualified healthcare professional after a full assessment of your metabolic and liver health.
ELIGIBILITY OVERVIEW
Steglatro may be considered for adults with the following conditions, risk factors, or treatment goals:
Before recommending Steglatro, healthcare providers evaluate several factors to determine whether it is an appropriate option, including:
HOW STEGLATRO CAN HELP YOUR LIVER
Steglatro works in the kidneys, not the liver. It blocks the SGLT2 transporter, which reduces how much glucose the kidneys reabsorb back into the blood and increases the amount of glucose removed through urine. This lowers blood sugar levels throughout the day and, over time, helps improve metabolic risk factors linked to type 2 diabetes.
Because insulin resistance and poorly controlled blood sugar contribute to fat buildup in the liver, better glucose control can be one part of a broader strategy to manage metabolic risk factors associated with MASLD and MASH. Steglatro also supports weight management for some patients and provides convenient once-daily oral therapy for long-term glucose control.
Steglatro is not used on its own — providers pair it with a calorie-appropriate diet, physical activity, and regular monitoring, such as Liver Function Tests (LFTs) and glucose testing, to track response.
LIVER BENEFITS
Ertugliflozin blocks the SGLT2 transporter in the kidneys, reducing glucose reabsorption and increasing the amount of glucose removed in urine.
By increasing urinary glucose excretion, Steglatro helps lower blood sugar levels throughout the day.
Better glucose control can help improve metabolic risk factors associated with type 2 diabetes, which are closely linked to MASLD and MASH.
Steglatro is taken once daily, offering a simple, convenient oral option for long-term glucose management.
Steglatro works in the kidneys to lower blood sugar and improve metabolic risk factors linked to type 2 diabetes. It is not FDA-approved to treat liver disease directly, and should only be started and monitored under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.
TREATMENT PROCESS
Steglatro is supplied as an oral tablet. Take it exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider, and check with your pharmacist if you have any questions about your specific tablet strength.
The typical starting dose is 5 mg once daily, which may be increased to 15 mg once daily depending on treatment response and tolerability. Your healthcare provider determines the right dose for you.
Steglatro is a once-daily oral tablet. Take it with or without food, at the same time each day, and maintain adequate hydration, since the medication increases urination.
Steglatro is generally used as a long-term therapy for type 2 diabetes management. Treatment is continued as long as glycemic benefit is achieved and the medication is well tolerated.
Store Steglatro tablets at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
Your healthcare provider will regularly monitor blood glucose levels, kidney function, hydration status, and treatment response. Report any side effects or unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider.
BENEFITS AND SAFETY
Steglatro (ertugliflozin) may support people with type 2 diabetes and metabolic risk factors linked to liver disease by lowering blood sugar and supporting metabolic health. Clinical studies have shown it may also assist with weight management for some patients. The extent of these benefits varies from person to person, depending on overall metabolic health and how the body responds to therapy. In the dedicated VERTIS-CV outcomes trial, ertugliflozin did not demonstrate cardiovascular or kidney benefits to the same extent as other agents in the SGLT2 inhibitor class, which is an important difference from some other SGLT2 medications. Steglatro is not a stand-alone treatment — it works best as part of a broader, personalized care plan that combines the medication with a calorie-appropriate diet, regular physical activity, and ongoing monitoring like Liver Function Tests (LFTs) or glucose testing.
As with any medication, ertugliflozin may cause side effects, ranging from urinary and genital infections to dehydration and dizziness. Because Steglatro increases urination, staying well hydrated is important. Your healthcare provider will monitor your kidney function and treatment response throughout therapy and assess whether Steglatro remains a suitable option for you.
BENEFITS
Steglatro helps lower glucose levels by increasing how much glucose the kidneys remove through urine.
Steglatro may assist with weight management for some patients as part of a broader metabolic care plan.
Steglatro is a simple once-daily oral treatment regimen, with no injections required.
By improving blood sugar control, Steglatro helps improve metabolic risk factors associated with type 2 diabetes.
Adequate hydration is important due to increased urination. Your healthcare provider will discuss the potential benefits and risks before treatment and provide ongoing support, including kidney function monitoring, to ensure safe use.
SUPPORTING YOUR RESULTS
Steglatro works best when combined with a balanced diet, regular physical activity, weight management, and other lifestyle modifications recommended by your healthcare provider. These lifestyle measures remain an essential part of managing type 2 diabetes and related metabolic risk factors alongside medication.
Adequate hydration is especially important with Steglatro, since the medication increases urination. These habits can support how your body responds to treatment and may help maximize improvements in blood sugar and metabolic health over time.
Areas that may support treatment:
COMMON QUESTIONS
No. Steglatro (ertugliflozin) is approved to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. It is not FDA-approved to treat MASLD or MASH. Obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes are closely linked to fatty liver disease, so some healthcare providers may consider Steglatro for eligible patients to help manage those metabolic risk factors. Treatment decisions are individualized, so talk with your healthcare provider about whether it fits your care plan.
Your healthcare provider may prescribe Steglatro if you have type 2 diabetes and need additional blood sugar control. It may also be considered if you have metabolic risk factors associated with liver disease, or if lifestyle changes alone have not reached your treatment goals. Your provider reviews your diagnosis, current medications, and test results, such as blood glucose, kidney function, or liver tests, before deciding whether it is right for you.
The typical starting dose is 5 mg once daily. Your healthcare provider may increase it to 15 mg once daily, depending on how well you respond and tolerate the medication. Steglatro is an oral tablet. Take it exactly as prescribed, with or without food, at the same time each day, and drink enough fluids. Never change your dose without medical guidance.
Steglatro is generally used as a long-term therapy for type 2 diabetes. Treatment continues as long as it improves your blood sugar control and you tolerate it well. During treatment, your provider will regularly check your blood glucose levels, kidney function, hydration status, and overall response. Store the tablets at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
Steglatro works in the kidneys. It blocks the SGLT2 transporter, which lowers how much glucose the kidneys take back into the blood and increases the glucose removed in urine. This helps lower blood sugar through the day, but it also means you urinate more, which can lead to dehydration. Drinking enough fluids is an important part of taking this medication safely. Tell your provider if you feel dizzy or unusually dry.
No, not to the same extent. In its dedicated cardiovascular outcomes trial, VERTIS-CV, ertugliflozin did not show cardiovascular or kidney benefits to the same degree as some other medications in the SGLT2 inhibitor class. This is an important difference to discuss with your healthcare provider when comparing treatment options, including [Empagliflozin (Jardiance)](/liver-therapies/metabolic-masld-mash-therapies/additional-metabolic-therapies/empagliflozin).
Common side effects include urinary tract infections, genital yeast infections, increased urination, dehydration, and dizziness. Your healthcare provider will discuss the potential benefits and risks before you start, and will monitor your kidney function and treatment response during therapy. Report any side effects or symptoms that concern you to your provider.
Medical disclaimer: LiverDirectory provides educational information and a directory of providers. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a licensed physician regarding any medical condition.
