A new treatment option is available for adult patients with Type 2 Diabetes.
Steglatro (ertugliflozin), listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, is a new, SGLT2 inhibitor treatment option for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM).
Steglatro provides healthcare care professionals with another option for patients that are currently on metformin +/- sitagliptin and in need of additional glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) control as their diabetes progresses.
Pharmacists play a significant role in the management of patients with T2DM, with evidence suggesting their involvement can help maintain better disease management – especially HbA1c levels.
They are well placed to play a significant role in the ongoing care and management of people with T2DM. This includes providing education to patients about their condition and encouraging them to talk to their doctor about disease assessment and treatment options.
Diabetes is a national health priority in Australia, with the number of T2DM patients expected to grow to nearly 2.5 million in the next 20 years. For Australians living with T2DM, maintaining glycaemic control is an essential component of treatment, however many patients may be recommended to administer dual or triple line therapy, before moving onto treatment with insulin.
Two other diabetes treatments listed on the PBS on December 1st 2018 are Segluromet (ertugliflozin/metformin) and Steglujan (ertugliflozin/sitagliptin).
These fixed dose combination treatments include the SGLT2-inhibitor, ertuglifozin, and, along with the existing sitagliptin-based products, provide GPs with further dual and triple therapy combination options for their adult patients with diabetes.
