Key takeaways
Ertugliflozin (Steglatro) and dapagliflozin (Farxiga) are both SGLT2 medications used to treat type 2 diabetes. They help lower blood sugar levels by preventing sugar from being reabsorbed into the body through the kidneys. However, they have some differences. Ertugliflozin is only available as a brand-name medication, while dapagliflozin is available as both a brand and a lower-cost generic. Dapagliflozin is also approved for additional uses, such as reducing the risk of hospitalization for heart failure in those with type 2 diabetes, while ertugliflozin is not. Both medications are taken once daily, but dapagliflozin can be used by people as young as 10 years old, whereas ertugliflozin is for adults only. Common side effects for both include yeast infections, increased urination, and urinary tract infections. Both medications can interact with other diabetes treatments, increasing the risk of low blood sugar.
