Steglujan

 Prior to Initiation of STEGLUJAN

• Assess renal function before initiating STEGLUJAN and as clinically indicated [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].
• Assess volume status. In patients with volume depletion, correct this condition before initiating STEGLUJAN [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) and Use in Specific Populations (8.5, 8.6)].

 Recommended Dosage

• The recommended starting dosage of STEGLUJAN is 5 mg ertugliflozin/100 mg sitagliptin orally once daily, taken in the morning, with or without food.
• For patients treated with ertugliflozin who are being switched to STEGLUJAN, the dosage of ertugliflozin can be maintained.
• For additional glycemic control, the dosage may be increased to 15 mg ertugliflozin/100 mg sitagliptin orally once daily in patients tolerating STEGLUJAN.
• Use is not recommended in patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) less than 45 mL/min/1.73 m2.
• Use of STEGLUJAN is contraindicated in patients with severe renal impairment (eGFR less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m2), end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or on dialysis [see Contraindications (4)].

2.3 Temporary Interruption for Surgery

Withhold STEGLUJAN for at least 4 days, if possible, prior to surgery or procedures associated with prolonged fasting. Resume STEGLUJAN when the patient is clinically stable and has resumed oral intake [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)].

Pregnancy

Risk Summary

Based on animal data showing adverse renal effects, from ertugliflozin, STEGLUJAN is not recommended during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.

The limited available data with ertugliflozin and sitagliptin use during pregnancy are not sufficient to determine a drug associated risk of adverse developmental outcomes. 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).

In rats and rabbits, sitagliptin doses of 250 and 125 mg/kg, respectively (approximately 30 and 20 times the human exposure at the maximum recommended human dose) did not adversely affect development outcomes of either species.

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

Animal Data

Ertugliflozin

When ertugliflozin was orally administered to juvenile rats from PND 21 to PND 90, increased kidney weight, renal tubule and renal pelvis dilatation, and renal mineralization occurred at doses greater than or equal to 5 mg/kg (13-fold human exposures, based on AUC). These effects occurred with drug exposure during periods of renal development in rats that correspond to the late second and third trimester of human renal development, and did not fully reverse within a 1-month recovery period.

In embryo-fetal development studies, ertugliflozin (50, 100 and 250 mg/kg/day) was administered orally to rats on gestation days 6 to 17 and to rabbits on gestation days 7 to 19. Ertugliflozin did not adversely affect developmental outcomes in rats and rabbits at maternal exposures that were approximately 300 times the human exposure at the maximum clinical dose of 15 mg/day, based on AUC. A maternally toxic dose (250 mg/kg/day) in rats (707 times the clinical dose) was associated with reduced fetal viability, and a higher incidence of a visceral malformation (membranous ventricular septal defect). In the pre- and post-natal development study in pregnant rats, ertugliflozin was administered to the dams from gestation day 6 through lactation day 21 (weaning). Decreased post-natal growth (weight gain) was observed at maternal doses ≥100 mg/kg/day (greater than or equal to 331 times the human exposure at the maximum clinical dose of 15 mg/day, based on AUC).

Sitagliptin

Sitagliptin administered to pregnant female rats and rabbits from gestation day 6 to 20 (organogenesis) did not adversely affect developmental outcomes at oral doses up to 250 mg/kg (rats) and 125 mg/kg (rabbits), or approximately 30 and 20 times human exposure at the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 100 mg/day based on AUC comparisons. Higher doses increased the incidence of rib malformations in offspring at 1,000 mg/kg, or approximately 100 times human exposure at the MRHD.

Sitagliptin administered to female rats from gestation day 6 to lactation day 21 decreased body weight in male and female offspring at 1,000 mg/kg. No functional or behavioral toxicity was observed in offspring of rats.

Placental transfer of sitagliptin administered to pregnant rats was approximately 45% at 2 hours and 80% at 24 hours postdose. Placental transfer of sitagliptin administered to pregnant rabbits was approximately 66% at 2 hours and 30% at 24 hours.

Lactation

Risk Summary

There is no information regarding the presence of STEGLUJAN, in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. Ertugliflozin and sitagliptin are present in the milk of lactating rats (see Data). Since human kidney maturation occurs in utero and during the first 2 years of life when lactational exposure may occur, there may be risk to the developing human kidney, based on data with ertugliflozin. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in a breastfed infant, advise women that the use of STEGLUJAN is not recommended while breastfeeding.

Data

Ertugliflozin

The lacteal excretion of radiolabeled ertugliflozin in lactating rats was evaluated 10 to 12 days after parturition. Ertugliflozin-derived radioactivity exposure in milk and plasma were similar, with a milk/plasma ratio of 1.07, based on AUC. Juvenile rats directly exposed to ertugliflozin during a developmental period corresponding to human kidney maturation were associated with a risk to the developing kidney (persistent increased organ weight, renal mineralization, and renal pelvic and tubular dilatations).

Sitagliptin

Sitagliptin is secreted in the milk of lactating rats at a milk to plasma ratio of 4:1.

Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness of STEGLUJAN in pediatric patients under 18 years of age have not been established.

Geriatric Use

STEGLUJAN

No dosage adjustment of STEGLUJAN is recommended based on age. Elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function. Because renal function abnormalities can occur after initiating ertugliflozin, and sitagliptin is known to be substantially excreted by the kidneys, renal function should be assessed more frequently in elderly patients [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) and Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].

Ertugliflozin

In ertugliflozin clinical trials, a total of 876 (25.7%) patients treated with ertugliflozin were 65 years and older, and 152 (4.5%) patients treated with ertugliflozin were 75 years and older. Patients 65 years and older had a higher incidence of adverse reactions related to volume depletion compared to younger patients; events were reported in 1.1%, 2.2%, and 2.6% of patients treated with comparator, ertugliflozin 5 mg, and ertugliflozin 15 mg, respectively [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) and Adverse Reactions (6.1)].

In VERTIS CV, a total of 2780 (50.5%) patients treated with ertugliflozin were 65 years and older, and 595 (10.8%) patients treated with ertugliflozin were 75 years and older. Safety and efficacy were generally similar for patients age 65 years and older compared to patients younger than 65.

Sitagliptin

Of the total number of subjects (N=3,884) in pre-approval clinical safety and efficacy studies of sitagliptin, 725 patients were 65 years and over, while 61 patients were 75 years and over. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between subjects 65 years and over and younger subjects. While this and other reported clinical experience have not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients, greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out.

 Renal Impairment

A 26-week placebo-controlled study of 313 patients with Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease (eGFR ≥30 to less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2) treated with ertugliflozin did not demonstrate improvement in glycemic control. In the VERTIS CV study, there were 1370 patients (25%) with an eGFR ≥90 mL/min/1.73 m2, 2929 patients (53%) with an eGFR of ≥60 to less than 90 mL/min/1.73 m2, 879 patients (16%) with an eGFR of ≥45 to less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and 299 patients (5%) with eGFR of 30 to <45 mL/min/1.73 m2 treated with ertugliflozin. Similar effects on glycemic control at Week 18 were observed in patients treated with ertugliflozin in each eGFR subgroup and also in the overall patient population.

STEGLUJAN is contraindicated in patients with severe renal impairment (eGFR less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m2), ESRD, or on dialysis [see Contraindications (4)].

No dosage adjustment is needed in patients with eGFR ≥45 mL/min/1.73 m2.

 Hepatic Impairment

No dosage adjustment of STEGLUJAN is necessary in patients with mild or moderate hepatic impairment. STEGLUJAN has not been studied in patients with severe hepatic impairment and is not recommended for use in this patient population [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

 Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus and Other Ketoacidosis

In patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus, STEGLUJAN significantly increases the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis, a life-threatening event, beyond the background rate. In placebo-controlled trials of patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus, the risk of ketoacidosis was markedly increased in patients who received sodium glucose transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors compared to patients who received placebo; this risk may be greater with higher doses. STEGLUJAN is not indicated for glycemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus and pancreatic disorders (e.g., history of pancreatitis or pancreatic surgery) are also risk factors for ketoacidosis. There have been postmarketing reports of fatal events of ketoacidosis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus using SGLT2 inhibitors.

Precipitating conditions for diabetic ketoacidosis or other ketoacidosis include under-insulinization due to insulin dose reduction or missed insulin doses, acute febrile illness, reduced caloric intake, ketogenic diet, surgery, volume depletion, and alcohol abuse.

Signs and symptoms are consistent with dehydration and severe metabolic acidosis and include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, generalized malaise, and shortness of breath. Blood glucose levels at presentation may be below those typically expected for diabetic ketoacidosis (e.g., less than 250 mg/dL). Ketoacidosis and glucosuria may persist longer than typically expected. Urinary glucose excretion persists for 4 days after discontinuing STEGLUJAN [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)]; however, there have been postmarketing reports of ketoacidosis and/or glucosuria lasting greater than 6 days and some up to 2 weeks after discontinuation of SGLT2 inhibitors.

Consider ketone monitoring in patients at risk for ketoacidosis if indicated by the clinical situation. Assess for ketoacidosis regardless of presenting blood glucose levels in patients who present with signs and symptoms consistent with severe metabolic acidosis. If ketoacidosis is suspected, discontinue STEGLUJAN, promptly evaluate, and treat ketoacidosis, if confirmed. Monitor patients for resolution of ketoacidosis before restarting STEGLUJAN.

Withhold STEGLUJAN, if possible, in temporary clinical situations that could predispose patients to ketoacidosis. Resume STEGLUJAN when the patient is clinically stable and has resumed oral intake [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].

Educate all patients on the signs and symptoms of ketoacidosis and instruct patients to discontinue STEGLUJAN and seek medical attention immediately if signs and symptoms occur.

 Pancreatitis

There have been postmarketing reports of acute pancreatitis, including fatal and non-fatal hemorrhagic or necrotizing pancreatitis, in patients taking sitagliptin, a component of STEGLUJAN. After initiation of STEGLUJAN, patients should be observed carefully for signs and symptoms of pancreatitis. If pancreatitis is suspected, STEGLUJAN should promptly be discontinued and appropriate management should be initiated. It is unknown whether patients with a history of pancreatitis are at increased risk for the development of pancreatitis while using STEGLUJAN.

5.3 Lower Limb Amputation

In a long-term cardiovascular outcomes study [see Clinical Studies (14.2)], in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and established cardiovascular disease, the occurrence of non-traumatic lower limb amputations was reported with event rates of 4.7, 5.7, and 6.0 events per 1000 patient-years in the placebo, ertugliflozin 5 mg, and ertugliflozin 15 mg treatment arms, respectively.

Amputation of the toe and foot were most frequent (81 out of 109 patients with lower limb amputations). Some patients had multiple amputations, some involving both lower limbs.

Lower limb infections, gangrene, and diabetic foot ulcers were the most common precipitating medical events leading to the need for an amputation. Patients with amputations were more likely to be male, have higher A1C (%) at baseline, have a history of peripheral arterial disease, amputation or peripheral revascularization procedure, diabetic foot, and to have been taking diuretics or insulin.

Across seven ertugliflozin clinical trials, non-traumatic lower limb amputations were reported in 1 (0.1%) patient in the comparator group, 3 (0.2%) patients in the ertugliflozin 5 mg group, and 8 (0.5%) patients in the ertugliflozin 15 mg group.

Counsel patients about the importance of routine preventative foot care. Monitor patients receiving STEGLUJAN for signs and symptoms of infection (including osteomyelitis), new pain or tenderness, sores or ulcers involving the lower limbs, and discontinue STEGLUJAN if these complications occur.

 Acute Renal Failure

There have been postmarketing reports with sitagliptin of worsening renal function, including acute renal failure, sometimes requiring dialysis. A subset of these reports involved patients with renal insufficiency, some of whom were prescribed inappropriate doses of sitagliptin. A return to baseline levels of renal insufficiency has been observed with supportive treatment and discontinuation of potentially causative agents. Consideration can be given to cautiously reinitiating STEGLUJAN if another etiology is deemed likely to have precipitated the acute worsening of renal function.

Sitagliptin has not been found to be nephrotoxic in preclinical studies at clinically relevant doses, or in clinical trials.

 Volume Depletion

STEGLUJAN can cause intravascular volume contraction which may sometimes manifest as symptomatic hypotension or acute transient changes in creatinine [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. There have been postmarketing reports of acute kidney injury, some requiring hospitalization and dialysis, in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus receiving SGLT2 inhibitors, including STEGLUJAN. Patients with impaired renal function (eGFR less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2) [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6)], elderly patients, patients with low systolic blood pressure, or patients on loop diuretics may be at increased risk for volume depletion or hypotension. Before initiating STEGLUJAN in patients with one or more of these characteristics, assess volume status and renal function. In patients with volume depletion, correct this condition before initiating STEGLUJAN. Monitor for signs and symptoms of volume depletion, and renal function after initiating therapy.

 Urosepsis and Pyelonephritis

There have been postmarketing reports of serious urinary tract infections, including urosepsis and pyelonephritis, requiring hospitalization in patients receiving medicines containing SGLT2 inhibitors. Treatment with medicines containing SGLT2 inhibitors increases the risk for urinary tract infections. Evaluate patients for signs and symptoms of urinary tract infections and treat promptly, if indicated [see Adverse Reactions (6)].

 Heart Failure

An association between dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor treatment and heart failure has been observed in cardiovascular outcomes trials for two other members of the DPP-4 inhibitor class. These trials evaluated patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Consider the risks and benefits of STEGLUJAN prior to initiating treatment in patients at risk for heart failure, such as those with a prior history of heart failure and a history of renal impairment, and observe these patients for signs and symptoms of heart failure during therapy. Advise patients of the characteristic symptoms of heart failure and to immediately report such symptoms. If heart failure develops, evaluate and manage according to current standards of care and consider discontinuation of STEGLUJAN.

5.8 Hypoglycemia with Concomitant Use with Insulin or Insulin Secretagogues

Insulin and insulin secretagogues (e.g., sulfonylurea) are known to cause hypoglycemia. Ertugliflozin, may increase the risk of hypoglycemia when used in combination with insulin or an insulin secretagogue [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. The risk of hypoglycemia may be lowered by a reduction in the dose of insulin or sulfonylurea (or other concomitantly administered insulin secretagogues). Inform patients using these medications concomitantly of this risk and educate them on the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia.

 Necrotizing Fasciitis of the Perineum (Fournier's Gangrene)

Reports of necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum (Fournier's Gangrene), a rare but serious and life-threatening necrotizing infection requiring urgent surgical intervention, have been identified in postmarketing surveillance in patients with diabetes mellitus receiving SGLT2 inhibitors, including ertugliflozin. Cases have been reported in females and males. Serious outcomes have included hospitalization, multiple surgeries, and death.

Patients treated with STEGLUJAN presenting with pain or tenderness, erythema, or swelling in the genital or perineal area, along with fever or malaise, should be assessed for necrotizing fasciitis. If suspected, start treatment immediately with broad-spectrum antibiotics and, if necessary, surgical debridement. Discontinue STEGLUJAN, closely monitor blood glucose levels, and provide appropriate alternative therapy for glycemic control.

 Genital Mycotic Infections

Ertugliflozin, increases the risk of genital mycotic infections. Patients who have a history of genital mycotic infections or who are uncircumcised are more likely to develop genital mycotic infections [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Monitor and treat appropriately.

 Hypersensitivity Reactions

There have been postmarketing reports of serious hypersensitivity reactions in patients treated with sitagliptin. These reactions include anaphylaxis, angioedema, and exfoliative skin conditions including Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Onset of these reactions occurred within the first 3 months after initiation of treatment with sitagliptin, with some reports occurring after the first dose. If a hypersensitivity reaction is suspected, discontinue STEGLUJAN, assess for other potential causes for the event, and institute alternative treatment for diabetes [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)].        

Angioedema has also been reported with other dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. Use caution in a patient with a history of angioedema with another DPP-4 inhibitor because it is unknown whether such patients will be predisposed to angioedema with STEGLUJAN.

 Severe and Disabling Arthralgia

There have been postmarketing reports of severe and disabling arthralgia in patients taking DPP-4 inhibitors. The time to onset of symptoms following initiation of drug therapy varied from one day to years. Patients experienced relief of symptoms upon discontinuation of the medication. A subset of patients experienced a recurrence of symptoms when restarting the same drug or a different DPP-4 inhibitor. Consider DPP-4 inhibitors as a possible cause for severe joint pain and discontinue drug if appropriate.

 Bullous Pemphigoid

Postmarketing cases of bullous pemphigoid requiring hospitalization have been reported with DPP-4 inhibitor use. In reported cases, patients typically recovered with topical or systemic immunosuppressive treatment and discontinuation of the DPP-4 inhibitor. Tell patients to report development of blisters or erosions while receiving STEGLUJAN. If bullous pemphigoid is suspected, STEGLUJAN should be discontinued and referral to a dermatologist should be considered for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.