GLP-1 medications have become popular recently because they help treat type 2 diabetes and can aid in weight loss.
Dulaglutide, also known as Trulicity, is one of these GLP-1 receptor agonist medications. It works like a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which helps:
Those actions help regulate blood sugar (glucose) levels and reduce the risk of serious complications in people with type 2 diabetes such as heart disease, kidney problems and nerve damage.
Paul Thompson, a pharmacist with Banner Pharmacy Services, explained more about this medication.
Dulaglutide is specifically approved for adults with type 2 diabetes. It may help you manage your blood sugar throughout the day, both after meals and when you’re fasting.
Some people with type 2 diabetes may not get enough blood sugar control with lifestyle changes and diabetes medicines they take by mouth. Dulaglutide may help with this part of diabetes management.
A lot of people with type 2 diabetes also struggle to manage their weight. Dulaglutide may help with weight loss since it helps you feel full longer after meals, so you may eat less and take in fewer calories.
Dulaglutide may also lower your risk of heart attack, stroke and death from certain heart conditions.
People who would prefer a once-weekly dose may also benefit from dulaglutide. It can be more convenient and make it easier to follow a medication schedule versus medications you need to take every day.
Dulaglutide may significantly improve your health and quality of life if you have type 2 diabetes. Talk with your health care provider to find out if Trulicity might be a good choice for your diabetes management plan.
Dulaglutide comes in a prefilled pen so you can inject it under your skin. Wash your hands thoroughly before you handle the pen. Follow the instructions that come with it for assembly and the injection process.
You can inject it into your abdomen, thigh or upper arm. You should change the injection location each time to lower the risk of reactions. Don't inject the medication into areas where your skin is tender, bruised, red or hard. Dispose of used Trulicity pens according to your local regulations.
Most people start with a dose of 0.75 milligrams once a week. You should inject dulaglutide on the same day each week, at any time of day and with or without food. “If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is within three days of your next scheduled dose, skip the dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule,” Dr. Thompson said.
Your provider may adjust your dose based on how you respond to the medication and your needs.
Store the dulaglutide pens in the refrigerator between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). Do not freeze them. After you take them out of the refrigerator, you can keep them at room temperature (68°F to 77°F or 20°C to 25°C) for up to 14 days.
If you take dulaglutide, watch for these common side effects:
Talk to your health care provider if you have any side effects, especially if they are severe or don’t go away. “Side effects usually decrease over time,” Dr. Thompson said.
If you have nausea or diarrhea, stay hydrated and eat easy-to-digest foods. Talk to your doctor before taking medication for any symptoms.
Keep track of your symptoms and how severe they are. If the side effects are bothering you and they don't ease up, contact your provider. They may recommend adjusting your dose or switching to a different medication.
Dulaglutide could also cause these serious side effects:
Most people tolerate dulaglutide well, but you should not take it if you have:
If you take dulaglutide, it can increase the effects of insulin and similar medications like sulfonylureas. This interaction may increase your risk of high blood sugar. Your doctor may monitor you for signs and symptoms of low blood sugar and adjust your insulin dosage if needed.
“While Trulicity alone doesn't usually cause low blood sugar, the risk increases if you take it with other medications like insulin or sulfonylureas,” Dr. Thompson said.
Tell your provider about all the medications you take, including prescriptions, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and any vitamins or supplements. Some medications could interact with dulaglutide’s effectiveness or increase the risk of side effects.
Only use Trulicity that you get from a legitimate pharmacy. “Avoid compounding pharmacies and unauthorized generics from wellness spas where good manufacturing practices and ingredients can't be verified,” Dr. Thompson said.
Regular check-ups are important when you’re taking dulaglutide. Your provider may want to check:
“Trulicity works best when combined with a healthy lifestyle that includes a nutritious diet and exercise to improve overall health,” Dr. Thompson said. These tips can help:
Dulaglutide (Trulicity) is a medication you inject once a week that mimics the action of the GLP-1 hormone. It may help lower blood sugar levels, support weight loss and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in people with type 2 diabetes.
Dulaglutide has certain side effects and risks, and it isn’t right for everyone. Talk to your health care provider or an expert at Banner Health about whether dulaglutide is a good option for you, based on your health status, medication history and goals.
The content in this article is for informational use only. Always discuss any medication with your health care provider or pharmacist before taking it. Also, refer to the medication package insert supplied by the pharmaceutical manufacturer with your prescription.
