More from Trulicity
Other strengths and forms by Healthcare Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Indications & Uses
Trulicity is indicated for:
Pharmacology
Dulaglutide is a human GLP-1 receptor agonist. Its amino acid sequence is 90% homologous to that of endogenous human GLP-1 (7-37). The medicine activates the GLP-1 receptor, a membrane-bound receptor on the cell surface that is coupled to adenylyl cyclase in the pancreatic beta cells. This raises intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) in the beta cells, and that leads to glucose-dependent insulin release. Dulaglutide also lowers glucagon secretion and slows gastric emptying.
Dosage Reference
Reference Information Only
Dosages shown are general references from official sources. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing.
Adults:
The usual starting dose of Dulaglutide is 0.75 mg once a week. If the doctor wants better blood sugar control, the dose can be raised to 1.5 mg once a week, which is also the maximum recommended dose. Dulaglutide can be taken at any time of day, with or without food. It is injected under the skin (subcutaneously) of the abdomen, thigh or upper arm.
If a dose is missed, the patient should take it as soon as possible, provided there are at least 3 days (72 hours) left before the next scheduled dose. If fewer than 3 days remain, the missed dose should be skipped and the next dose taken on the regular day. In both cases the patient then goes back to the normal once weekly schedule.
The day of the week for the injection can be changed if needed, as long as the last dose was given 3 or more days earlier.
Side Effects
Dulaglutide most often causes nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain and decreased appetite. Each of these was reported in 5% or more of the patients treated with it.
Cautions & Contraindications
Warnings & Precautions
Pancreatitis has been reported in clinical trials of Dulaglutide. If pancreatitis is suspected, stop the medicine promptly, and don't restart it if the pancreatitis is confirmed. For patients with a history of pancreatitis, consider other antidiabetic therapies. When Dulaglutide is used with an insulin secretagogue (e.g., a sulfonylurea) or with insulin, consider lowering the dose of the sulfonylurea or insulin to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia. Serious hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylactic reactions and angioedema) have occurred. If this happens, stop Dulaglutide and seek medical advice promptly. In patients with renal impairment who report severe gastrointestinal adverse reactions, monitor renal function because of the risk of acute kidney injury. Dulaglutide may be associated with gastrointestinal adverse reactions, sometimes severe. It has not been studied in patients with severe gastrointestinal disease, so it is not recommended for them. Complications of diabetic retinopathy have been reported in a cardiovascular outcomes trial, so monitor patients who have a history of diabetic retinopathy.
Contraindications
Dulaglutide must not be given to anyone who has a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, or to anyone with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2. It is also contraindicated in patients who have had a serious hypersensitivity reaction to Dulaglutide or to any of the components of the product.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Dulaglutide should be used in pregnancy only if the possible benefit justifies the possible risk to the fetus. There are no data on whether dulaglutide passes into human milk, what it does to a breastfed infant, or whether it affects milk production. Nobody has determined if it appears in the milk of treated animals either.
If a breastfeeding mother needs dulaglutide, the developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be weighed alongside her clinical need for the medicine. The weighing should also cover any possible adverse effects on the breastfed infant, whether from dulaglutide itself or from the mother's underlying condition.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Use in Special Populations
Dulaglutide hasn't been proven safe or effective in children, and it isn't recommended for anyone younger than 18 years. Clinical experience in patients with mild, moderate or severe hepatic impairment is limited, so Dulaglutide should be used with caution in these patients. In renal impairment, no dose adjustment is recommended. But if a patient with renal impairment reports severe gastrointestinal reactions, their renal function should be monitored.
Overdose
Overdoses of Dulaglutide have been reported in clinical studies. The effects seen were mostly mild or moderate stomach and bowel problems, such as nausea and vomiting, along with low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) that was not severe. If an overdose happens, supportive care should be started based on the patient's signs and symptoms, and this includes checking plasma glucose often.
⚠️ In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Storage
Keep Dulaglutide in the refrigerator, at 2°C to 8°C. Don't use it after the expiration date. If you need to, you can keep each single-dose pen at room temperature for a total of 14 days, as long as the temperature doesn't go above 30°C. Dulaglutide must not be frozen.
Common questions about Trulicity 1.5 mg/0.5 ml
What is Trulicity 1.5 mg/0.5 ml SC Injection?
Trulicity 1.5 mg/0.5 ml SC Injection is a medicine that contains Dulaglutide. It is made by Healthcare Pharmaceuticals Ltd. It belongs to the GLP-1 receptor agonists group of medicines.
What is Trulicity used for?
Trulicity is used for: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Diabetes Mellitus.
What are the side effects of Trulicity?
Dulaglutide most often causes nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain and decreased appetite. Each of these was reported in 5% or more of the patients treated with it.
Can I take Trulicity during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Dulaglutide should be used in pregnancy only if the possible benefit justifies the possible risk to the fetus. There are no data on whether dulaglutide passes into human milk, what it does to a breastfed infant, or whether it affects milk production. Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
What happens if I take too much Trulicity?
Overdoses of Dulaglutide have been reported in clinical studies. The effects seen were mostly mild or moderate stomach and bowel problems, such as nausea and vomiting, along with low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) that was not severe. In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
How should I store Trulicity?
Keep Dulaglutide in the refrigerator, at 2°C to 8°C. Don't use it after the expiration date.
Do I need a prescription for Trulicity?
Trulicity is a prescription (Rx) medicine. Take it as your doctor advises.