Trulicity (dulaglutide) is an injectable diabetes medicine that helps control blood sugar levels.
Trulicity is used together with diet and exercise to treat type 2 diabetes. Dulaglutide is usually given after other diabetes medicines have been tried without success.
Trulicity is not for treating type 1 diabetes.
Important information
You should not use Trulicity if you have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), or a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (a type of thyroid cancer). Do not use Trulicity if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with insulin).
In animal studies, Trulicity caused thyroid tumors or thyroid cancer. It is not known whether these effects would occur in people using regular doses. Ask your doctor about your risk.
Call your doctor at once if you have signs of a thyroid tumor, such as swelling or a lump in your neck, trouble swallowing, a hoarse voice, or shortness of breath.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Trulicity if you are allergic to dulaglutide, or if you have:
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multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (tumors in your glands);
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a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (a type of thyroid cancer); or
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if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with insulin).
To make sure Trulicity is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
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a history of pancreatitis;
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a stomach or intestinal disorder (especially if you also have kidney disease);
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gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or slow digestion;
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liver or kidney disease;
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if you also use insulin or oral diabetes medicine; or
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if you have been sick with vomiting or diarrhea.
In animal studies, Trulicity caused thyroid tumors or thyroid cancer. It is not known whether these effects would occur in people using regular doses. Ask your doctor about your risk.
It is not known whether Trulicity will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using Trulicity.
It is not known whether dulaglutide passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.
Trulicity is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
How should I use Trulicity?
Take Trulicity exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Trulicity comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Trulicity is injected under the skin. You will be shown how to use injections at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles and syringes.
You may use Trulicity with or without food.
Trulicity is usually given only one time per week. Use the medicine on the same day each week at the same time of day. If needed, you may change your dosing day, but allow at least 3 days to pass between doses.
Use a different place on your stomach, thigh, or upper arm each time you give the injection. Your care provider will show you the best places on your body to inject Trulicity . Do not inject into the same place two times in a row.
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can happen to everyone who has diabetes. Symptoms include headache, hunger, sweating, confusion, irritability, dizziness, or feeling shaky. Always keep a source of sugar with you in case you have low blood sugar. Sugar sources include fruit juice, hard candy, crackers, raisins, and non-diet soda. Be sure your family and close friends know how to help you in an emergency.
If you have severe hypoglycemia and cannot eat or drink, use a glucagon injection. Your doctor can prescribe a glucagon emergency injection kit and tell you how to use it.
Also watch for signs of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) such as increased thirst, increased urination, hunger, dry mouth, fruity breath odor, drowsiness, dry skin, blurred vision, and weight loss.
Check your blood sugar carefully during times of stress, travel, illness, surgery or medical emergency, vigorous exercise, or if you drink alcohol or skip meals. These things can affect your glucose levels and your dose needs may also change. Do not change your Trulicity dose or dosing schedule without your doctor"s advice.
Each single-use injection pen or prefilled syringe is for one use only. Throw away after one use, even if there is still some medicine left in it after injecting your dose. Follow any state or local laws about throwing away used needles and syringes. Use a puncture-proof "sharps" disposal container (ask your pharmacist where to get one and how to throw it away). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.
Trulicity is only part of a complete treatment program that may also include diet, exercise, weight control, regular blood sugar testing, and special medical care. Follow your doctor"s instructions very closely.
Store injection pens or prefilled syringes in the refrigerator, protected from light. Throw away any Trulicity not used before the expiration date on the medicine label. You may also store injection pens or prefilled syringes at room temperature for up to 14 days before use.
Do not freeze Trulicity, and throw away the medicine if it has become frozen.
Trulicity dosing information
Usual Adult Dose of Trulicity for Diabetes Type 2:
Initial dose: 0.75 mg subcutaneously once a week
Maximum dose: May increase to 1.5 mg subcutaneously once a week for additional glycemic control
Comments:
- If used in combination with insulin or an insulin secretagogue, a lower dose of insulin or the insulin secretagogue should be considered to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia.
Use: As an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
What happens if I miss a dose?
If your next dose is 3 or more days away, use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if your next dose is less than 3 days away. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Do not use this medicine twice within a 72-hour period.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include severe nausea and vomiting.
What should I avoid while using Trulicity?
Never share an injection pen or prefilled syringe with another person. Sharing injection pens or cartridges can allow disease such as hepatitis or HIV to pass from one person to another.
Trulicity side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Trulicity: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
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symptoms of pancreatitis - severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate;
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signs of a thyroid tumor - swelling or a lump in your neck, trouble swallowing, a hoarse voice, or if you feel short of breath;
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low blood sugar - headache, hunger, weakness, sweating, confusion, irritability, dizziness, fast heart rate, or feeling jittery; or
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signs of a kidney problem - little or no urinating; painful or difficult urination; swelling in your feet or ankles; feeling tired or short of breath.
Common Trulicity side effects may include:
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Trulicity?
Dulaglutide can slow your digestion, and it may take longer for your body to absorb any medicines you take by mouth.
Other drugs may interact with dulaglutide, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.
