TRULICITY (Dulaglutide)

What is this medication?

TRULICITY (Dulaglutide)
Antidiabetic Agent, Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Receptor Agonist

TRULICITY (Dulaglutide) is indicated for the treatment of Diabetes mellitus, Type 2.

ALERT: WARNING
Thyroid C-cell tumors have developed in animal studies with GLP-1 receptor agonists; it is not known if dulaglutide causes thyroid C-cell tumor, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) in humans. Routine monitoring of serum calcitonin or using thyroid ultrasound monitoring is of uncertain value for early detection of MTC in patients treated with dulaglutide. Patients should be counseled on the potential risk of MTC with the use of dulaglutide and informed of symptoms of thyroid tumors (eg, neck mass, dysphagia, dyspnea, persistent hoarseness). Use is contraindicated in patients with a personal or a family history of MTC and in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2.

How does this medication work? 

TRULICITY (Dulaglutide) is a mimetic hormone or an analogue of human glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor and has been shown to increase insulin secretion when glucose levels are elevated, decrease glucagon secretion and slows gastric emptying in an effort to lower postprandial glucose levels.

How should I take this medication? 

SC: Inject 0.75mg (0.5ml) to 1.5mg (0.5ml) subcutaneously once weekly.

How to Take: Follow instructions provided by physician/pharmacy label, inject subcutaneously into the upper arm, thigh, or abdomen; when administering within the same body region, use a different injection site each week. Administer once weekly on the same day each week, without regard to meals or time of day. The day of weekly administration may be changed, as long as the last dose was administered ≥3 days before.  If using concomitantly with insulin, administer as separate injections (do not mix); may inject in the same body region as insulin, but not adjacent to one another.

What should I watch for while using this medication? 

Before starting 0.75mg (0.5ml) to 1.5mg (0.5ml), make sure your physician is aware of any allergies or medications you currently take, if you have gallbladder disease, any previous hypersensitivity reactions, history of pancreatitis, gastrointestinal disease and any signs of renal and hepatic impairment.

What if I miss a dose?

If a dose of TRULICITY (Dulaglutide)is missed and there are at least 3 days (72 hrs) until the next scheduled dose, it should be administered as soon as possible. If less than 72 hours remaining before the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose, and administer the next dose on the regularly scheduled day.

How should I store this medication?

Store your pen in the refrigerator, but do NOT freeze. If you decide to travel with your Trulicity pens, you can keep them at room temperature (below 86°F, 30°C) for up to 14 days.

What are the possible side effects of using this medication?

Hypoglycemia (highest incidence seen when used in conjunction with insulin glargine, prandial insulin, and sulfonylurea), diarrhea, nausea, vomiting.

Note this is not a complete list of side effects for TRULICITY (Dulaglutide), only common ones.