Trulicity
PrescriptionWhat is Trulicity?
Trulicity is a prescription medication that helps adults with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar levels. The active ingredient is dulaglutide, which belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists. This medication comes as a once-weekly injection that you give yourself using a pre-filled pen.
Type 2 diabetes happens when your body does not use insulin properly or does not make enough insulin. Insulin is the hormone that helps move sugar from your blood into your cells for energy. Trulicity works alongside diet and exercise to lower blood sugar and reduce the risk of heart problems in people with type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
This medication requires a prescription from your doctor. Your healthcare provider will determine if Trulicity is right for you based on your medical history, current medications, and diabetes management goals. Regular blood sugar monitoring helps track how well the medication is working for you.
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Common uses
- Managing blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes
- Reducing the risk of major heart problems like heart attack and stroke in adults with type 2 diabetes and known heart disease
- Used with diet and exercise to improve glycemic control
- May be prescribed alone or combined with other diabetes medications like metformin or insulin
How it works
Trulicity works by mimicking a natural hormone in your body called GLP-1, which stands for glucagon-like peptide-1. This hormone plays several important roles in blood sugar control. When you eat, GLP-1 tells your pancreas to release more insulin and signals your liver to make less sugar. It also slows down how quickly food leaves your stomach, which helps prevent blood sugar spikes after meals.
The medication attaches to GLP-1 receptors in your body and activates them. This helps your body release insulin only when your blood sugar is high, which reduces the risk of dangerously low blood sugar. Trulicity also helps reduce appetite, which may lead to weight loss in some people. Because it works with your body's natural systems, it provides steady blood sugar control throughout the week with just one injection.
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Dosage information
The typical starting dose of Trulicity is 0.75 mg injected once weekly. Your doctor may increase your dose to 1.5 mg, 3 mg, or 4.5 mg once weekly based on how well your blood sugar is controlled. You inject Trulicity under the skin of your stomach, thigh, or upper arm on the same day each week. You can take it with or without food at any time of day. Your doctor will determine your specific dose and may adjust it over time. Never change your dose without talking to your healthcare provider first.
Side effects
- Nausea, which often improves over time
- Diarrhea or vomiting
- Stomach pain or decreased appetite
- Fatigue or tiredness
- Injection site reactions like redness or itching
Serious side effects require immediate medical attention. These include severe stomach pain that does not go away, signs of pancreatitis, vision changes, symptoms of thyroid tumors like a lump in your neck, or signs of kidney problems. Trulicity has a boxed warning about thyroid tumors seen in animal studies. Tell your doctor if you or anyone in your family has had thyroid cancer or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2. Stop using Trulicity and call your doctor right away if you experience severe side effects.
Drug interactions
- Insulin or other diabetes medications may increase the risk of low blood sugar when used with Trulicity
- Oral medications taken by mouth may be absorbed more slowly because Trulicity slows stomach emptying
- Warfarin and other blood thinners may need closer monitoring as blood sugar changes can affect INR levels
- Not recommended for people with type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis
- Do not use if you have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2
- Tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, and supplements you take before starting Trulicity
Blood test monitoring
Regular blood sugar monitoring is essential while taking Trulicity to ensure the medication is working properly. Your doctor will order blood tests to check your fasting glucose levels and hemoglobin A1C, which shows your average blood sugar over the past 2 to 3 months. Most people with diabetes should have their A1C checked at least twice per year, or more often if treatment changes. Your healthcare provider may also monitor kidney function tests, especially when starting Trulicity or increasing the dose, since stomach problems like vomiting and diarrhea can affect kidney health. Rite Aid offers blood testing services with over 200 biomarkers including glucose and hemoglobin A1C to help you stay on top of your diabetes management between doctor visits.
Related blood tests
Taking Trulicity? Monitor your levels.
- Track how your body responds
- Catch side effects early with blood work
- Share results with your doctor
Frequently asked questions
Trulicity begins working within hours of your first injection to help control blood sugar. However, you may not see the full effects for several weeks. Most people notice gradual improvements in their blood sugar levels over 4 to 5 weeks. Your doctor will monitor your A1C levels after a few months to see how well the medication is working for you.
Rite Aid pharmacy services are returning soon and will support Trulicity prescriptions. Right now, you can register your interest to receive updates when prescription services become available. Once services return, Rite Aid will help you fill your Trulicity prescription and provide guidance on proper injection technique.
Yes, store unused Trulicity pens in the refrigerator between 36°F to 46°F. Do not freeze the medication, and throw it away if it has been frozen. You can keep a Trulicity pen at room temperature, up to 86°F, for up to 14 days if needed. Always protect the pens from light by keeping them in the original carton until you are ready to use them.
Many people lose weight while taking Trulicity, though it is not specifically approved as a weight loss medication. The weight loss happens because the medication slows stomach emptying and may reduce appetite. In clinical trials, people lost an average of 2 to 6 pounds depending on the dose. Weight loss results vary from person to person and work best when combined with healthy eating and regular physical activity.
If you miss your weekly Trulicity dose, take it as soon as you remember, as long as your next scheduled dose is at least 3 days away. If your next dose is less than 3 days away, skip the missed dose and take your next dose on the regularly scheduled day. Never take two doses within 3 days of each other to catch up.
You can drink alcohol in moderation while taking Trulicity, but be cautious. Alcohol can affect blood sugar levels and may increase the risk of low blood sugar when combined with diabetes medications. It can also worsen side effects like nausea and stomach upset. Talk to your doctor about safe alcohol consumption based on your specific health situation.
Your doctor will typically check your hemoglobin A1C at least every 3 to 6 months to monitor your diabetes control. You may also need regular fasting glucose tests and kidney function tests. Many people check their blood sugar at home more frequently, especially when starting treatment or adjusting doses. Rite Aid offers blood testing services twice per year with over 200 biomarkers to help you track glucose and A1C between doctor visits.
You should stop taking Trulicity at least 2 months before you plan to become pregnant. There is not enough data to know if Trulicity is safe during pregnancy. Animal studies showed potential risks to the developing baby. If you become pregnant while taking Trulicity, contact your doctor right away to discuss safer diabetes management options during pregnancy.
Trulicity alone rarely causes low blood sugar because it works only when your blood sugar is elevated. However, your risk increases if you take Trulicity with insulin or other diabetes medications like sulfonylureas. Signs of low blood sugar include shaking, sweating, fast heartbeat, dizziness, and confusion. Your doctor may need to lower doses of your other diabetes medications when you start Trulicity.
Trulicity can be used alone or with other diabetes medications depending on your needs. Many people take it with metformin, the most common first-line diabetes medication. Your doctor may also prescribe it with insulin, SGLT2 inhibitors, or other diabetes drugs if one medication is not enough to control your blood sugar. Your healthcare provider will create a treatment plan based on your A1C levels, other health conditions, and treatment goals.