Dulaglutide For Type 2 Diabetes
- First published 11 September 2018
- Aust Prescr 2018 41:166-8
Approved indication: type 2 diabetesTrulicity pre-filled pens and syringes containing1.5 mg/0.5 mL solutionAustralian Medicines Handbook section 10.1.4
When drug treatment is needed for type 2 diabetes, patients are usually prescribed metformin. If this does not control blood glucose, a second drug may need to be added.1 This includes the glucagon-like peptide-1 analogues, such as exenatide and liraglutide. Like these drugs, dulaglutide acts as an agonist at the GLP-1 receptor. It therefore increases the secretion of insulin when glucose concentrations are high.
Dulaglutide is a genetically engineered protein. It therefore has to be given by subcutaneous injection. The way the molecule is engineered slows its absorption and clearance. Peak plasma concentrations are reached in 48 hours and the half-life is 4.7 days. This makes dulaglutide suitable for once-a-week injections. It takes 24 weeks to reach a steady state. The molecule is catabolised and no dose adjustment is required for hepatic impairment or mildmoderate kidney impairment.
There have been multiple studies of dulaglutide as monotherapy and in combination with other drugs. Its approval in Australia is based on five main trials .2-6 Although the recommended weekly dose is 1.5 mg, these AWARD trials also studied 0.75 mg.
How Long Does It Stay In Your System
Trulicity has a half-life of about 5 days. This means it takes about 5 days for your body to clear half of a dose after youve taken it. Then it takes another 5 days to remove half of whatever is left, and so on, until all of the drug has been cleared.
Typically, it takes four to five half-lives for a full dose of the drug to be completely cleared from your body.
The following information is provided for clinicians and other healthcare professionals.
How Often Is Trulicity Administered
Trulicity is administered once a week as injection under the skin.
To help remember what day to take your Trulicity, it is useful to have a reminder in your phone each week. It does not matter what day of the week to administer Trulicity so it is best to choose a day that best fits a person’s lifestyle. For example, you might choose Sunday as your day to administer Trulicity. You can place a recurring alarm in your phone, so you don’t forget. You administer it once every Sunday and that’s done. Pretty simple!
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Questions About Trulicitys Dosage
Below are answers to some common questions about using Trulicity.
- What if I miss a dose of Trulicity? What youll do if you miss a dose of Trulicity depends on a few factors. If its at least 3 days before your next dose is due, take your missed dose of Trulicity. But if your next dose is due in less than 3 days, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at its usual time. If you arent sure whether to skip or take a missed dose of Trulicity, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
- Will I need to use Trulicity long term? Yes, most likely. Your doctor will decide if Trulicity is working for you. If its not causing bothersome side effects, they may prescribe Trulicity long term.
- How long does Trulicity take to work? Trulicity starts working to treat your diabetes right after you inject it. But it may take a few weeks before you notice the drug helping to manage your blood sugar levels.
- Should I take Trulicity with food? You can inject Trulicity whether youve eaten or not.
How Should I Use Trulicity
Use Trulicity exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose.
Trulicity is injected under the skin once per week. Use this medicine on the same day each week at the same time of day. If you change your dosing day, allow at least 3 days to pass between doses.
You may use this medicine with or without food.
Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Do not use Trulicity if you don’t understand all instructions for proper use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.
Your healthcare provider will show you where on your body to inject Trulicity. Use a different place each time you give an injection. Do not inject into the same place two times in a row.
You may have low blood sugar and feel very hungry, dizzy, irritable, confused, anxious, or shaky. To quickly treat hypoglycemia, eat or drink a fast-acting source of sugar .
Your doctor may prescribe a glucagon injection kit in case you have severe hypoglycemia. Be sure your family or close friends know how to give you this injection in an emergency.
Also watch for signs of high blood sugar such as increased thirst or urination.
Blood sugar levels can be affected by stress, illness, surgery, exercise, alcohol use, or skipping meals. Ask your doctor before changing your dose or medication schedule.
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How Do The Dosages Of Trulicity And Ozempic Compare
Trulicity and Ozempic are each taken once per week. The starting dosages of the drugs are slightly different, however:
- Trulicitys starting dosage is 0.75 milligrams weekly, and the maximum dosage is 4.5 mg weekly.
- Ozempics starting dosage is 0.25 mg weekly, and the maximum dosage is 1 mg weekly.
Trulicity and Ozempic are both approved to reduce blood sugar levels and the risk of certain cardiovascular problems. These drugs can be used in adults with type 2 diabetes. Both drugs come as liquid solution in prefilled pens that you self-inject.
To learn more about the differences and similarities between Trulicity and Ozempic, read this article.
Dulaglutide Comes As A Pen Injection
Dulaglutide comes as a single-use pen injection, which means that each pen is used only once for one injection. The pen is ready to use. It is pre-filled with the medicine, and the needle is already fitted onto the pen. The pen is very easy to use you do not need to measure or mix anything, or see, fit or handle a needle.
Dulaglutide pen and injection technique images courtesy of Eli Lilly and Company Limited. Reproduced with permission.
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Does Trulicity Cause Hair Loss Joint Pain Back Pain Or Depression
Its not likely. Hair loss, joint pain, back pain, and depression werent reported in studies of the drug.
But keep in mind that hair loss and depression can happen with diabetes, which Trulicity is used to treat.
So you may have hair loss or depression while using the drug. But these could be related to diabetes and not Trulicity.
Joint pain is a possible side effect of other diabetes drugs, such as sitagliptin . Sometimes Trulicity is prescribed together with other diabetes drugs, including Januvia. This combination isnt recommended by the American Diabetes Association, though.
Back pain may be a symptom of pancreatitis . And pancreatitis is a rare but serious side effect of Trulicity.
Talk with your doctor about any hair loss, joint pain, back pain, or depression you have while using Trulicity. They can suggest ways to manage these side effects.
Can Dulaglutide Treatment Cause Problems
Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with dulaglutide treatment. You will find a full list in the manufacturer’s information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.
| Very common dulaglutide side-effects | What can I do if I experience this? |
| Feeling sick or being sick , mild tummy pain | Stick to simple foods – avoid rich or spicy meals |
| Diarrhoea | Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids |
| Common dulaglutide side-effects | |
| Low blood sugar , including feeling shaky or anxious, sweating, looking pale, feeling hungry, having a feeling that your heart is pounding , and feeling dizzy | Eat something containing sugar, such as dextrose tablets, sweets or a sugary drink , and then follow this up with a snack such as a sandwich or a banana |
| Indigestion, heartburn , bloated tummy, burping, wind | Stick to simple foods – avoid rich or spicy meals |
| Constipation, feeling less hungry | Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruit, vegetables and fibre. Drink plenty of water |
| Feeling tired, increased heart rate | Let your doctor know if these become a problem |
If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
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Trulicity Alternative For Weight Loss
Trulicity is a once-weekly injectable medication prescribed to adults with type 2 diabetes that works to maintain healthy blood sugar levels in the body. Trulicity contains dulaglutide, an analog of GLP-1 which is a naturally occurring digestive hormone the body produces.
Trulicity is the brand name for Dulaglutide, a medication used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes Dulaglutide. The prescription only medication is also very effective for weight loss. This article explores the Trulicity alternatives both similar pharmaceutical treatments and natural over the counter weight loss pills.
Most Popular and Effective Trulicity Alternatives – Quick Look
1. PhenQ – fat burner, fat blocker and appetite suppressant2. Zotrim – herbal hunger reducer
Are Trulicity And Metformin The Same Thing
Metformin is a generic anti-diabetic medication that treats Type 2 diabetes by helping control the bodys sensitivity to insulin. Its meant to be a part of a larger treatment plan for Type 2 diabetes that includes diet and exercise. It is a first-line treatment medication for Type 2 diabetes and can also be combined with other medications that are used to treat Type 2 diabetes.
Trulicity is a brand-name medication thats used to treat Type 2 diabetes in combination with a healthy diet and physical exercise. Trulicity helps lower blood sugar levels by enhancing insulin secretion. It can be used on its own or with other medications that also treat Type 2 diabetes. It also reduces the risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes for Type 2 diabetics with cardiovascular risk factors.
Sometimes Trulicity can be taken at the same time as metformin, which is safe to do under the right circumstances. Lets take a more in-depth look at Trulicity and metformin to better understand when its safe to take them together.
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Is Ozempic Cheaper Than Trulicity
The price paid for Ozempic and Trulicity will depend on your insurance status, the number of self-injecting pens, the strength you buy, as well as where you buy them. Average prices for Ozempic and Trulicity prices are similar, but Ozempic is usually slightly more expensive.
While Ozempic and Trulicity are similar GLP-1 receptor agonist medications used to treat Type 2 diabetes, there are differences between them. Whichever medication you have been prescribed is the one that you should take.
If your doctor has prescribed Ozempic or Trulicity to you, you may be able to receive your medication for $49 per month with NiceRx. Complete our online enrollment application to find out if you are eligible for Trulicity or Ozempic assistance.
Does Trulicity Improve Blood Sugar Levels In Type 1 Diabetes
Trulicity is not FDA-approved to treat type 1 diabetes. However, there has been some research into the drugs use for this condition.
In a review article of 12 clinical studies, several drugs from the glucagon-like peptide-1 agonist class were tested in treating type 1 diabetes.
In this review, the researchers found that some GLP-1 agonists may be helpful for certain people with type 1 diabetes. Its not known yet whether Trulicity will also be beneficial for people with this condition.
The American Diabetes Association states that more research is needed before GLP-1 agonists such as Trulicity can be recommended for people with type 1 diabetes.
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When To Talk With Your Doctor
If youre interested in taking Ozempic or Trulicity for type 2 diabetes, talk with your doctor. They can help you decide if one of these medications, or a different one, is right for you. You can discuss the information in this article as well as your full health history.
In general, Ozempic and Trulicity are very similar. But some people may find Trulicity pens easier to use than Ozempic pens.
Also, one key difference between the drugs is that Trulicity can sometimes cause serious side effects in your stomach or intestines. So, if you have a severe gastrointestinal condition, Ozempic might be more suitable for you. Your doctor can advise you on your treatment options.
If youd like to learn more about Ozempic or Trulicity, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can help answer any questions you have about these drugs.
What Do I Do If I Miss A Dose Of Trulicity
If you miss your dose of Trulicity, you can administer it as soon as possible within 3 days after the missed dose. After this, you can go back to your regular dosing schedule of once per week.
If there are less than 3 days until your next scheduled dose, dont take your missed dose. Take your next scheduled weekly dose and return back to your regularly scheduled weekly dose!
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Trulicity Is The First And Only Type 2 Diabetes Medicine Approved To Reduce Cardiovascular Events In Adults With And Without Established Cardiovascular Disease
New indication reflects distinct patient population in the REWIND study, including primarily people with multiple cardiovascular risk factors but without established cardiovascular disease
INDIANAPOLIS /PRNewswire/ — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Trulicity® for the reduction of major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes who have established cardiovascular disease or multiple cardiovascular risk factors. This decision makes Eli Lilly and Company’s Trulicity the first and only type 2 diabetes medicine approved to reduce the risk of MACE for both primary and secondary prevention populations.*
The new indication reflects the differentiated patient population of REWIND, the Trulicity cardiovascular outcomes trial. While all participants had CV risk factors, the study consisted primarily of people without established CV disease. REWIND showed a significant risk reduction in MACE, a composite endpoint of nonfatal myocardial infarction , nonfatal stroke or CV death. Results demonstrated consistent MACE risk reduction with Trulicity across major demographic and disease subgroups. Trulicity’s safety profile was consistent with the GLP-1 receptor agonist class. The most common adverse events leading to the discontinuation of Trulicity were gastrointestinal events.
PURPOSE AND SAFETY SUMMARY WITH WARNINGS
Important Facts About Trulicity® . It is also known as dulaglutide.
Warnings
What Is The Most Important Information I Should Know About Ozempic
Ozempic® may cause serious side effects, including:
- Possible thyroid tumors, including cancer. Tell your health care provider if you get a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. These may be symptoms of thyroid cancer. In studies with rodents, Ozempic® and medicines that work like Ozempic® caused thyroid tumors, including thyroid cancer. It is not known if Ozempic® will cause thyroid tumors or a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma in people.
- Do not use Ozempic® if you or any of your family have ever had MTC, or if you have an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 .
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Important Safety Information For Ozempic Injection
WARNING: RISK OF THYROID C-CELL TUMORS
- In rodents, semaglutide causes dose-dependent and treatment-duration-dependent thyroid C-cell tumors at clinically relevant exposures. It is unknown whether Ozempic® causes thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma , in humans as human relevance of semaglutide-induced rodent thyroid C-cell tumors has not been determined.
- Ozempic® is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of MTC and in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 . Counsel patients regarding the potential risk for MTC with the use of Ozempic® and inform them of symptoms of thyroid tumors . Routine monitoring of serum calcitonin or using thyroid ultrasound is of uncertain value for early detection of MTC in patients treated with Ozempic®.
What Does Trulicity Cost
Costs of prescription drugs can vary depending on many factors. These include what your insurance plan covers and which pharmacy you use. You can refer to this article for more information about the cost of Trulicity.
If you have questions about how to pay for your prescription, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also visit the Trulicity manufacturers website to see if they have support options.
Your doctor will explain how you should use Trulicity. They will also explain how much to inject and how often. Be sure to follow your doctors instructions.
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Dosage For Lowering Blood Sugar Levels In Type 2 Diabetes
The usual starting dose of Trulicity to lower blood sugar levels is 0.75 mg once per week. This dosage can be increased to 1.5 mg once per week if your blood glucose level needs to be lowered more.
If your blood glucose level is still too high, your doctor may increase your dosage to 3 mg once weekly. But this will only be done after youve taken the 1.5 mg weekly dose for at least 4 weeks.
After using 3 mg once weekly, if your blood glucose level needs to be lowered further, your doctor may increase your Trulicity dose to 4.5 mg once weekly. But this will only be done after youve taken the 3 mg weekly dose for at least 4 weeks.