Trulicity

The active ingredient in Trulicity is dulaglutide, which is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It functions similarly to the body's naturally occurring GLP-1 hormone. This hormone decreases blood glucose (sugar) by stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin, inhibiting the liver's production of sugar, and slowing digestion.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide, before using Trulicity. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Trulicity:

• Use Trulicity once every week, on the same day, and at any time of day. You can modify the day of the week as long as your last dose was administered three days or more ago.
• Trulicity can be taken with or without food.
• Trulicity is injected subcutaneously with a Trulicity pen into your stomach area, thigh, or upper arm.
• Your healthcare professional will show you how to inject Trulicity yourself with the single-dose pen, or you can have a carer administer it to you.
• You can inject Trulicity with insulin in the same bodily location (such as your stomach), but not exactly next to the other. Change (rotate) your injection site every week.

The most common side effects of Trulicity include:

• Nausea or vomiting.
• Stomach pain.
• Low appetite.
• Constipation.
• Bloating.
• Injection site reactions.
• Fatigue or drowsiness.
• Indigestion.
• Lightheadedness.
• Rapid heartbeat.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Trulicity. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia), with symptoms such as blurred vision, confusion, cold sweats, excessive hunger, a fast heartbeat, drowsiness, slurred speech, headache, nausea, trouble sleeping, shakiness, or unusual fatigue or weakness. This is more likely to happen if you take Trulicity with other diabetes medicines like insulin or a sulfonylurea.
• Thyroid cancer symptoms include a lump in the neck, difficulty breathing or swallowing, and hoarseness.
• Pancreatic inflammation (pancreatitis) causes severe stomach discomfort that radiates to the back, as well as nausea and vomiting.
• Tiredness, dry and itchy skin, increased urination, bloody or foamy urine, swelling in your feet or ankles, and muscular cramps are all signs of kidney problems.
• Gallbladder problems include severe upper abdominal and back pain, yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice), fever, nausea, and vomiting.
• Worsening vision problems.
• Serious allergic reactions include rash, hives, swelling of your face, tongue, and throat, trouble swallowing, and difficulty breathing.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Trulicity. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Trulicity, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including whether you have:

• Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2.
• Heart disease.
• A personal or familial history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (a type of thyroid cancer).
• Diabetic ketoacidosis (see your doctor about therapy).
• Problems with the pancreas, kidneys, or liver.
• Severe stomach problems, such as delayed emptying (gastroparesis) or difficulty digesting meals.
• A history of diabetic retinopathy.
• Type 1 diabetes.
• A scheduled surgery or other operations that need anesthesia or deep sleep (deep sedation).

Boxed Warning

Trulicity may cause thyroid C-cell tumors in rats; the danger to humans has not been evaluated. However, it is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN-2). Counsel patients about the risk of MTC with therapy and inform them of symptoms of thyroid tumors (e.g., mass in the neck, dysphagia, dyspnoea, persistent hoarseness); routine monitoring of serum calcitonin or using thyroid ultrasound is of uncertain value for early detection of MTC in patients receiving therapy.

• Personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer (MTC)
• Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)

Trulicity begins working to treat your diabetes immediately after you inject it. However, it may take a few weeks before you notice the medicine working to control your blood sugar levels.

When Trulicity is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions.

• Other diabetes medications, such as insulin or sulfonylureas.

Trulicity (dulaglutide) is injected beneath the skin in the stomach or thighs once weekly. If someone else administers the injection, they may also utilize the back of your upper arm.

You will typically begin with a lower dose and, after at least four weeks, your prescriber may increase it if you require better blood sugar management. If you experience stomach-related adverse effects, your doctor may reduce your dose.

Adults: The usual starting dose is 0.75 mg once per week. The maximum dose is 4.5 mg once per week.

Children's normal starting dose is 0.75 mg once per week. The maximum dose is 1.5 mg once per week.

If you miss a dose of Trulicity, take the missed dose as soon as possible if there are at least 3 days (72 hours) until your next dose.

Store unopened Trulicity pens in the original carton in the refrigerator. You can also keep them out at room temperature (below 86°F) for up to 14 days. Keep it out of the reach of children.

Eli Lilly is the company that manufactures Trulicity.

There is no generic version of Trulicity available.

If you suddenly stop using Trulicity, you are your blood sugar levels may rise. If you want to stop using Trulicity, consult your doctor first. They will advise when it is safe to stop taking the medicine.

It is not known if Trulicity will harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while using Trulicity. They will recommend what is best for you and your baby.

Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.