What is Dulaglutide (Trulicity)?
Dulaglutide is an injectable diabetes medicine that is normally prescribed with diet and exercise to help type 2 diabetic adults reduce their blood glucose. This injectable drug can be used alone or as a combination therapy with other diabetes medications. However, this medication should not be used to treat type 1 diabetic patients. Dulaglutide is normally prescribed after other diabetes drugs have been used without success. The brand name of dulaglutide is Trulicity. Trulicity belongs to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. The drug works by stimulating insulin secretion, inhibiting glucagon release and slowing down digestion. Trulicity can also help diabetic patients lose weight in addition to controlling their blood glucose levels. However, unlike other GLP-1 agonists, dulaglutide is injected once every week.
Trulicity side effects
Taking dulaglutide to control your blood sugar may lead to some side effects. Some side effects may go away after your body adjusts to this drug. However, if any of the side effects you are experiencing are bothersome or worrisome, you should contact your health-care provider for medical assistance.
Common side effects
The most common side effect of Trulicity is nausea at the onset of treatment, or at the start of an increased dosage administration. Nausea usually goes away in the first two days up to two weeks.
These are other side effects that should go away on its own after a few days:
- Diarrhea
- Decreased appetite
- Abdominal Pain
- Vomiting
When experiencing these side effects, the following steps can be followed to alleviate any further complications.
- Avoid overeating and eat more frequent, smaller-portioned meals.
- Avoid fried, fatty, and other oily foods.
- Consume bland and soft food.
Other less common side effects may include fatigue, indigestion, and injection site reactions (pain, redness, itching).
Serious side effects
In rare cases, medications trigger severe reactions from the body. Call a doctor immediately should these symptoms arise:
Significant types of allergic reactions called anaphylaxis or angioedema:
- Hives
- Swelling on the face, lips, tongue or throat
- Difficulty breathing
- Light-headedness
Kidney problems
- Decreased urination
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling in the arms and legs
- Extreme tiredness
Hypoglycemia
- Headache
- Erratic heartbeat
- Irritability
- Confusion
- Weakness
- Sweating
Pancreatitis
- Severe pain in the upper abdomen spreading to the back
- Nausea and vomiting
Thyroid C-cell tumors
Conclusion
Trulicity, like all medications, illicit a response from our body ecosystem therefore side effects may occur. It is normal to feel concerned regarding the different symptoms arising in our bodies. What is important is awareness and constant, thorough communication with the physician throughout the entire treatment process.
Doctor’s Recommendation
Trulicity is FDA-approved to help manage blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes. It’s used with diet and exercise. It’s also prescribed to reduce the risk of heart problems in adults with type 2 diabetes who have heart disease or multiple risk factors for it.
Disclaimer: Please note that the contents of this community article are strictly for informational purposes and should not be considered as medical advice. This article, and other community articles, are not written or reviewed for medical validity by Canadian Insulin or its staff. All views and opinions expressed by the contributing authors are not endorsed by Canadian Insulin. Always consult a medical professional for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.
