Trulicity® Injection Pens for Type 2 Diabetes

What Trulicity® Is and How It Works

Trulicity® (dulaglutide) is a once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist injection used with diet and exercise to help manage type 2 diabetes. This page explains how it works, safe use, and access to Canadian pricing that ships to the US. It also helps compare the Trulicity price, including without insurance and cash-pay details, with US delivery from Canada.

At CanadianInsulin, orders are filled by licensed Canadian pharmacies after we confirm a valid prescription with your clinic.

Trulicity activates GLP-1 receptors to support glucose control. It increases insulin release when blood glucose is high, reduces glucagon, and slows stomach emptying. These actions lower fasting and after-meal sugar levels. It is not insulin and does not replace basal or mealtime insulin when those medications are required.

In adults with type 2 diabetes, Trulicity improves glycemic control as an adjunct to lifestyle changes. It also has an approved use to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes who have cardiovascular disease or multiple cardiovascular risk factors.

Who Trulicity® Is For

Trulicity is prescribed for adults with type 2 diabetes as an adjunct to diet and exercise. It may be used alone or with other therapies, including metformin, SGLT2 inhibitors, DPP-4 inhibitors, basal insulin, or a sulfonylurea. It is not indicated for type 1 diabetes or for treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis. It is not a weight loss medication, although weight change can occur.

Do not use dulaglutide in anyone with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2. Avoid use after a serious hypersensitivity reaction to dulaglutide. Use caution in individuals with a history of pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, severe gastrointestinal disease such as gastroparesis, or those at risk of dehydration or renal impairment.

Dosage and Usage

The typical starting dose is 0.75 mg injected once weekly. After at least 4 weeks, many patients increase to 1.5 mg once weekly if more glucose lowering is needed. If additional reduction is required, the dose may be increased to 3 mg once weekly after at least 4 weeks at 1.5 mg, and then to 4.5 mg once weekly after at least 4 weeks at 3 mg. The maximum recommended dose is 4.5 mg once weekly.

Inject subcutaneously into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Administer on the same day each week, with or without food. Rotate injection sites. If used with insulin, administer as a separate injection and do not mix products in the same syringe. Review the Instructions for Use that accompany the pen to understand priming, unlocking, and injection steps.

Weekly dosing can be scheduled on any day. If a different day fits better, change the dosing day while ensuring at least 3 days between injections. Do not split or share doses.

For a quick visual overview of titration and strengths, see Trulicity Dosage Chart.

Strengths and Forms

• 0.75 mg/0.5 mL single-dose prefilled pen
• 1.5 mg/0.5 mL single-dose prefilled pen
• 3 mg/0.5 mL single-dose prefilled pen
• 4.5 mg/0.5 mL single-dose prefilled pen

Each pen delivers one full dose. Packaging and availability may vary by strength and pack size.

Missed Dose and Timing

If a scheduled dose is missed and at least 3 days remain until the next dose, administer the missed dose as soon as possible. If fewer than 3 days (72 hours) remain, skip the missed dose and take the next dose on the regular day. Do not take two doses within 3 days of each other. The weekly dosing day may be changed as long as at least 3 days pass between doses.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store unopened pens in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Do not freeze. Protect from light by keeping pens in their original carton. If needed, unopened pens may be kept at room temperature for up to 14 days, at temperatures not above 30°C (86°F). Do not use a pen that has been frozen or exposed to excessive heat. Do not shake pens.

For travel, keep pens in an insulated bag with cold packs and avoid direct sunlight. Do not leave pens in a parked car. When flying, carry medication in hand luggage and keep it with you. CanadianInsulin ships using cold-chain handling to help maintain proper temperature during transit.

Pen Handling and Sharps Disposal

Each pen is single use and has a hidden needle. Wash hands, check the label and expiry date, and inspect the solution through the pen window; the liquid should appear clear and colorless. Remove the base cap only when ready to inject. Place the pen flat against the skin, unlock as directed, and press the injection button. Keep the pen in place until the second click and then hold for several seconds to ensure the full dose is delivered.

Do not share pens with anyone. Do not attempt to recap a used pen. After the injection, place the used pen in an FDA-cleared sharps container or a heavy-duty household container that can be closed and labeled. Follow local rules for disposal of sharps. Keep all injection supplies away from children and pets.

Benefits

Trulicity offers once-weekly dosing, which can simplify a diabetes routine. It is effective at lowering A1C when combined with diet and exercise. Many patients also see modest weight loss, although results vary. When used alone, the risk of hypoglycemia is low due to glucose-dependent action. The auto-injector has a hidden needle and delivers a full dose with a straightforward sequence. Another potential benefit is the approved reduction in major cardiovascular events in eligible adults with type 2 diabetes.

For a patient-friendly overview, read Trulicity Pros And Cons.

Side Effects and Safety

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Decreased appetite
• Indigestion or burping
• Constipation
• Injection-site reactions
• Fatigue

Serious risks include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, severe allergic reactions, and kidney issues related to dehydration. Trulicity carries a boxed warning for potential risk of thyroid C-cell tumors based on rodent studies. Do not use in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or in those with MEN2. Patients should seek care for neck masses, hoarseness, or trouble swallowing. Hypoglycemia can occur, especially when used with insulin or a sulfonylurea.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

• Insulin or sulfonylureas: may increase hypoglycemia risk; monitoring is needed.
• Drugs with a narrow therapeutic index: delayed gastric emptying may affect absorption; consider spacing and monitoring as clinically appropriate.
• Oral antibiotics or pain medicines: slowed stomach emptying can delay onset; clinical relevance varies.
• Diuretics or NSAIDs: dehydration from gastrointestinal effects may impact kidneys; monitor hydration and renal function.
• Severe gastrointestinal disease such as gastroparesis: use is not recommended.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: discuss potential risks and benefits with a clinician.
• Not for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.

Always share a complete medication list and medical history with the treating clinician to evaluate risks and interactions.

What to Expect Over Time

Gastrointestinal effects are most common at the start and during dose increases. These often lessen with time as the body adapts. Glucose control typically improves over several weeks, with additional A1C reduction after each labeled titration step. Weight change varies by person. Consistent weekly dosing and follow-up lab checks help track progress. For practical tips on timing, meals, and dose adjustments under a clinician’s guidance, see Optimize Trulicity Dose.

Compare With Alternatives

Other GLP-1 therapies can be considered if dulaglutide is not suitable or if a different delivery method is preferred. Weekly semaglutide is available as Ozempic® Pens. Oral semaglutide is available as Rybelsus® Tablets. For a side-by-side overview, read Trulicity Vs Ozempic. To browse similar therapies, visit Non Insulin Injectable Medications.

Some patients may also use basal or mealtime insulin when GLP-1 therapy alone is not enough. Choices vary by clinical need and prescriber guidance.

Pricing and Access

With CanadianInsulin, it is simple to buy Trulicity online from Canada with US shipping. Check current Trulicity price listings by strength and pen count. Many customers compare the Trulicity pen price and Trulicity injection price to decide on pack size and refill timing. You can view the Trulicity price from Canada and confirm Trulicity Canadian pricing in real time during checkout, with Trulicity US shipping supported. Many also compare the retail price of Trulicity with Canadian options to understand potential savings.

If paying cash, this page helps estimate Trulicity monthly cost and Trulicity cost per month based on the labeled weekly dosing schedule. It also explains the Trulicity price without insurance and typical ways people handle a Trulicity cash price or a Trulicity self pay price. Strengths differ, so it is helpful to review the Trulicity 0.75 mg pen price, Trulicity 1.5 mg pen price, Trulicity 3 mg pen price, and Trulicity 4.5 mg pen price before placing an order. Where listed, the site also shows the Dulaglutide price and the Trulicity 3 mg cost for comparison.

Pricing can vary with manufacturer supply and pack configuration. For extra savings opportunities, check our Promotions. CanadianInsulin offers secure, encrypted checkout and US delivery from Canada. We provide prompt, express, cold-chain shipping for products that require refrigeration.

Availability and Substitutions

Availability can change by strength and package. If a specific presentation is not available, a prescriber may recommend a different strength or an alternative therapy. Any substitution should follow clinical guidance and official labeling.

Patient Suitability and Cost Saving Tips

Good candidates are adults with type 2 diabetes who need additional glucose lowering despite diet and exercise. It may be considered alongside metformin, SGLT2 inhibitors, or basal insulin. It is not appropriate for those with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN2, or for individuals with type 1 diabetes. Use caution with a history of pancreatitis or severe gastrointestinal disease.

Cost-saving ideas include ordering multi-month supplies when appropriate, aligning refills to avoid urgent purchases, and reviewing insurance or health spending accounts. Set calendar reminders for the weekly dose and for refills. When traveling, store pens correctly and plan refrigeration during transit to avoid waste and replacement costs.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Is 0.75 mg the right starting dose for current A1C and goals?
• When should the dose be increased to 1.5 mg, 3 mg, or 4.5 mg?
• How should other diabetes medicines be adjusted when adding dulaglutide?
• What warning signs of pancreatitis or thyroid issues require urgent evaluation?
• Is GLP-1 therapy appropriate given cardiovascular history and risk factors?
• How should injections be coordinated with any insulin or a sulfonylurea?
• Which labs should be monitored, and how often?
• How should missed doses be handled given the weekly schedule?

Authoritative Sources

• Eli Lilly Trulicity Prescribing Information
• FDA DailyMed Trulicity
• Health Canada Drug Product Database

Start your order with US delivery from Canada and prompt, express, cold-chain shipping.