Trulicity Injection: Uses, Side effects, Price, and more

About Trulicity Injection:

Trulicity Injection containing Dulaglutide is a prescription medicine for Diabetes type 2 (diabetes mellitus) in adults, used in addition to diet and exercise for regulating blood sugar levels. It is also used to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular risks in adults with diabetes.

Trulicity injection is an FDA-approved injection belonging to the class of antidiabetics.

Trulicity is similar to the incretin hormone in the body. It works by activating GLP, glucagon-like peptide-1 in the pancreatic beta cells. This increases the release of insulin from the beta cells and thus, reduces the blood glucose concentration.

• Marketed by:   

           Eli Lilly pharmaceutical 

• Generic:                 

Dulaglutide

• Drug Class:    

Antidiabetic (GLP-1 agonist)

• Product Form:

         Injection

Available strengths of Trulicity 

The injection is available as a single dose pen for subcutaneous (SC) injection in the following different strengths;

• 0.75mg/0.5ml
• 1.5mg/0.5ml
• 3mg/0.5ml
• 4.5mg/0.5ml

Trulicity Injection uses

Trulicity injection is prescribed for a number of conditions including;

• Diabetes Type 2: Trulicity is prescribed in patients with diabetes mellitus as an adjunct to diet and exercise for controlling blood glucose levels. It is indicated for glycemic control in adults and children >10 years of age.

• Reduces risk of cardiovascular events: Trulicity is also prescribed in patients who are previously diagnosed or at risk of major cardiovascular events like stroke, heart attack, or associated diseases of blood vessels.

What is the price of a Trulicity Injection in Pakistan?

The price of a Trulicity injection in Pakistan ranges between 4300-4500 PKR/injection. The price may vary depending on the strength and manufacturer of the injection.

How to take a Trulicity Injection?

• Trulicity injection is a prescription parenteral medicine hence it should only be used according to the doctor’s advice.
• The injection is inserted subcutaneously in the abdomen, upper thigh, or upper arm.
• Place the injection out of the refrigerator 30 mins prior to injection.
• Trulicity injections can be taken with or without food.
• Do not share your syringe pen with anyone.
• The injection is usually prescribed for once-weekly administration. 
• Try using the injection at the same time and day every week.
• Do not mix insulin and Trulicity in the same syringe.

Dosage of Trulicity Injection

Take the medicine as prescribed by the diabetologist. The prescribed dose may vary depending on the blood sugar levels.

The usual dose of Trulicity injection is 0.75mg once weekly which can be increased to 1.5mg weekly if additional glycemic control is required. 

What are the side effects of Trulicity Injection?

Possible side effects associated with Trulicity injection include;

• Indigestion
• Nausea and vomiting
• Intestinal discomfort
• Tiredness
• Weakness
• Dry mouth
• Hypoglycemia (if prescribed with other antidiabetics)
• Irregular heartbeat
• Vision disturbances
• Gall bladder disease

Interactions of Trulicity with other medicines

Inform the diabetes doctor about all the prescription or over-the-counter medicines that you are taking before using Trulicity injection as significant drug interactions can result in adverse effects. 

Also, provide complete medical history along with any other antidiabetics that you are taking to the doctor.

Trulicity injections can interact with drugs like;

• Acetazolamide
• Timolol and other beta blockers
• Acetylsalicylic acid
• Celecoxib

Consult the best diabetologist in case of any complications associated with the co-administration of Trulicity with any other medicine.

Warnings and Precautions associated with Trulicity Injection

The special warnings and precautions limiting the Trulicity Injection use are;

• Contraindicated in thyroid carcinoma
• Hypersensitivity reaction

Is it safe to use Trulicity Injection during pregnancy?

Limited data is available for the use of Trulicity injection in pregnancy and the effect of the drug on the fetus. However, the injection is usually prescribed if the beneficial effects of the drug outclass the possible associated risks in the fetus.

What are the effects of a Trulicity overdose?

Trulicity overdose results in mild to moderate symptoms affecting the gastrointestinal system such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Mild hypoglycemia is also reported associated with the overdose of the injection.

In case of any event associated with the medicine overdose, it is advised to seek medical consultation as soon as possible to avoid any life-threatening complications.

Missed Injection dose

It is recommended to take the medicines according to the prescribed dosing schedule. However, if you miss a dose and there are 3 or more days left until the next dose, take the dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if the time of the next dose is near.

Avoid taking the two doses at a time as it may result in hypoglycemia.

How to store a Trulicity Injection?

• Store the injection in the refrigerator
• Do not freeze the injection, discard it if frozen
• Protect the injection from sunlight
• Do not use the injection after the expiry date
• Storage in the original container is recommended
• Keep all the medicines out of the reach of children

You can seek consultation with a diabetes doctor for assistance.

FAQs

1.  What foods are to be avoided while taking Trulicity?

It is recommended to avoid fatty foods and foods high in carbohydrates or rich in sugar content. These foods are hard to digest while taking Trulicity injection and can increase nausea.

2.  Can Trulicity increase weight?

Trulicity is an antidiabetic containing dulaglutide. Unlike, insulin and many other antidiabetics, significant weight loss is reported with the use of Trulicity injection as it makes you feel full. However, it is not a primary weight loss medicine.

3.  What is the best way to inject Trulicity?

Inject Trulicity subcutaneously in the abdomen or upper arm to minimize the pain associated with the injection. Rotate the site of injection every week to prevent the injection site reaction.