Trulicity

Trulicity (dulaglutide) is a prescription medication used to manage type 2 diabetes in adults. It belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which work by:

• Stimulating insulin release (when blood sugar is high)

• Reducing glucagon secretion (a hormone that raises blood sugar)

• Slowing gastric emptying (helps control appetite and post-meal blood sugar spikes)

Key Features of Trulicity:

• Administration: Once-weekly subcutaneous (under the skin) injection.

• Forms: Available in single-dose pens (0.75 mg, 1.5 mg, 3 mg, and 4.5 mg).

• Common Side Effects: Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, decreased appetite.

• Serious Risks: Possible thyroid C-cell tumors (seen in animal studies; contraindicated in those with a personal/family history of medullary thyroid cancer or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2).

Benefits:

• Helps lower HbA1c (average blood sugar levels).

• May support weight loss in some patients.

• Shown to reduce cardiovascular risks (like heart attack or stroke) in people with type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Who Should Avoid It?

• People with type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.

• Those with severe gastrointestinal disease (e.g., gastroparesis).

• History of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN-2 syndrome.