Trulicity (dulaglutide) is a relatively new drug for type 2 diabetes from Eli Lilly that was approved in 2014. It can be used if your oral medication and diet are not working alone to manage blood sugar levels. It belongs to a group of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists. Trulicity is not available as a generic at this time.
Trulicity is a pen (auto-injector) that you use once a week to regulate blood sugar levels. It acts like the hormone GLP-1 that helps the pancreas to release insulin. It can also help to limit the amount of sugar that enters the bloodstream from the liver.
Trulicity has an added benefit in that it slows down digestion, leaving you fuller longer and even helping lose weight in some cases.
Patients on Trulicity have lowered their A1C levels from 0.7 to 1.6 percent.
Trulicity side effects
There are a few side effects that can come with Trulicity, including:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Decreased appetite
- Fatigue
- Constipation
Rare but more serious side effects include pancreatitis, kidney damage, allergic reaction, or possible thyroid cancer risk.
Don’t take Trulicity if you have gastrointestinal problems, Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2, medullary thyroid carcinoma, or diabetic ketoacidosis.
Users enjoy the ease and comfort of the Trulicity pen, plus the fact that you only have to use it once a week. The pen is preloaded so there’s no need to see a needle, prepare a medication, or perform injections. With insurance, your pen could cost as low as $25 per month. Visit Trulicity’s site for information on savings on Trulicity.
Trulicity is often taken alongside metformin. Alternatives to Trulicity include Victoza, Farxiga, Januvia and insulin. Talk with your doctor about what might be best for you.
If you experience any bothersome side effects with Trulicity, report them on the FDA’s MedWatch page along with reporting them to your personal physician.
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