Trulicity Dosage, forms & strengths
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Get started todayTrulicity (dulaglutide) is a prescription glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that is manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company. It is FDA-approved to be used along with diet and exercise to treat type 2 diabetes in adults over the age of 18. It is also approved to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events (heart attack) in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus who have known cardiovascular disease or multiple cardiovascular risk factors. Trulicity is not approved to treat type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.
Trulicity forms and strengths
Trulicity is available as a single-dose pen with the following strengths:
- 0.75 mg/0.5 ml single-dose pen
- 1.5 mg/0.5 ml single-dose pen
- 3 mg/0.5 ml single-dose pen
- 4.5 mg/0.5 ml single-dose pen
Trulicity dosage for adults
Your initial dose of Trulicity is 0.75 mg subcutaneously once weekly. Your dose may then be increased to 1.5 mg once weekly if needed. If you need more glycemic control, it can be increased to 3 mg once weekly after 4 weeks on the 1.5 mg dose. If additional control is still needed, it will be increased to the maximum dose of 4.5 mg once weekly after 4 weeks on the 3 mg dose.
Trulicity adult dosage chart
| Indication | Starting dosage | Standard dosage | Maximum dosage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type 2 diabetes | 0.75mg injected under the skin once weekly. | 0.75mg to 4.5mg injected under the skin once weekly. | 4.5mg injected under the skin once weekly. |
The safety and effectiveness of Trulicity have not been established in pediatric patients. It is not recommended for use in pediatric patients under the age of 18.
Trulicity dosage restrictions
- No dose adjustment is recommended in patients with renal impairment including end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
- Trulicity should be used with caution in patients with mild, moderate, or severe hepatic impairment.
- Trulicity has not been studied in patients with established gastroparesis. It should be used with caution in patients with gastroparesis.
How to take Trulicity
- Read the Instructions for Use and Medication Guide, including the Boxed Warning that come with your Trulicity pen.
- Your healthcare professional should show you how to use Trulicity before you use it for the first time.
- Use Trulicity exactly as your doctor prescribes it.
- Inject Trulicity under the skin of your stomach (abdomen), thigh, or upper arm. Do not inject Trulicity into a muscle or vein.
- Use Trulicity once a week on the same day each week at any time of day. You can change the day you give the injection if your last dose was given at least 3 days before.
- If you miss a weekly dose of Trulicity, take the missed dose immediately if there are at least 3 days until your next scheduled dose. If there are less than 3 days until your next dose, wait and take the next dose on your scheduled day. In each case, you can then resume your regular once-weekly dosing schedule.
- You can take Trulicity with or without food.
- Do not mix insulin and Trulicity in the same injection.
- You may give an injection of Trulicity and insulin in the same area of the body, but not right next to one another.
- Rotate your injection site with each weekly injection.
- Discuss with your doctor how to recognize and treat hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).
- Store Trulicity in its original carton in the refrigerator at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C) away from light. You can keep each single-dose pen at room temperature (59°F to 86°F) for up to 14 days. Do not freeze Trulicity or use it if it’s been frozen.
- You can report side effects at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Trulicity dosage FAQs
What are some side effects of Trulicity?
Some common adverse reactions to Trulicity include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Decreased appetite
- Weight loss
Some serious adverse reactions to Trulicity include:
- Increased risk of thyroid cancer
- Pancreatitis
- Diabetic retinopathy complications
- Worsening gastrointestinal disease
- Hypoglycemia when used in combination with insulin secretagogues or insulin
- Acute kidney injury or worsening kidney disease
- Increased heart rate
- Acute gallbladder disease
- Severe hypersensitivity or allergic reactions
What are some drug interactions with Trulicity?
You are at an increased risk of hypoglycemia if you use Trulicity along with insulin secretagogues (sulfonylureas) or insulin.
Trulicity delays gastric emptying so it can have an impact on the absorption of oral medicines taken along with it.
Are there any contraindications or precautions with Trulicity?
Trulicity is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN-2). It also should not be taken if you have had a serious allergic reaction to Trulicity or any of its inactive ingredients.
How long does Trulicity stay in the system?
Based on its elimination half-life of around 5 days, Trulicity will remain in your bloodstream for approximately 25 days after the last dose.
What is the maximum dosage for Trulicity?
The maximum dose of Trulicity is 4.5mg injected under the skin once weekly.
Is it safe to use Trulicity while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Notify your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Trulicity should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. It is not known if Trulicity is excreted during lactation.
Will lab monitoring be done when taking Eliquis?
While on Trulicity, you should regularly monitor your blood glucose levels. You should be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia (sweating, increased heart rate, shakiness, dizziness). Your doctor may also monitor your kidney function and blood pressure.
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