Dulaglutide
About Dulaglutide
Dulaglutide is an injectable prescription medicine used to help manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. It is prescribed to lower blood sugar when used alongside a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Additionally, it helps reduce the risk of major heart-related events like heart attacks or strokes in adults who have both type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
This medicine is taken on a regular schedule as prescribed by your doctor to maintain consistent blood sugar control. You can inject this medicine with or without food, at any time of the day. To achieve the best health results, you should combine this treatment with a balanced diet and regular physical activity.
While taking Dulaglutide, you may experience common, mild side effects such as nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, and stomach discomfort. These symptoms are typically temporary, but you must contact your doctor immediately if you experience severe, continuous stomach pain that spreads to your back.
Before starting this treatment, talk to your doctor if you have a history of pancreas problems, severe digestive issues, or kidney disease. Do not take this medicine if you or anyone in your family has ever had a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma, or if you have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2.
This medicine can interact with other diabetes medications like insulin, which may increase your risk of low blood sugar, and drinking alcohol can also cause unpredictable blood sugar changes. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or are an older adult, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist to ensure this treatment is safe for you.
Uses of Dulaglutide
• Management of Type 2 Diabetes: Dulaglutide helps lower blood sugar levels in individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
• Improvement of Insulin Sensitivity: Dulaglutide enhances the action of insulin, making the body's tissues more responsive to it.
• Reduction of Cardiovascular Risks: Regular use of Dulaglutide can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases in diabetic patients.
• Control of Blood Sugar Levels Post Meals: Dulaglutide assists in lowering postprandial blood sugar spikes, which is beneficial for overall diabetes management.
Medicinal Benefits
Dulaglutide offers significant everyday benefits that help improve your quality of life while managing a chronic condition:
- Steady Blood Sugar Control: By keeping your blood sugar levels stable, it helps prevent the fatigue, extreme thirst, and frequent urination associated with high blood sugar.
- Heart Protection: It provides reassurance by actively lowering your risk of life-threatening cardiovascular complications.
- Convenient Schedule: Because it is not a daily injection, it easily fits into a busy lifestyle, reducing the daily burden of medication management.
- Supports Weight Management: Although not a weight loss drug, it slows down stomach emptying, which helps you feel full longer and can support moderate weight reduction.
Directions for Use
- Follow your doctor's instructions regarding the dosage and duration of treatment.
- Check the label for directions and use it as advised by the doctor. Dulaglutide should be injected subcutaneously (under the skin) on your stomach, thigh, or upper arm.
- Rotate the injection site each time.
- Never reuse or share dosing pens.
Storage
Side Effects of Dulaglutide
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhoea or loose stools
- Stomach pain or indigestion
- Decreased appetite
Serious Side Effects (Consult your doctor right away):
- Severe, constant pain in your stomach area that may spread to your back (a sign of pancreas inflammation)
- Signs of a serious allergic reaction, including swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, severe rash, or difficulty breathing
- A lump, swelling, or hoarseness in your neck or trouble swallowing
- Signs of very low blood sugar, such as sweating, shaking, confusion, dizziness, or a fast heartbeat
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Inspect the liquid: Always look at the medicine through the device window before injecting. The liquid must be clear and colourless; do not use it if it looks cloudy, discoloured, or has visible particles.
- Never share pens: Never share your injection pen or device with anyone else, even if you have changed the needle, to prevent the spread of blood-borne infections.
- Rotate your injection sites: Switch your injection spot with each dose between your abdomen, thigh, or upper arm to keep your skin healthy and ensure proper absorption.
- Double-check your medicine: Always read the label on the carton before injecting to make sure you are taking Dulaglutide and not another medicine by mistake.
- Keep a backup handy: Always have a spare injection device available in case your current one is damaged, lost, or stops working.
Drug Interactions
The following medicines may interact with Dulaglutide:
- Insulin and Sulfonylureas: Taking Dulaglutide with these medications may significantly increase your risk of low blood sugar. Your doctor may need to lower your dose of these other medicines.
- Oral Medications: Because Dulaglutide slows down stomach emptying, it can potentially delay the absorption of other medicines taken by mouth. Tell your doctor about all oral medications you take.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeIt is advised to limit alcohol intake since it may worsen the side effects and increase the risk of developing low blood sugar levels.
Pregnancy
consult your doctorPlease consult your doctor before starting Dulaglutide if you are pregnant or planning to conceive. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefit outweighs the risk.
Breast Feeding
consult your doctorThere is insufficient data on how Dulaglutide affects breastfeeding. It is safe to seek medical advice before starting Dulaglutide if you are lactating.
Driving
cautionDo not drive or operate machinery if you experience any signs of low blood sugar.
Liver
consult your doctorLet your doctor know if you have any history of liver diseases or hepatic impairment when prescribed Dulaglutide.
Kidney
consult your doctorLet your doctor know if you have any history of kidney disease when you are prescribed Dulaglutide.
Children
unsafeDulaglutide is not recommended for children and adolescents under 18 years of age.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat smaller meals: To help manage initial mild nausea, try eating smaller, more frequent portions throughout the day instead of three large meals.
- Avoid trigger foods: Limit fried, greasy, or highly sugary foods, as these are more likely to cause or worsen stomach upset.
- Stay well-hydrated: Drink plenty of water and clear fluids throughout the day, especially if you experience vomiting or diarrhoea, to prevent dehydration.
- Stay active: Engage in regular, moderate exercise like brisk walking, which works alongside Dulaglutide to improve insulin sensitivity and support heart health.
- Monitor blood sugar: Keep a regular log of your blood sugar readings as recommended by your doctor to help track how well your treatment plan is working.
Special Advise
It is advised to monitor your blood sugar levels regularly.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease characterised by elevated blood sugar levels. Diabetes mellitus is also known as type 2 diabetes, also referred to as adult-onset diabetes. It occurs when the insulin (a hormone produced by the beta cells of the pancreas) is resistant in breaking down glucose to produce energy (insulin resistance) or the pancreas (an organ behind the stomach) produces little or no insulin at all. This disease mainly occurs in people above 40 years, but can also occur in childhood based on the risk factors. The treatment includes oral glucose-lowering medicines and insulin shots.
FAQs
You can take (inject) Dulaglutide at any time of the day, with or without food. Try to use it on the same day each week. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you need help planning your dosing schedule.
Dulaglutide is not approved for weight loss. However, many people lose weight during treatment because it slows stomach emptying, helps you feel full for longer, and may reduce appetite. Individual results vary. Talk to your doctor about what to expect.
Store unused Dulaglutide in a refrigerator (2°C–8°C), protected from light. Do not freeze it. When traveling, keep it cool (preferably in an insulated travel cooler) and protect it from freezing. If refrigeration is unavailable, it may be kept at room temperature (15°C–30°C) for up to 14 days.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, provided your next scheduled dose is at least 3 days (72 hours) away. If your next dose is due in less than 3 days, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take two doses together.
Dulaglutide on its own rarely causes low blood sugar, but the risk increases if you take it with other diabetes medicines like insulin or sulfonylureas. Talk to your doctor about how to recognise and manage low blood sugar.
You can inject this medicine under the skin of your stomach, thigh, or upper arm. Remember to change your injection spot with each dose to protect your skin. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you need a demonstration on how to inject properly.
No, you must never share your injection pen or device with anyone else, even if the needle has been changed, as this can transmit serious blood infections. Talk to your doctor if you have safety concerns.
Nausea is a common side effect when starting this medicine. Eating smaller meals, avoiding greasy foods, and staying hydrated can help ease this symptom. Talk to your doctor if the nausea is severe or does not go away.
Author Details
