GLP-1 & incretin medicines

Trulicity

dulaglutide · GLP-1 receptor agonist · Eli Lilly

✓Last reviewed · Written by Dr. George Grunberger · Medical review: pending — clinician review in progress · How we review

In short

Trulicity (dulaglutide) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist made by Eli Lilly, used for blood sugar control in adults and children 10+ with type 2 diabetes and lower cardiovascular risk in adults with type 2 diabetes. Schedule: once weekly. It is prescription-only in the US and Canada.

FormSingle-dose pen
How oftenOnce weekly
United StatesFDA-approved.
CanadaApproved in Canada.
PrescriptionRequired
⚠ Boxed warning: risk of thyroid C-cell tumors. Do not use if you or a family member has had medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or if you have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).

What it is used for

  • Blood sugar control in adults and children 10+ with type 2 diabetes
  • Lower cardiovascular risk in adults with type 2 diabetes

Trulicity dosage

Per the official label. Your prescriber sets your dose — never change it on your own.

Trulicity label dosing schedule
1Start0.75 mg weekly
2If needed1.5 mg, then 3 mg, then 4.5 mg weekly, each after at least 4 weeks
3Maximum4.5 mg weekly
Trulicity dose stepsStart: 0.75 mg; If needed: 1.5 mg; Maximum: 4.5 mg0.75 mgStart1.5 mgIf needed4.5 mgMaximum
Trulicity label titration, step by step. Doses go up only as tolerated and as your prescriber decides.

How to take it

Inject once weekly, any time of day, with or without food.

Storage

Refrigerate; may be kept at room temperature up to 14 days.

Side effects

Common

  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Abdominal pain
  • Indigestion / heartburn
  • Fatigue
  • Decreased appetite

Serious — get medical help

  • Pancreatitis (severe stomach pain that may spread to the back)
  • Gallbladder problems, including gallstones
  • Low blood sugar when combined with insulin or a sulfonylurea
  • Kidney problems, often from dehydration after vomiting or diarrhea
  • Serious allergic reactions
  • Diabetic retinopathy complications (people with type 2 diabetes)
  • Pulmonary aspiration during anesthesia or deep sedation — tell your surgical team you take it

Who should not use it

  • Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, or MEN 2
  • Prior serious allergic reaction to the drug or its ingredients
  • Pregnancy (stop before a planned pregnancy as advised by your prescriber)
  • Use together with another GLP-1 receptor agonist

Cost

Lilly has offered Trulicity through LillyDirect at discounts off list price. Verify current pricing.

GLP-1 cost without insurance →

How to buy Trulicity legally

  1. Get a prescription from your doctor or a licensed telehealth provider.
  2. Fill it at a licensed pharmacy, or through the manufacturer's self-pay pharmacy.
  3. Verify any online pharmacy first (US: safe.pharmacy; Canada: your provincial pharmacy college register).

Buying legally in the USA → Buying legally in Canada →

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Is Trulicity used for weight loss?

It is approved for type 2 diabetes. Some weight loss can occur, but it is not approved as a weight-management drug.

Also searched as: dulaglutide, Trulicity pen, Truclicity, Trulicty, Trulicity 4.5 mg, Trulicity price

Sources

Checked against these primary sources on .

GLP-1 & incretin medicinesOzempic (injection)semaglutide · Once weeklyGLP-1 & incretin medicinesMounjarotirzepatide · Once weeklyGLP-1 & incretin medicinesVictoza (and generic liraglutide)liraglutide · Once daily
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