DULAGLUTIDE (DOO la GLOO tide) treats type 2 diabetes. It works by increasing insulin levels in your body, which decreases your blood sugar (glucose). It also reduces the amount of sugar released into your blood and slows down your digestion. It may also be used to lower the risk of heart attack and stroke in people with type 2 diabetes. Changes to diet and exercise are often combined with this medication.
What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Endocrine tumors (MEN 2) or if someone in your family had these tumors
Eye disease, vision problems
History of pancreatitis
Kidney disease
Liver disease
Stomach or intestine problems
Thyroid cancer or if someone in your family had thyroid cancer
An unusual or allergic reaction to dulaglutide, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
Breast-feeding
How should I use this medication?
This medication is injected under the skin. You will be taught how to prepare and give it. Take it as directed on the prescription label on the same day of each week. Do NOT prime the pen. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.
If you use this medication with insulin, you should inject this medication and the insulin separately. Do not mix them together. Do not give the injections right next to each other. Change (rotate) injection sites with each injection.
This medication comes with INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE. Ask your pharmacist for directions on how to use this medication. Read the information carefully. Talk to your pharmacist or care team if you have questions.
It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or care team to get one.
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 10 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can unless it is more than 3 days late. If it is more than 3 days late, skip the missed dose. Take the next dose at the normal time.
What may interact with this medication?
Other medications for diabetes
Many medications may cause changes in blood sugar, these include:
Alcohol
Antiviral medications for HIV or AIDS
Aspirin and aspirin-like medications
Certain medications for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heartbeat
Chromium
Diuretics
Estrogen or progestin hormones
Fenofibrate
Gemfibrozil
Isoniazid
Lanreotide
MAOIs, such as Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, or Parnate
Medications for allergies, asthma, cold, or cough
Medications for mental health conditions
Medications for weight loss
Niacin
Nicotine
NSAIDs, medications for pain and inflammation, such as ibuprofen or naproxen
Octreotide
Pasireotide
Pentamidine
Phenytoin
Probenecid
Quinolone antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, or ofloxacin
Some herbal dietary supplements
Steroid medications, such as prednisone or cortisone
Sulfamethoxazole; trimethoprim
Testosterone or anabolic steroids
Thyroid hormones
Some medications can hide the warning symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). You may need to monitor your blood sugar more closely if you are taking one of these medications. These include:
Beta blockers, such as atenolol, metoprolol, or propranolol
Clonidine
Guanethidine
Reserpine
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Change in vision
Dehydration—increased thirst, dry mouth, feeling faint or lightheaded, headache, dark yellow or brown urine
Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
Pancreatitis—severe stomach pain that spreads to your back or gets worse after eating or when touched, fever, nausea, vomiting
Thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression
Thyroid cancer—new mass or lump in the neck, pain or trouble swallowing, trouble breathing, hoarseness
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Diarrhea
Loss of appetite
Nausea
Upset stomach
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress.
Check with your care team if you have severe diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, or if you sweat a lot. The loss of too much body fluid may make it dangerous for you to take this medication.
A test called the HbA1C (A1C) will be monitored. This is a simple blood test. It measures your blood sugar control over the last 2 to 3 months. You will receive this test every 3 to 6 months.
Learn how to check your blood sugar. Learn the symptoms of low and high blood sugar and how to manage them.
Always carry a quick-source of sugar with you in case you have symptoms of low blood sugar. Examples include hard sugar candy or glucose tablets. Make sure others know that you can choke if you eat or drink when you develop serious symptoms of low blood sugar, such as seizures or unconsciousness. Get medical help at once.
Tell your care team if you have high blood sugar. You might need to change the dose of your medication. If you are sick or exercising more than usual, you may need to change the dose of your medication.
Do not skip meals. Ask your care team if you should avoid alcohol. Many nonprescription cough and cold products contain sugar or alcohol. These can affect blood sugar.
Pens should never be shared. Even if the needle is changed, sharing may result in passing of viruses like hepatitis or HIV.
Wear a medical ID bracelet or chain. Carry a card that describes your condition. List the medications and doses you take on the card.
Where should I keep my medication?
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Refrigeration (preferred): Store unopened pens in a refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F). Keep it in the original carton until you are ready to take it. Do not freeze or use if the medication has been frozen. Protect from light. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date on the label.
Room Temperature: The pen may be stored at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F) for up to a total of 14 days if needed. Protect from light. Avoid exposure to extreme heat. If it is stored at room temperature, throw away any unused medication after 14 days or after it expires, whichever is first.
To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:
Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
If you cannot return the medication, ask your pharmacist or care team how to get rid of this medication safely.
K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.
This information is educational only and should not be construed as specific instructions for individual patients nor as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk to your health care provider or pharmacist about the information and instructions. K Health assumes no liability for any use or reliance on this information.
