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What is Trulicity (dulaglutide)?

Dulaglutide is a prescription drug used to treat type 2 diabetes, available under the brand name Trulicity. It comes in a liquid form that you administer with a once-weekly injection.

Trulicity helps manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.Trulicity is just one part of a comprehensive diabetes management plan. Doctors often recommend using it alongside a healthy diet and regular exercise. It can also help reduce your risk of heart problems if you’re at risk for heart disease. 

Do I need a prescription for Trulicity?

Yes, you do. Trulicity is available by prescription only, and you must consult a healthcare provider before taking it.

Type 2 diabetes is a complex and individual condition, so each person requires an individualized treatment plan. Your provider will evaluate a range of factors, such as your age, weight, overall health, and how well-controlled your diabetes is, before prescribing the appropriate dose of Trulicity.

As mentioned earlier, Trulicity is just one part of a comprehensive diabetes treatment plan. Your provider may prescribe it in addition to other medications, and they will likely also recommend a diet and exercise plan that is right for you. If they think it will be beneficial, they may also refer you to a dietitian for personalized nutrition advice. 

Trulicity vs. Ozempic®

Semaglutide (Ozempic) is another injectable medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. Although they contain different active ingredients, both Trulicity and Ozempic are glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. This means they work similarly in the body. 

Trulicity and Ozempic both help manage blood sugar and reduce the risk of heart disease in people with type 2 diabetes. They are FDA-approved for use in managing type 2 diabetes. 

Does Trulicity have a generic version?

No, Trulicity does not have a generic version. Generics are cheaper, non-branded versions of non-biologic drugs. Trulicity is a biologic drug, but it does not have a biosimilar, which would be the equivalent of a “generic” drug. Dulaglutide is only available as the branded Trulicity.

How does Trulicity work?

As previously mentioned, Trulicity is classified as a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It works by attaching to receptors in the pancreas and telling the pancreas to release insulin at specific times. For example, if your blood sugar gets too high, the drug will tell your pancreas to release more insulin to manage it.

Unlike other drugs, GLP-1 receptor agonists are particularly effective because they only stimulate insulin production when blood sugar levels are high. This means your body won’t release excess insulin when it doesn’t need it and cause hypoglycemia.

Trulicity also works by blocking glucagon, a hormone that tells the liver to break down and release sugar. This helps reduce blood sugar.

How to use the Trulicity Pen

Trulicity comes as a liquid already inside a single-use injection pen. You only use each pen once and dispose of it after administering your injection. This means you don’t need to refill a syringe yourself, and you’ll use a new injection pen for each dose.

In most cases, you’ll take Trulicity once per week. You should try administering your injection at the same time on the same day each week. 

To use the medication, you can inject it into your belly, thigh, or upper arm. Try to use different injection sites to avoid bruising and soreness.

Your healthcare provider or pharmacist will show you how to give yourself injections. Contact your provider if you have any questions or difficulties administering the drug. 

Trulicity side effects

Like all drugs, Trulicity can cause some mild to moderate side effects. These include:

• Stomach pain
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Appetite loss
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Weight loss
• Rash or bruising 

In rare cases, it can cause more serious side effects. Some of these include:

• Kidney problems
• Ongoing vomiting or diarrhea
• Gallbladder disease
• Swelling in the pancreas
• Allergic reactions

If you think you are having an allergic reaction and experience symptoms like throat swelling, rash, or hives, seek immediate medical attention.

Considerations and precautions for Trulicity

Trulicity does carry some risks, so it’s important to discuss these with your provider. One of the main considerations is Trulicity’s boxed warning for thyroid cancer. Animal studies have shown that it increases the risk of thyroid cancer—and although these results haven’t been replicated in humans, it’s important to be aware of them. 

If you have a family history of thyroid cancer, your provider may recommend a different drug instead of Trulicity. They’ll likely also make sure you’re aware of the symptoms of thyroid cancer. These include: 

• Hoarseness
• Difficulty swallowing
• Shortness of breath
• A lump in the neck

Can you buy Trulicity online?

You cannot buy Trulicity online without a prescription because it is not an over-the-counter (OTC) drug. However, an online doctor can prescribe it if they think it is the right medication for you. 

If you have type 2 diabetes, your online healthcare provider may recommend Trulicity. First, they’ll discuss your medical history and symptoms to determine whether or not you need medication and, if so, which option is best. You will likely need one or more follow-up appointments to discuss any side effects and adjust the dosage as needed.