Dulaglutide

💊 What is Dulaglutide used for?

• •The label says dulaglutide is used along with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar (glucose) in adults and children 10 years of age and older with type 2 diabetes. It is also used to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events, such as death, heart attack, or stroke, in adults with type 2 diabetes who have known heart disease or multiple cardiovascular risk factors. The label says it is not known if it is safe and effective to lower blood sugar in children under 10.

How it works

The label describes dulaglutide as a GLP-1 receptor agonist, a human-made protein that is similar to the natural GLP-1 hormone. The label says it delays stomach emptying, which can change how quickly other oral medicines are absorbed.

How it is usually taken

• •The label says it is injected under the skin of the stomach (abdomen), thigh, or upper arm. It is not to be injected into a muscle or a vein. It is taken once a week, on the same day each week, at any time of day, with or without food. The label says the day of the week can be changed as long as the last dose was given 3 or more days earlier. The injection site should be rotated with each weekly injection. Do not mix it with insulin in the same injection. The label says a healthcare provider should show you how to use it before your first use, and that you should read the Instructions for Use that comes with it. Follow the instructions from your prescriber or pharmacist.

Comes as

• •Clear, colorless solution in single-dose pens: 0.75 mg/0.5 mL
• •Clear, colorless solution in single-dose pens: 1.5 mg/0.5 mL
• •Clear, colorless solution in single-dose pens: 3 mg/0.5 mL
• •Clear, colorless solution in single-dose pens: 4.5 mg/0.5 mL

⚠️ Dulaglutide side effects

🛑 Who should not take Dulaglutide, and who should be careful

The label says not to take it if

• 🚨You or any of your family have ever had medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC).
• 🚨You have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
• 🚨You have had a serious allergic reaction to dulaglutide or any of its ingredients.

Tell your doctor before taking it if

• •Tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including problems with your pancreas, severe stomach problems such as slowed stomach emptying (gastroparesis) or trouble digesting food, and a history of diabetic retinopathy.
• •Tell your provider if you are scheduled for surgery or other procedures that use anesthesia or deep sedation. The label says these procedures have been linked with pulmonary aspiration in people taking GLP-1 receptor agonists.
• •Tell your provider if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
• •Tell your provider about all medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
• •Talk with your provider about low blood sugar and how to manage it, especially if you also take insulin or a sulfonylurea.
• •The label says it is not known if dulaglutide is safe and effective in children under 10.

🔀 Dulaglutide with other medicines, food and alcohol

The label says to discuss these with your doctor or pharmacist

• •Oral medicines: The label says dulaglutide delays stomach emptying and may reduce how quickly other oral medicines are absorbed. The label says to monitor drug levels of oral medicines with a narrow therapeutic index, such as warfarin.
• •Insulin or sulfonylureas: The label says using these with dulaglutide may increase the risk of low blood sugar, including severe low blood sugar. The label says your provider may consider reducing the dose of these medicines when starting dulaglutide.
• •The label says to tell your provider about all medicines, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Alcohol and food

The label says dulaglutide may be taken with or without food. The label does not give information about alcohol.

🤰 Dulaglutide in pregnancy and breastfeeding

Pregnancy

The label says there is limited data in pregnant women. Animal studies showed fetal risks at exposures at or above the maximum recommended human dose. The label says it should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. The label also says it is not known if dulaglutide will harm an unborn baby, and to tell your provider if you become pregnant while using it.

Breastfeeding

The label says it is not known if dulaglutide passes into breast milk. It says you and your healthcare provider should decide whether to breastfeed while taking it.

🗓️ Storage, missed doses and taking too much

Storage

The label says to store dulaglutide in the refrigerator at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). Each single-dose pen can be kept at room temperature, not above 86°F (30°C), for a total of 14 days if needed. Do not freeze it, and do not use it if it has been frozen. Protect it from light. Keep it in the original carton until time of use.

If a dose is missed

The label says that if a dose is missed, you should take it as soon as possible if there are at least 3 days (72 hours) until the next scheduled dose. If less than 3 days remain, skip the missed dose and take the next dose on the regularly scheduled day. The label says not to take 2 doses within 3 days of each other. Follow the instructions from your prescriber or pharmacist.

If too much is taken

The label says overdoses have been reported in clinical studies, mainly with mild or moderate nausea and vomiting and non-severe low blood sugar. If you take too much, the label says to call your healthcare provider or the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222, or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away.

🗒️ Questions to ask about Dulaglutide

• Am I at risk for thyroid C-cell tumors or MTC, based on my personal and family medical history?
• What symptoms of thyroid problems should I watch for, and who should I call if I notice them?
• How should I manage low blood sugar, especially if I also take insulin or a sulfonylurea?
• What should I do if I miss a weekly dose?
• Should I tell my surgeon or anesthesia team that I use this medicine before any procedure?
• How should I store my pens, including when I travel?

❓ Dulaglutide: frequently asked questions