Dulaglutide
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
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Drug Status
Government Approvals
US(FDA)
WHO Essential Medicine
NO
Known Teratogen
No
Pharmaceutical Class
GLP-1 Receptor Agonist
Controlled Drug Substance
No
Summary
Dulaglutide is used to treat type 2 diabetes, which is a condition where the body doesn't use insulin properly, leading to high blood sugar levels. It helps lower blood sugar when combined with a healthy diet and exercise.
Dulaglutide works by mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which helps regulate blood sugar levels. It increases insulin release and slows stomach emptying, which helps control blood sugar after meals.
Dulaglutide is usually taken once a week as an injection under the skin, which is called a subcutaneous injection. The starting dose is typically 0.75 mg, which may be increased to 1.5 mg if needed.
Common side effects of dulaglutide include nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting, which are usually mild and may decrease over time as the body adjusts to the medication.
Dulaglutide can increase the risk of thyroid tumors, including cancer, and pancreatitis, which is inflammation of the pancreas. It should not be used by people with a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2.
Indications and Purpose
How does dulaglutide work?
Dulaglutide works by mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which helps regulate blood sugar levels. It increases insulin release and slows stomach emptying, which helps control blood sugar after meals. Think of it like a traffic light that helps manage the flow of sugar into your bloodstream. This makes dulaglutide helpful for people with type 2 diabetes.
Is dulaglutide effective?
Dulaglutide is effective in treating type 2 diabetes. It helps control blood sugar levels by increasing insulin release and slowing stomach emptying. Clinical studies show dulaglutide significantly improves blood sugar control, lowering HbA1c levels. It also helps with weight loss, which can benefit overall health. Dulaglutide is usually used alongside diet and exercise to manage diabetes effectively.
What is dulaglutide?
Dulaglutide is a medication for type 2 diabetes that helps control blood sugar when you also follow a healthy diet and exercise plan. It belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which work by increasing insulin release and slowing stomach emptying. Dulaglutide is used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes and can also aid in weight loss.
Directions for Use
For how long do I take dulaglutide?
Dulaglutide is usually a long-term medication for managing type 2 diabetes. You'll typically take dulaglutide every week as a lifelong treatment unless your doctor suggests otherwise. Stopping this medication without medical advice could cause your condition to worsen. How long you'll need this medication depends on your body's response, any side effects you experience, and changes in your overall health.
How do I dispose of dulaglutide?
If you can, bring unused dulaglutide to a drug take-back program or collection site at a pharmacy or hospital. They will dispose of this medicine properly so it doesn't harm people or the environment. If you can't find a take-back program, you can throw most medicines in the trash at home. But first, take them out of their original containers, mix them with something undesirable like used coffee grounds, seal the mixture in a plastic bag, and throw it away.
How do I take dulaglutide?
Dulaglutide is usually taken once a week. You can take it with or without food. It's important to follow your doctor's instructions on how to use it. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Never take two doses at once. Always follow your doctor's specific advice about diet and fluid intake while taking this medication.
How long does it take for dulaglutide to start working?
Dulaglutide begins working in your body shortly after you take it, but you may not notice all the benefits right away. For type 2 diabetes, you might see some improvement in blood sugar levels within a few weeks. The full benefits may take several months to appear. How quickly the medication works can depend on your overall health and how well you follow your treatment plan.
How should I store dulaglutide?
Store dulaglutide in the refrigerator between 36°F to 46°F. If needed, you can keep it at room temperature, up to 86°F, for up to 14 days. Keep it in its original packaging to protect it from light. Don't freeze dulaglutide, and don't use it if it has been frozen. Always store dulaglutide out of children's reach to prevent accidental swallowing.
What is the usual dose of dulaglutide?
The usual starting dose of dulaglutide for adults is 0.75 mg once a week. Your doctor may increase your dose to 1.5 mg weekly if needed. Always follow your doctor's specific dosing instructions for your personal health needs. Dulaglutide is not typically used in children, and elderly patients may require careful monitoring.
Warnings and Precautions
Can dulaglutide be taken safely while breastfeeding?
Dulaglutide is not recommended while breastfeeding. We don't have much information about whether this medication passes into human breast milk. While we don't have specific reports of harm to breastfed babies from dulaglutide, we can't rule out potential risks. If you're taking dulaglutide and want to breastfeed, talk with your doctor about safer medication options that would allow you to nurse your baby safely.
Can dulaglutide be taken safely while pregnant?
Dulaglutide isn't recommended during pregnancy. We don't have much information about its use in pregnant women. However, uncontrolled diabetes during pregnancy can cause serious problems for both mother and baby. If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor about the safest way to manage your blood sugar during this important time. Your doctor can help create a pregnancy-specific treatment plan that protects both you and your baby.
Can I take dulaglutide with other prescription drugs?
Dulaglutide has no major drug interactions, but it can interact with other diabetes medications, increasing the risk of low blood sugar, which is called hypoglycemia. Always inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking to avoid potential interactions. Your doctor can adjust your treatment plan to ensure it is safe and effective.
Does dulaglutide have adverse effects?
Adverse effects are unwanted reactions to a medication. Common adverse effects of dulaglutide include nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. These effects are usually mild and may decrease over time. Serious adverse effects can include pancreatitis and thyroid tumors. If you experience severe symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. Always inform your doctor about any new or worsening symptoms while taking dulaglutide.
Does dulaglutide have any safety warnings?
Dulaglutide has important safety warnings. It can increase the risk of thyroid tumors, including cancer. If you experience symptoms like a lump in your neck, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath, seek medical help. Dulaglutide can also cause pancreatitis, which is inflammation of the pancreas. Symptoms include severe stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. Always follow your doctor's advice and report any unusual symptoms.
Is dulaglutide addictive?
Dulaglutide is not addictive or habit-forming. This medication doesn't cause dependency or withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking it. Dulaglutide works by affecting your body's insulin levels to help control blood sugar. This mechanism doesn't affect brain chemistry in ways that could lead to addiction. If you have concerns about medication dependence, you can feel confident that dulaglutide doesn't carry this risk.
Is dulaglutide safe for the elderly?
Elderly individuals are more vulnerable to safety risks of medications due to age-related changes in their bodies. Dulaglutide is generally safe for the elderly, but they may experience more side effects like nausea or diarrhea. It's important for elderly patients to be closely monitored by their doctor while taking dulaglutide to ensure their safety and adjust the treatment as needed.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking dulaglutide?
It's best to avoid alcohol while taking dulaglutide. Drinking alcohol can increase your risk of low blood sugar, which is called hypoglycemia. Alcohol can also cause dehydration, which means your body doesn't have enough fluids. This may worsen side effects of dulaglutide like nausea. If you do choose to drink occasionally, limit how much alcohol you consume and watch for warning signs like dizziness or confusion. Talk with your doctor about alcohol use while taking dulaglutide.
Is it safe to exercise while taking dulaglutide?
You can exercise while taking dulaglutide, but keep a few things in mind. This medication can cause nausea, which might make you feel uncomfortable during exercise. Dulaglutide can also lower your blood sugar, which is called hypoglycemia, particularly if you take insulin or certain other diabetes medications. To exercise safely, drink plenty of water before, during, and after physical activity. Watch for signs of dizziness or low blood sugar. If you notice these symptoms, slow down or stop exercising and rest.
Is it safe to stop dulaglutide?
Stopping dulaglutide suddenly can cause your blood sugar levels to rise quickly. This can worsen your diabetes control. Always talk with your doctor before stopping dulaglutide. They might suggest gradually reducing your dose or switching to a different medication to keep your condition under control. Your doctor will help you make any medication changes safely to protect your health.
What are the most common side effects of dulaglutide?
Side effects are unwanted reactions that can happen when taking a medication. Common side effects of dulaglutide include nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. These effects are usually mild and may decrease over time. If you notice new symptoms after starting dulaglutide, they might be temporary or unrelated to the medication. Talk with your doctor before stopping any medication.
Who should avoid taking dulaglutide?
Don't use dulaglutide if you have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, which is a type of thyroid cancer, or if you have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2. These are absolute contraindications due to severe risks. Use caution if you have a history of pancreatitis, as dulaglutide may increase the risk of this condition. Always consult your doctor about these concerns.
