International reference: 1 US FDA recall for this ingredient
TEMPERATURE ABUSE: Products were exposed to temperatures outside of the products labeled storage conditions (dulaglutide)
US-market enforcement records (OpenFDA), shown for reference - not specific to this product in Kenya.
TRULICITY 1.5MG/0.5ML
DULAGLUTIDE
What it does
Dulaglutide is a medication used to help manage blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
Commonly used for: type 2 diabetes, diabetes mellitus
Read more in plain English ↓Plain-language summary for general understanding - not medical advice. Always follow your pharmacist/doctor.
Ask about this medicine
Answers come only from this medicine's registration record, BNF monograph and interaction data - not medical advice.
Hard to find? We help patients in Kenya source rare medicines. We don't sell or dispense medicines - licensed pharmacies do.
Source this medicineRegistration & product details
Source: Pharmacy and Poisons Board · fetched 2026-01-28 19:51:27 · updated 2026-08-03 03:09:07
About this medicine
Dulaglutide is a medication used to help manage blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
What it treats
- type 2 diabetes
- diabetes mellitus
How it works
Dulaglutide helps the body produce more insulin when blood sugar is high and lowers the amount of sugar released from the liver.
Who it's for
This medicine is for adults with type 2 diabetes, usually in combination with other diabetes medications.
Cautions
- • Use with caution if you are taking other antidiabetic drugs.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: Dulaglutide
BNF-referencedDulaglutide is a long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist used in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. It enhances glucose-dependent insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon release, and slows gastric emptying, leading to improved glycemic control. This medication is administered via subcutaneous injection and is typically prescribed when diet and exercise alone do not provide adequate glucose control.
Indications
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus as monotherapy when metformin is inappropriate
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus in combination with other antidiabetic drugs, including insulin, when existing treatment fails to achieve adequate glycemic control
Dosage
Adults: 0.75 mg once weekly; may be increased to 1.5 mg once weekly after at least 4 weeks, with a maximum dose of 4.5 mg once weekly if needed.
Mechanism of action
Dulaglutide mimics the action of GLP-1, a hormone that regulates glucose levels. It increases insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent manner, suppresses glucagon secretion from the alpha cells of the pancreas, and slows gastric emptying, which contributes to a reduction in appetite and food intake.
Pharmacodynamics
Dulaglutide's pharmacodynamic effects include increased insulin secretion in response to elevated blood glucose levels, decreased glucagon secretion, and delayed gastric emptying. This results in a decrease in postprandial blood glucose levels and contributes to weight loss in some patients. The glucose-lowering effect is associated with lower HbA1c levels and improved overall glycemic control.
Pharmacokinetics
Dulaglutide is administered subcutaneously and has a half-life of approximately 5 days, allowing for once-weekly dosing. It is predominantly eliminated via the lymphatic system and does not undergo significant hepatic metabolism. The peak plasma concentration occurs about 24 to 72 hours after administration. It is important to note that renal impairment may affect the pharmacokinetics of dulaglutide, but no specific dose adjustments are recommended based solely on renal function.
Contra-indications
- Hypersensitivity to dulaglutide or any of its excipients
- Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma
- Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2
- Severe gastrointestinal disease
- Acute pancreatitis or a history of pancreatitis
Adverse effects
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Decreased appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Fatigue
- Hypoglycemia when used with other antidiabetic medications
- Liver dysfunction (rare reports)
Interactions
- Insulin secretagogues or insulin may require dose adjustment to avoid hypoglycemia
- Concomitant use with other GLP-1 receptor agonists is not recommended
- Medications that slow gastric emptying may enhance dulaglutide's effects
Precautions
- Monitor for signs of pancreatitis
- Assess renal function prior to use
- Exercise caution in patients with a history of gastrointestinal disease
- Discontinue if signs of liver dysfunction occur, such as jaundice
Pregnancy
Avoid use during pregnancy due to potential toxicity observed in animal studies.
Breast-feeding
Avoid use during breastfeeding; dulaglutide is present in milk in animal studies.
Storage
Store in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C). Do not freeze. Once in use, can be stored at room temperature for up to 14 days.
Formulations
- Dulaglutide 0.75 mg / 1.5 mg / 3 mg / 4.5 mg solution for injection in a prefilled pen
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
This drug in other countries
The same active ingredient registered across other registries we cover - including different brands.