Trulicity (dulaglutide) is primarily used to help lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes, and to reduce the risk of certain cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke in individuals with type 2 diabetes who have established cardiovascular disease or multiple risk factors for cardiovascular disease[1][3][7].
It is given by subcutaneous injection, usually once a week, and is intended to be used along with diet and exercise to aid blood glucose control[3][7]. Trulicity is not insulin and is not approved for treatment of type 1 diabetes[3].
The specific approved uses for Trulicity are:
- To lower blood sugar levels in adults (and children from 10 years old in the EU) with type 2 diabetes as an adjunct to diet and exercise[1][5][7].
- To reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (such as non-fatal heart attack, non-fatal stroke, or cardiovascular death) in adults with type 2 diabetes who have established cardiovascular disease or multiple risk factors[1][3][7].
Trulicity works by mimicking the effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a hormone that stimulates insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon secretion, and slows stomach emptying, all of which help improve blood sugar control[2][4].
Trulicity is not recommended for people with type 1 diabetes or those with severe gastrointestinal disease, and has not been adequately studied in patients with a history of pancreatitis[3].
References
- [1] Trulicity (dulaglutide): Side effects, dosages, uses, and more – Medical News Today
- [2] How does Trulicity work? – Drugs.com
- [3] Trulicity – FDA Label
- [4] Trulicity (dulaglutide) for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes
- [5] Trulicity | European Medicines Agency (EMA)
- [7] Trulicity (dulaglutide) – Uses, Side Effects, and More – WebMD