At a glance
Effects
- Glucose-dependent insulin release: Stimulates the pancreas to release insulin when blood sugar is elevated, lowering fasting and post-meal glucose[3][8].
- Glucagon suppression: Reduces glucagon secretion, further lowering blood glucose[8].
- Slowed gastric emptying: Delays stomach emptying — largest after the first dose, then lessening with subsequent doses[3][1].
- Appetite reduction / weight loss: May decrease appetite and cause weight loss[2][4].
- Cardiovascular risk reduction: In the REWIND trial, reduced first occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events including stroke over a median 5.4-year follow-up[5].
- Modest blood-pressure lowering: 1.5 mg weekly reduced systolic blood pressure by about 2.8 mmHg versus placebo, while modestly increasing heart rate[3][9].
GLP-1 receptor agonist (incretin mimetic)
~5 days (4.7 days)
Subcutaneous injection, once weekly
Steady state in 2-4 weeks
Thyroid C-cell tumors
About Dulaglutide
Every point here is drawn from public medical and harm-reduction sources. A bracketed number after a claim — like [1]— is a reference: tap it to open the exact source it's based on (numbered list at the bottom). It is not a rating or score. Educational information, not medical advice.
Product specifics
- Est. delivery
- 3–7 business days · EU tracked
Product details as stated by the vendor (claims, not independently verified). Delivery is our standard EU estimate.
What it is
Dulaglutide (brand name Trulicity) is a once-weekly, long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist — a class of injectable medications called incretin mimetics[2][6]. It is approved as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes, and to lower the risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke in people with type 2 diabetes who have, or are at risk of, heart disease[2][6].
How it works
Dulaglutide is a recombinant fusion protein: two GLP-1 analogue chains (about 90% homologous to native human GLP-1) are linked to a modified human IgG4 Fc fragment, which together with DPP-4 resistance and large molecular size slows clearance and extends the half-life enough for weekly dosing[1][7]. It activates the GLP-1 receptor on pancreatic beta cells, raising intracellular cyclic AMP and triggering glucose-dependent insulin release while suppressing glucagon secretion[8]. It also slows gastric emptying and may decrease appetite, which lowers fasting and post-meal blood glucose and can cause weight loss[3][2].
Risks & side effects
Most important: Dulaglutide carries an FDA Boxed Warning for thyroid C-cell tumors: in rats it causes dose- and duration-dependent thyroid C-cell tumors, and although human relevance is unproven, it is contraindicated in anyone with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)[10][11]. Seek care for symptoms such as a neck mass, trouble swallowing or breathing, or persistent hoarseness[10].
Common
Serious
- Acute pancreatitis — discontinue promptly if suspected and do not restart if confirmed[11][12]
- Acute kidney injury, often precipitated by dehydration from severe nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, especially in pre-existing kidney disease[8]
- Hypoglycemia, particularly when combined with insulin or sulfonylureas[9]
- Serious hypersensitivity / anaphylaxis and angioedema[12]
- Gallbladder disease — cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, cholestasis[12]
- Euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis — a rare, life-threatening emergency reported with GLP-1 agonists[8]
Rare
- Thyroid C-cell tumors / medullary thyroid carcinoma (rodent finding; human relevance undetermined) — Boxed Warning[10][11]
- Worsening of pre-existing arrhythmia such as atrial fibrillation; sinus tachycardia reported[9]
- Morbilliform / cutaneous drug eruptions[7]
- Pulmonary aspiration during general anesthesia or deep sedation due to delayed gastric emptying[12]
Safety & harm reduction
- Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)[10][11]
- Serious hypersensitivity to dulaglutide or any product component[11]
- Not for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis[12]
- Not studied in / caution with prior history of pancreatitis[12]
- Not for children under 18 (use only per approved pediatric indication and clinician guidance)[4]
- Renal function — especially if dehydration occurs from GI side effects[6]
- Hepatic function — caution and monitoring in hepatic impairment[4][6]
- Blood glucose, and watch for hypoglycemia when combined with insulin/sulfonylureas[4][9]
- Signs of pancreatitis (persistent severe abdominal pain radiating to the back)[12]
- Thyroid tumor symptoms — neck mass, dysphagia, dyspnea, persistent hoarseness[10]
- Sulfonylureas and glinides increase hypoglycemia risk; dose adjustment may be needed[4]
- Alcohol can increase the risk of low blood sugar[4]
- Delayed gastric emptying can alter absorption of oral medications — caution with narrow-therapeutic-index drugs[12]
- Concomitant SGLT-2 inhibitors or insulin dose reduction may precipitate euglycemic DKA[8]
Dosage context
Commonly-reported prescribing ranges (not a prescription): the recommended starting dose is 0.75 mg subcutaneously once weekly, which can be increased to 1.5 mg weekly after at least 4 weeks for additional glycemic control[13][14]. Available strengths are 0.75, 1.5, 3 and 4.5 mg per 0.5 mL prefilled pens, with a maximum of 4.5 mg once weekly reached by stepwise escalation (each step held ≥4 weeks)[10][13]. Dulaglutide is a prescription medication and should only be used under clinician supervision.
Sources
- 1.ScienceDirect Topics — Dulaglutide overview
- 2.MedlinePlus — Dulaglutide Injection
- 3.PMC — Dulaglutide (Trulicity): The Third Once-Weekly GLP-1 Agonist
- 4.GoodRx — Trulicity (dulaglutide): What Is It
- 5.PMC — Dulaglutide-related morbilliform drug eruption / REWIND
- 6.EMC — Trulicity 1.5 mg SmPC
- 7.icliniq — Dulaglutide drug information
- 8.MedCentral — Dulaglutide monograph
- 9.PMC — Exacerbation of atrial fibrillation related to dulaglutide
- 10.Trulicity (Lilly HCP) — Boxed Warning & dosing
- 11.DailyMed — TRULICITY (dulaglutide) label
- 12.Medscape — Trulicity dosing & adverse effects
- 13.PMC — Dulaglutide-induced acute pancreatitis case report (dosing)
- 14.Drugs.com — Dulaglutide side effects & dosage
This information is provided for educational and harm-reduction purposes only. It is not medical advice. These substances can carry serious health risks; effects and safe use vary by individual. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before use. Legal status varies by country — it is your responsibility to know your local law. We do not encourage misuse.