The primary mechanism of action of dulaglutide, as an incretin-like hormone or human glucagon-like peptide 1 analogue, is to increase insulin secretion when blood glucose levels are high, decrease glucagon secretion, and delay gastric emptying in an attempt to lower postprandial glucose levels.
Medical uses of Trulicity 1.5 ml pens
Trulicity is referred to as:
As an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes.
To reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, or non-fatal stroke) in adults with type 2 diabetes who have established cardiovascular disease or cardiovascular risk factors.
How to use Trulicity 1.5 ml pens
The recommended starting dose of Trulicity is 0.75 mg injected subcutaneously once a week.
Increase the dose to 1.5 mg once weekly for additional blood sugar control.
If further blood sugar control is needed, increase the dose to 3 mg once weekly after at least 4 weeks of the 1.5 mg dose.
Doses may be changed under special circumstances, so always follow your doctor or pharmacist's instructions.
If you take more medicine than you should, talk to a doctor or go to the hospital immediately.
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for your next dose.
Do not take a double dose (two doses at the same time) to make up for a missed dose.
Side effects of Trulicity 1.5 ml pens
Although the following side effects are not common to everyone, some patients may complain of the following:
nausea
diarrhea
vomiting
stomach ache
loss of appetite
Using Trulicity 1.5 ml pens during pregnancy and breastfeeding
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine.
Your doctor will discuss the potential risks and benefits of using this medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Helpful tips for diabetics
All carbohydrates affect blood glucose levels, so it's important to know which foods contain carbohydrates. Choose healthy carbohydrate-containing foods and be aware of the portion size (amount of carbohydrates) required.
Reduce your salt intake. Eating too much salt can increase your risk of high blood pressure, which in turn increases your risk of heart disease and stroke. When you have diabetes, you're already at greater risk for all of these conditions.
Eat more fruits and vegetables. This can help you get the vitamins, minerals, and fiber your body needs daily to maintain your health.
If you experience symptoms of hypoglycemia such as weakness, dizziness, increased sweating, rapid heartbeat, blurred vision, or difficulty concentrating, eating or drinking something containing sugar usually helps.
Warnings and precautions while using Trulicity 1.5 ml pens
Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse before using this medicine if:
You are on dialysis and this medication is not recommended.
You have type 1 diabetes (the type in which your body does not produce any insulin) because this medicine may not be suitable for you.
You have diabetic ketoacidosis.
You have serious problems digesting food or food staying in your stomach longer than usual (including gastroparesis).
I once had pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) which caused severe stomach and back pain that wouldn't go away.
You are taking sulfonylureas or insulin for your diabetes, as low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can occur.
Your doctor may need to change your dose of these other medications to reduce this risk.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines, including non-prescription medicines, prescription medicines, herbal supplements, vitamins and nutritional supplements.
How to store Trulicity 1.5 ml pens
Store below 25°C.
Do not refrigerate the medicine.
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
Must be stored in the original container to protect from moisture.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date printed on the carton/blister/label. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
Your health in numbers
Random blood sugar test: A blood sample will be taken at a random time. Regardless of when you last ate, a blood sugar level of 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or higher indicates diabetes. A blood sugar level below 140 mg/dL is considered normal, and a reading between 140 and 199 mg/dL indicates diabetes risk.
Fasting blood sugar test. A blood sample will be taken after you fast overnight. A fasting blood sugar level below 100 mg/dL is normal. A fasting blood sugar level between 100 and 125 mg/dL is considered prediabetes. If your blood sugar is 126 mg/dL or higher on two separate tests, you may have diabetes.
Oral glucose tolerance test: For this test, you fast overnight, and your fasting blood sugar level is measured. You then drink a sugary liquid, and your blood sugar levels are tested periodically for the next two hours.
For more information about dulaglutide
Consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Through the Saudi Food and Drug Authority's Tamenni app
