Managing type 2 diabetes can be challenging. Various factors contribute to successful diabetes management, and one of the most important is medication management. 

To help improve blood glucose control, a doctor might recommend taking Trulicity as part of a diabetes management plan. 

Trulicity is only available with a prescription from a doctor. It may help some diabetics better manage their diabetes, depending on their medical history. Here's a brief guide on Trulicity. 

Trulicity overview

Trulicity is a medication to help patients with type 2 diabetes. It is a brand name of dulaglutide, which acts on the liver, stomach, and pancreas of diabetic patients. By helping them manage their blood sugar levels and insulin dosing, Trulicity maintains the blood sugar levels. 

Trulicity is taken by injection and is not available in pill form. Trulicity is taken the same way as insulin, meaning you can inject it under the skin of your stomach, thigh, or upper arm. However, it works differently than insulin does in the body. It is a non-insulin option to treat type 2 diabetes. It works by increasing insulin production in the body, which helps to control blood sugar levels in the body.  

How does it work?

The human body is composed of hormones responsible for several important functions. The hormone incretin contributes to stomach emptying, maintaining blood glucose levels, and insulin secretion. 

If the level of incretin changes in the body, this can lead to uncontrolled blood glucose levels.

Untreated type 2 diabetes, when the blood glucose level is consistently high, can lead to more serious side effects, including organ damage; such as in  the liver, kidneys, and/or eyes. High blood sugar levels also increase the risk of stroke. This is where dulaglutide can be useful by secreting more insulin in the body. Dulaglutide mimics the hormone incretin in your body and therefore brings down high blood glucose levels. 

Trulicity dosage

Doctors usually prescribe Trulicity at an initial small dose and then increase the dose gradually if needed. Most diabetics take Trulicity once a week. It’s important to work closely with your doctor to find the best dose for you. 

Benefits of Trulicity

Trulicity prevents organ damage and other dangers associated with type 2 diabetes by maintaining normal blood sugar levels. 

Here are some notable benefits of taking Trulicity:

• Decrease risk of heart disease.

• Reduce occurrence chances of fatty plaque.

• Reduced risk of kidney damage; and improved kidney function. 

• Prevent eye damage and/or blindness. 

• Improve nerve health and brain functioning.

• Prevent pancreatic dysfunction. 

Successfully managing type 2 diabetes is not about controlling just one single factor. It’s also important to focus on lifestyle, diet, and medications. All type 2 diabetics are different and may respond differently to lifestyle changes and/or medications. Even if a diet plan, medication regimen, and exercise routine is working for you, it doesn't mean the same plan will work for other diabetes patients.

Trulicity warnings & precautions

Before consulting a doctor about getting a prescription for Trulicity online, it’s important to understand the following precautions:

• Tell your doctor if you are allergic to dulaglutide or its components, or any other allergies. Medications can contain inactive ingredients that may cause allergies.

• If you have a family history of thyroid cancer or any other disorder related to the thyroid gland, let your doctor know beforehand. 

• You should also tell your doctor about any medical history related to the pancreas or kidneys.

• Make sure your doctor knows about any other medications you take and their dosages. 

As with any medication, there are always potential risks and side effects. Reviewing your medical history with your doctor is important to reduce your risk of complications or side effects from Trulicity. 

Trulicity side effects

Dulaglutide, which is now being sold under the brand name Trulicity, was approved for use in the United States in 2014. Since then, it has been used by many patients struggling with type 2 diabetes. As with most medications, additional side effects were discovered after the FDA approval. 

Trulicity works very well for some patients, but may cause severe side effects in others. Before you consult a doctor about getting a prescription for Trulicity online, here are some side effects you should know about:

• Dizziness.

• Upset stomach.

• Nausea.

• Abdominal pain. 

• Weight loss.

• Allergic reactions.

• Weakness.

These side effects may be related to the dose and frequency one takes dulaglutide. The following serious side effects are very rare but can happen:

• Acute kidney damage.

• Liver dysfunction.

• Blockage in the small intestine.

Does Trulicity cause hair loss?

Trulicity does not cause hair loss. The study on the side effects of Trulicity didn't report any connection between Trulicity and hair loss. However, it is hypothesized that Trulicity can help prevent diabetes-related alopecia (hair loss) by keeping blood sugar levels low.

Does Trulicity harm the kidneys?

As mentioned above, there have been rare cases of acute kidney injury, which can be an emergency. However, this may be related to uncontrolled diabetes, as kidney problems are associated with high blood glucose levels. Thus, Trulicity should reduce the overall risk of kidney disease. However, taking Trulicity could be dangerous for diabetes who have also been diagnosed with kidney disease. This is one of the reasons it’s very important to always review your medical history with your doctor.

Does Trulicity cause eye problems?

Trulicity should not cause eye problems in diabetics who haven’t been previously diagnosed with eye disease.

Does Trulicity worsen diabetic retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that occurs when high blood sugar levels cause damage to the blood vessels in the back of the eye, which is called the “retina”. This can lead to blurred vision or even permanent vision loss (or blindness).

For diabetics with a history of retinopathy, YES, taking Trulicity can worsen this condition. To prevent worsening diabetic retinopathy, it’s important to consult with a doctor and complete regular eye exams. Anyone with diabetic retinopathy should review their medical history with their doctor and decide with their doctor if it’s appropriate to use Trulicity. [5]

Could Trulicity cause you to burp more often?

Some people who take Trulicity have reported they may burp more often. Whether or not this side effect occurs probably depends on the patient, their diet, and other underlying factors. Trulicity may cause indigestion and stomach upset, which can result in more burping for some people.

Is there a generic alternative to Trulicity?

There is no generic option for Trulicity available on the market. It’s always best  to consult with your diabetes doctor to determine which medications are best in your unique situation, whether it’s Trulicity, or a different medication that does have a generic option available.

Does Trulicity interact with other drugs?

As with all medications, it’s always best  to consult with the doctor who  manages your diabetes to determine which medications are best for your unique situation. Your doctor can help you understand how Trulicity may interact with your other medications and whether it’s recommended for you to take it.

Trulicity and vitamin interactions

There are no studies or clinical trials on how Trulicity interacts with vitamin supplements. Check with the doctor who manages your diabetes about any vitamins or herbal supplements you take and they can help you decide if it’s safe to take Trulicity with those supplements. 

Interactions between Trulicity and high blood pressure medications  

Many people with diabetes also have hypertension (high blood pressure). Untreated diabetes can also lead to hypertension, which means many diabetics also take medication to control their blood pressure. Taking medications known as thiazides, or thiazide-like diuretics, may cause Trulicity to be less effective at controlling blood sugar. It’s always best to consult with the doctor who is treating your diabetes about your high blood pressure medications and they can decide whether it’s safe to take Trulicity. 

Trulicity and pregnancy

It is not recommended to take Trulicity during pregnancy because studies of dulaglutide in pregnant animals show that it can cause harm to the fetus, such as:

• Fetal growth reduction.

• Early fetal death.

• Major fetal abnormalities.

As always, it’s best to consult with a prenatal provider to determine which medications are safe in pregnancy, for diabetes and any other medical conditions.

Trulicity and breastfeeding

It’s unknown if Trulicity is present in breast milk. However, it is hypothesized that Trulicity could  cause adverse effects. To prevent causing harm to their infants, breastfeeding women should consult with their personal healthcare provider about all their medications and what is recommended for them. 

Trulicity and weight loss: what is the average weight loss with Trulicity?

Many patients have reported they have lost weight after taking Trulicity. However, it depends on the patient's health and other factors. Research studies suggest the weight loss is related to Trulicity’s effect on delayed stomach emptying.

Many patients have reported losing around 8.8 pounds in a few weeks. Trulicity can cause nausea and vomiting, which can also lead to weight loss in some people. 

While Trulicity may cause some people to lose weight, Trulicity should not be used as a weight-loss supplement, as it is actually a medication to treat and control type 2 diabetes.  

Is Trulicity the same as insulin?

Trulicity is a medication that has a similar effect as the hormone incretin. It is a non-insulin diabetic medication which belongs to the GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) medication class. Trulicity can be taken with other medications for diabetes, including insulin and/or oral pills for diabetes.

What happens when you stop taking Trulicity?

If a diabetic taking Trulicity suddenly stops taking it, they could  experience a dangerous spike in blood glucose levels. It’s best to speak with a doctor before stopping Trulicity or any other medications. 

Do you need a prescription for Trulicity?

Yes, Trulicity is only available with a prescription from a doctor, therefore you cannot buy Trulicity online. To discuss how to manage your diabetes and find out if a medication like Trulicity might work for you, speak with your primary care doctor or speak with a doctor on HealthTap today.

Trulicity can be prescribed by HealthTap doctors who can also help you manage your diabetes and related conditions. Schedule an appointment with a HealthTap primary care doctor. Our doctors will help you with the best medical advice based on your needs and your medical history.