DULAGLUTIDE - INJECTION

DULAGLUTIDE - INJECTION

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (DOO-la-GLOO-tide)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Trulicity

GENERIC NAME(S): dulaglutide

Uses

USES: Dulaglutide is used with a proper diet and exercise program to control high blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. Controlling high blood sugar helps prevent kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, loss of limbs, and sexual function problems. Proper control of diabetes may also lessen your risk of a heart attack or stroke. Dulaglutide is similar to a natural hormone in your body (incretin). It works by causing insulin release in response to high blood sugar (such as after a meal) and by decreasing the amount of sugar your liver makes. Dulaglutide is not a substitute for insulin if you need insulin treatment.


How to use DULAGLUTIDE - INJECTION

HOW TO USE: Read the Medication Guide and Instructions for Use provided by your pharmacist before you start using dulaglutide and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Before injecting each dose, clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol. Change the injection site each time to lessen injury under the skin. Inject this medication under the skin in the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm as directed by your doctor, usually once every 7 days. Do not inject into a vein or muscle. It may be used with or without meals. If you are also using insulin, give dulaglutide and insulin as separate injections. Do not mix them. You may inject these medications in the same area of the body, but the injection sites should not be next to each other. Do not share your pen device with another person, even if the needle is changed. You may give other people a serious infection, or get a serious infection from them. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it on the same day each week. It may help to mark your calendar with a reminder. Carefully follow the medication treatment plan, meal plan, and exercise program your doctor has recommended. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Your doctor will start you on a low dose first to decrease your risk of stomach/abdominal side effects, and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens (such as if your blood sugar remains high or increases).

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: See also Warning section. Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, stomach upset, decreased appetite, tiredness, or weakness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: slow/irregular heartbeat, signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine). Persistent vomiting/diarrhea may result in a serious loss of body water (dehydration) and kidney problems. Contact your doctor promptly if you notice any symptoms of dehydration, such as unusual decreased urination, unusual dry mouth/thirst, fast heartbeat, or dizziness/lightheadedness. Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: signs of pancreatitis (such as persistent nausea/vomiting, severe stomach/abdominal pain). Although dulaglutide by itself usually does not cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), low blood sugar may occur if this drug is prescribed with other diabetes medications. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether the dose(s) of your other diabetes medication(s) needs to be lowered. Drinking large quantities of alcohol, not getting enough calories from food, or doing unusually heavy exercise may also lead to low blood sugar. Symptoms may include sudden sweating, shaking, fast heartbeat, hunger, blurred vision, dizziness, or tingling hands/feet. It is a good habit to carry glucose tablets or gel to treat low blood sugar. If you don't have these reliable forms of glucose, rapidly raise your blood sugar by eating a quick source of sugar such as table sugar, honey, or candy, or drink fruit juice or non-diet soda. Tell your doctor right away about the reaction and the use of this product. To help prevent low blood sugar, eat meals on a regular schedule, and do not skip meals. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to find out what you should do if you miss a meal. Symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) include thirst, increased urination, confusion, drowsiness, flushing, rapid breathing, and fruity breath odor. If these symptoms occur, tell your doctor right away. Your dosage may need to be increased. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: See also Warning section. Before using dulaglutide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, disease of the pancreas (pancreatitis), stomach/intestinal disorders (such as gastroparesis). You may experience blurred vision, dizziness, or drowsiness due to extremely low or high blood sugar. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness or clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcohol while taking this medication because it can increase your risk of developing low blood sugar. It may be harder to control your blood sugar when your body is stressed (such as due to fever, infection, injury, or surgery). Consult your doctor because this may require a change in your treatment plan, medications, or blood sugar testing. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Pregnancy may cause or worsen diabetes. Discuss a plan with your doctor for managing your blood sugar while pregnant. Your doctor may change your diabetes treatment during your pregnancy (such as diet and medications including insulin). It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Beta-blocker medications (such as metoprolol, propranolol, glaucoma eye drops such as timolol) may prevent the fast/pounding heartbeat you would usually feel when your blood sugar falls too low (hypoglycemia). Other symptoms of low blood sugar, such as dizziness, hunger, or sweating, are unaffected by these drugs. Many drugs can affect your blood sugar, making it harder to control. Before you start, stop, or change any medication, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about how the medication may affect your blood sugar. Check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your doctor. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of high or low blood sugar. (See also Side Effects section.) Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

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Faq for DULAGLUTIDE - INJECTION

Dulaglutide is a medication that is used to treat type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists. It works by increasing the release of insulin from the pancreas and reducing the amount of glucose produced by the liver.

Dulaglutide is administered as a subcutaneous injection (just under the skin). The injections are typically given once a week.

Dulaglutide has been shown to be effective in lowering blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Clinical studies have demonstrated that it is able to significantly reduce HbA1c levels (a long-term measure of blood sugar control) when used as part of a comprehensive diabetes treatment plan.

The most common side effects of dulaglutide include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite. These side effects are usually mild to moderate and tend to improve over time.

Yes, dulaglutide can be used in combination with other diabetes medications, including metformin, sulfonylureas, and insulin. Your healthcare provider will determine the most appropriate treatment plan for you.

Dulaglutide can be used in people with mild to moderate kidney problems. However, caution should be exercised in people with severe kidney impairment as there is limited data available regarding its use in this population.

Dulaglutide starts to lower blood sugar levels within a few hours of the first dose. However, it may take several weeks to see the full effects on blood sugar control.

While dulaglutide is not specifically indicated for weight loss, some people may experience weight loss as a side effect. This is likely due to the medication's effect on appetite control.

There is limited data available on the use of dulaglutide during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is recommended to consult with a healthcare provider before using this medication in these situations.


Warning

WARNING: This medication can cause a certain type of thyroid tumor (thyroid C-cell tumors) in rats. It is unknown if this medication can cause similar tumors in humans. Talk with your doctor about the benefits and risks of treatment with this medication. Do not use this medication if you have a certain inherited disease (multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 or MEN 2) or if you have a personal/family history of a certain type of cancer (medullary thyroid carcinoma). While using this medication, tell your doctor right away if you notice any signs or symptoms of thyroid tumors, including unusual growth or lump in the neck, difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath, persistent hoarseness.


Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.