Trulicity (dulaglutide) is a once-weekly GLP-1 injection approved by the FDA for type 2 diabetes, not for weight loss. It improves blood sugar control in adults and in children 10 and older with type 2 diabetes, and it lowers the risk of major cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes who have established heart disease or multiple risk factors. Some people lose weight on it, but if weight management is your goal, ask your prescriber about options approved for that (Trulicity prescribing information, section 1).
What Trulicity is and how it works
Trulicity belongs to the GLP-1 receptor agonist class. GLP-1 is a hormone released after eating that supports insulin release, slows stomach emptying and affects appetite. Dulaglutide mimics that signal and is long-acting, which is why a single weekly injection is enough. It is made by Eli Lilly.
Trulicity and weight
The label does not list weight loss as an indication. In one 26-week trial described in the label, average weight fell by 2.7 kg on 0.75 mg and 3.0 kg on 1.5 mg, compared with 1.4 kg on placebo and 1.4 kg on sitagliptin, in people with type 2 diabetes also taking metformin (label, section 14). That is a modest change compared with weight-management medicines. For weight-focused options, see the GLP-1 weight loss medication guide and semaglutide for weight loss.
Trulicity dosing
| Step | Weekly dose | When |
|---|---|---|
| Start | 0.75 mg | Starting dose |
| Next | 1.5 mg | After 4 weeks, if more blood sugar control is needed |
| Then | Increase in 1.5 mg steps (3 mg, 4.5 mg) | After at least 4 weeks on the current dose, if needed |
| Maximum | 4.5 mg | Adults |
For children 10 and older, the label starts at 0.75 mg and the maximum is 1.5 mg weekly. Source: Trulicity prescribing information, sections 2.1 and 2.2.
Administration and missed doses (sections 2.3 and 2.4): inject once weekly at any time of day, with or without food, under the skin of the abdomen, thigh or upper arm. If you miss a dose, the label says to give it as soon as possible if there are at least 3 days (72 hours) until the next scheduled dose. Your prescriber chooses your plan; do not change it on your own.
Trulicity compared with other weekly GLP-1 medicines
| Medicine | Active ingredient | Approved use | Starting dose | Maker |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trulicity | dulaglutide | Type 2 diabetes; cardiovascular risk reduction | 0.75 mg weekly | Eli Lilly |
| Ozempic | semaglutide | Type 2 diabetes; cardiovascular and kidney risk reduction | 0.25 mg weekly | Novo Nordisk |
| Mounjaro | tirzepatide | Type 2 diabetes; cardiovascular risk reduction | 2.5 mg weekly | Eli Lilly |
Sources: Trulicity, Ozempic and Mounjaro prescribing information. Doses are not interchangeable between drugs. For a comparison of two of them, see Mounjaro vs Ozempic.
Side effects
The label lists the most common adverse reactions (5% or more) as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain and decreased appetite. In the pooled placebo-controlled trials, gastrointestinal reactions occurred in 21% of people on placebo, 32% on 0.75 mg and 41% on 1.5 mg, and the share who stopped because of them was 0.2%, 1.3% and 3.5%. The label also has a boxed warning about thyroid C-cell tumors seen in rats, and warns about pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, low blood sugar with insulin or sulfonylureas, allergic reactions, kidney injury from dehydration, diabetic retinopathy complications and severe gastrointestinal reactions. It is contraindicated with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN 2.
Contact your prescriber about severe or persistent symptoms. See GLP-1 side effects: what to expect and how to manage them.
What to track on Trulicity
A weekly drug is easy to lose track of, and the details help at follow-up visits:
- Injection day, dose strength and site, and any missed dose
- Side effects and when they started
- Meals, protein and water
- Weight, measured the same way each week
- Blood sugar readings and other numbers your doctor asked you to record
Mingo is a GLP-1 tracker for iPhone and Android that logs shots, food and protein, side effects and weight in one place. It doesn’t replace your doctor or your blood sugar monitoring. Get the app. For food logging ideas, see food tracker apps for GLP-1 support.
Key takeaways
- Trulicity is a weekly dulaglutide injection approved for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk reduction, not for weight loss.
- The label starts at 0.75 mg, may go to 1.5 mg after 4 weeks, and can step up in 1.5 mg increments to 4.5 mg.
- Gastrointestinal side effects are the most common; report severe or lasting symptoms.
- Track doses, symptoms, meals, weight and any glucose numbers your doctor requests.
Frequently asked questions
What is Trulicity used for?
It is approved to improve blood sugar control in adults and children 10 and older with type 2 diabetes, and to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes who have established cardiovascular disease or multiple risk factors.
How does Trulicity help with weight loss?
Weight loss is not an approved use. Some people lose a few kilograms on it, as in the label’s 26-week trial, but results vary. If weight is your goal, ask your prescriber whether a weight-management medicine is appropriate.
What are the side effects of Trulicity?
Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain and decreased appetite are the most common. Serious but less common risks include pancreatitis and gallbladder disease. Report severe or persistent symptoms to your prescriber.
How much does Trulicity cost?
Cost depends on insurance, pharmacy and country and changes often, so we do not quote a figure. Ask your pharmacist or insurer.
Is Trulicity safe for long-term use?
It is intended as ongoing treatment for type 2 diabetes. Long-term suitability depends on your health, and the label includes a cardiovascular indication based on outcome data. Review it with your prescriber at regular visits.
