Trulicity: The Best Companion of a Type 2 Diabetes Patient
It is a diabetic medicine made of Dulaglutide. It is a biological drug, meaning it is made from living cells and one cannot make an exact copy of it. It is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes in combination with exercise and diet. It is also consumed to treat and reduce adverse cardiovascular diseases in type 2 diabetes patients.
It is aglucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 agonist) which is a class of drug that works in a similar way. It consists of GLP-1(7-37) which is a hormone that helps to normalize the glucose level present in the blood. This hormone is commonly secreted by the L cells that are present in the gastrointestinal mucosa in response to food. The GLP-1(7-37) is covalently linked to an Fc fragment which is present in the human IgG4.
These drugs are used either in combination with other type 2 diabetes medicines or are also used alone. They are mostly used in adults who are suffering from only type 2 diabetes. This drug works by stimulating the functioning of the islet cells to produce more insulin. They have not been used in treating any other form of diabetes including type 1 and patients with diabetic ketoacidosis. Trulicity is mostly administered along with proper diet and exercise to improve the control of the glycaemic index.
How does it work?
It helps in increasing the secretion of insulin from the Beta cells and also helps slow down the emptying of the stomach. They also inhibit the alpha cells of the pancreas which helps reduce the glucagon secretion which is the main symptom seen in diabetic patients.
How to use and dosage
These drugs come as a liquid solution and are available in a prefilled pen of certain concentrations or dosages. They are administered subcutaneously once a week either by a health professional or self-injected.
They usually come in two strengths: A higher strength of 1.5 mg of dulaglutide in 0.5 mL of solution and a smaller strength of 0.75 mg of dulaglutide in 0.5 mL of solution. The pens are prefilled and the dosage is decided by the doctor. They are single-use pens that are mostly disposed of after one-time usage. Make sure not to reuse the pens. The drug is released completely while in injection.
Trulicity has been injected once a week and preferably the same day during the next week. Make sure not to miss out on the dosage. In case one misses the injection due to any reason, administer the missed dosage at least 3 days before the next dosage. In case this is not possible and there is less than 72 hours before the next dosage, avoid taking the missed dosage and take the next dosage on time. Make sure not to take more than a single dose in a 72-hour time span as this can cause severe side effects. Even if one wants to change the day of the dose administration, make sure there is a 72-hour gap between the previous dose and the next dose.
Side effects of Trulicity:
Some of the common side effects include:
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite or decrease in appetite
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Lack of energy
- Digestive issues
- Allergic reactions
- Weight loss
These side effects are not very common and may not appear in all. In case of any side effects, make sure to consult a doctor or a health advisor as soon as possible. To learn how much Truclicity is from Canada, search online.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
