DULAGLUTIDE (DOO la GLOO tide) treats type 2 diabetes. It works by increasing insulin levels in your body, which decreases your blood sugar (glucose). It also reduces the amount of sugar released into your blood and slows down your digestion. It may also be used to lower the risk of heart attack and stroke in people with type 2 diabetes. Changes to diet and exercise are often combined with this medication.
What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Eye disease caused by diabetes
Gallbladder disease
Have or have had pancreatitis
Having surgery
Kidney disease
Liver disease
Personal or family history of MEN 2, a condition that causes endocrine gland tumors
Personal or family history of thyroid cancer
Stomach or intestine problems, such as problems digesting food
An unusual or allergic reaction to dulaglutide, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
Breastfeeding
How should I use this medication?
This medication is injected under the skin. You will be taught how to prepare and give it. Take it as directed on the prescription label on the same day of each week. Do NOT prime the pen. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.
If you use this medication with insulin, you should inject this medication and the insulin separately. Do not mix them together. Do not give the injections right next to each other. Change (rotate) injection sites with each injection.
This medication comes with INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE. Ask your pharmacist for directions on how to use this medication. Read the information carefully. Talk to your pharmacist or care team if you have questions.
It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or care team to get one.
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 10 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can unless it is more than 3 days late. If it is more than 3 days late, skip the missed dose. Take the next dose at the normal time.
What may interact with this medication?
Other medications for diabetes
Many medications may cause changes in blood sugar, these include:
Alcohol
Antiviral medications for HIV or AIDS
Aspirin and aspirin-like medications
Certain medications for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heartbeat
Chromium
Diuretics
Estrogen or progestin hormones
Fenofibrate
Gemfibrozil
Isoniazid
Lanreotide
MAOIs, such as Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, or Parnate
Medications for allergies, asthma, cold, or cough
Medications for mental health conditions
Medications for weight loss
Niacin
Nicotine
NSAIDs, medications for pain and inflammation, such as ibuprofen or naproxen
Octreotide
Pasireotide
Pentamidine
Phenytoin
Probenecid
Quinolone antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, or ofloxacin
Some herbal dietary supplements
Steroid medications, such as prednisone or cortisone
Sulfamethoxazole; trimethoprim
Testosterone or anabolic steroids
Thyroid hormones
Some medications can hide the warning symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). You may need to monitor your blood sugar more closely if you are taking one of these medications. These include:
Beta blockers, such as atenolol, metoprolol, or propranolol
Clonidine
Guanethidine
Reserpine
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Change in vision
Dehydration—increased thirst, dry mouth, feeling faint or lightheaded, headache, dark yellow or brown urine
Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
Pancreatitis—severe stomach pain that spreads to your back or gets worse after eating or when touched, fever, nausea, vomiting
Thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression
Thyroid cancer—new mass or lump in the neck, pain or trouble swallowing, trouble breathing, hoarseness
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Diarrhea
Loss of appetite
Nausea
Upset stomach
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
You may need blood work done while you are taking this medication. Your care team will monitor your HbA1C (A1C). This test shows what your average blood sugar (glucose) level was over the past 2 to 3 months.
Know the symptoms of low blood sugar and know how to treat it. Always carry a source of quick sugar with you. Examples include hard sugar candy or glucose tablets. Make sure others know that you can choke if you eat or drink if your blood sugar is too low and you are unable to care for yourself. Get medical help at once.
Tell your care team if you have high blood sugar. Your medication dose may change if your body is under stress. Some types of stress that may affect your blood sugar include fever, infection, and surgery.
Do not share pens or cartridges with anyone, even if the needle is changed. Each pen should only be used by one person. Sharing could cause an infection.
Wear a medical ID bracelet or chain. Carry a card that describes your condition. List the medications and doses you take on the card.
Talk to your care team about your risk of cancer. You may be more at risk for certain types of cancer if you take this medication. Talk to your care team right away if you have a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness that does not go away, trouble swallowing, shortness of breath, or trouble breathing.
Make sure you stay hydrated while taking this medication. Drink water often. Eat fruits and veggies that have a high water content. Drink more water when it is hot or you are active. Talk to your care team right away if you have fever, infection, vomiting, diarrhea, or if you sweat a lot while taking this medication. The loss of too much body fluid may make it dangerous for you to take this medication.
If you are going to need surgery or a procedure, tell your care team that you are taking this medication.
Do not take this medication without first talking to your care team if you may be or could become pregnant. Your care team can help you find the option that works for you. Weight loss is not recommended during pregnancy. Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels can help reduce the risk of pregnancy complications.
Talk to your care team if you are breastfeeding. When recommended, this medication may be taken. Its use during breastfeeding has not been well studied. Lactation may help lower your blood sugar levels. Your care team may recommend changes to your treatment plan.
Where should I keep my medication?
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Refrigeration (preferred): Store unopened pens in a refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F). Keep it in the original carton until you are ready to take it. Do not freeze or use if the medication has been frozen. Protect from light. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date on the label.
Room Temperature: The pen may be stored at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F) for up to a total of 14 days if needed. Protect from light. Avoid exposure to extreme heat. If it is stored at room temperature, throw away any unused medication after 14 days or after it expires, whichever is first.
To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:
Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
If you cannot return the medication, ask your pharmacist or care team how to get rid of this medication safely.
K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.
This information is educational only and should not be construed as specific instructions for individual patients nor as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk to your health care provider or pharmacist about the information and instructions. K Health assumes no liability for any use or reliance on this information.
