A weekly injectable Truthiness is used to manage blood sugar and weight in people with type 2 diabetes.
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about this treatment, including its treatment and side effects.
What is Trulicity?
Trulicity is a name brand prescription drug used to help manage blood sugar levels, for adults and children over the age of 10 with type 2 diabetes.
It also helps prevent stroke, heart attack and early death in people suffering from type 2 diabetes and existing heart disease.
Taking once a week via injection, this drug belongs to the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1) agonist class, with duraglutide as the active ingredient.
It may be used with insulin and other diabetes medications.
How does Trulicity work?
Trulicity binds to certain receptors in the pancreas, which releases more insulin, causing naturally lowering blood glucose levels.
It also reduces liver glucagon production (glucagon is a storage type of glucose). Prevents late blood glucose spikes and improves insulin sensitivity.
Furthermore, medications slow digestion, suppress appetite and promote weight loss.
By consistently lowering blood glucose and A1C, it helps reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes and early death.
What are the benefits of taking Trulicity?
Trulicity offers several benefits for diabetes management, including weight loss.
In a randomized controlled trial (RCT), participants lost an average of 6.6 pounds in six months.
Another study found that this drug helps lower blood glucose and A1C and promotes weight loss compared to placebo (inactive treatment).
Furthermore, in clinical trials, participants with type 2 diabetes had a lower risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attacks, strokes, and death.
Prescriptions are most effective when used with healthy diets, regular physical activity, and other prescribed diabetes medications.
Why are you prescribed turuli?
If you have type 2 diabetes and are suffering from insulin resistance or managing your blood glucose levels, this treatment may be prescribed.
It can also be prescribed to people without type 2 diabetes who need to manage their blood sugar levels with help with insulin resistance and other diabetic medications.
Due to cardiovascular benefits, treatment may be given to people with existing heart disease.
Although the FDA has not approved for weight loss, it is sometimes prescribed off-label to help with weight management.
For more information: Trulicity and Weight Loss: Does Trulicity help you lose weight?
Get trulicity only if prescribed to you by a medical professional.
What are the side effects?
Trivial things can cause side effects, especially when your body first starts taking them when it is adjusted. Common side effects are usually mild to moderate and may include:
- nausea
- diarrhea
- vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Redness at the injection site
- Reduced appetite
- Weight loss
- Hypoglycemia (especially when combined with insulin therapy)
Rare but serious side effects can include:
- Acute pancreatitis,
- Severe allergic reactions,
- Renal dysfunction, and
- Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (MTC)
Avoid this medication if you have a personal or family history of MTC or multiple endocrine neoplasms, or if you are allergic to duraglutide.
The FDA has issued a black box warning regarding the use of rigours about increased risk of thyroid cancer. If you have gastroparesis or chronic kidney disease (CKD), consult your doctor as medications can worsen these conditions.
read more: Trulicity Side Effects: Things You Need to Know.
What is a typical dose?
Doctors usually start patients once a week at a low dose of 0.75 milligrams (MG) to minimize side effects. The medication can be taken anytime, with or without food. Stick to the same time each week to make it easier to remember the dose.
Read more about this medicine and diet: Foods to avoid small things.
If necessary, the dose may increase to 1.5 mg after 4 weeks. For children, the maximum dose is 1.5 mg per week, while adults may use 1.5 mg, 3 mg, or 4.5 mg per week.
Always consult your health care provider before adjusting your dose. Increase only 1.5 mg increase after at least 4 weeks at the current dose.
See more details: Trulicity Dosing: How much should it cost?
What is the maximum weekly dosage?
The maximum weekly dosage is 1.5 mg for children and 4.5 mg for adults.
Maintenance doses vary based on individual health factors, including medical history, health goals, weight, lifestyle, and insulin resistance.
Be sure to follow the prescribed dosage and consult your doctor before making any changes.
For more information: Trulicity Dosing: How much should it cost?
What happens if you take too much thrull?
The maximum weekly dosage is 4.5 mg.
Taking two doses within 72 hours can cause serious side effects, including nausea, vomiting, and dangerous hypoglycemia, and can be life-threatening if not treated.
Symptoms of extremely hypoglycemia include:
- Dizziness
- Shakakkes
- confusion
- Rapid Heartbeat
- Shallow breathing
- Nervous
- Lethargic
- Fatigue
- Unconscious or diabetic com sleep
If you suspect an overdose, contact your doctor or emergency service immediately.
Do you miss the dose?
If you miss the dose, don’t worry. You will not experience weight gain due to increased insulin resistance, increased blood glucose levels, or a week’s lack.
However, taking medication consistently is important for best results. Set reminders on your phone so you can take the dose on the same day each week.
If it is within 3 days of the missed dose, you can take it. If more than 5 days have passed, skip the missed dose and take the next dose as scheduled.
See more details: Trulicity Dosing: How much should it cost?
How can I inject trulicity?
This medicine is available in pen form and is injected subcutaneously (under the skin).
Select the injection site for fatty tissue, such as thighs, upper arms, and stomach. Each week, rotate the injection site using a different location within the same area (for example, another part of the stomach).
To inject, first wash your hands and clean the injection area with an alcohol swab.
Pinch the skin 1 inch, insert the needle vertically into the skin, and press the top of the pen to release the medicine.
Keep the needle on your skin for about 10 seconds, allowing the full dose to be administered.
After infusion, discard the entire pen in a sharp container and wipe off any excess medication and blood with an alcohol swab.
Who should not take the turuli?
This treatment should only be taken if prescribed by a medical professional.
It is not recommended for pregnant people, planning to get pregnant, or breastfeeding people.
This medication is not suitable for people without diabetes, pre-diabetic or type 1 diabetes, or without medical guidance.
Avoid this medication if you or your family have a history of MTC or multiple endocrine neoplastic syndrome type 2 (male 2) or if you are allergic to duraglutide.
If you are allergic to Dulaglutide, but are interested in GLP-1 agonists, consider alternatives like Ozempic, which contains semaglutide.
See more details: Trulicity vs. Ozempic: Which medicine is right for you?
Consult your doctor before starting trurtility, especially if you have chronic kidney disease (CKD) or gastrointestinal symptoms, as these conditions can worsen.
Always consult your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medication.
How do I stop Trulicity?
Do not stop taking this or prescription medication without consulting your doctor.
Doctors may recommend gradually tapering drug therapy to avoid adverse effects such as weight gain, sudden increases in blood glucose levels, increased A1C, and worsening insulin resistance.
If you are considering stopping, consult your doctor for guidance on the appropriate next step.
Can Trulicity replace insulin?
No, this drug and other GLP-1 agonists are not substitutes for insulin.
Trulicity may reduce the need for insulin over time, but it is intended to supplement insulin therapy if insulin is prescribed.
Do not stop taking insulin without your doctor’s guidance and recommendations.
Can other diabetes medications help you get the truth?
Yes, but it depends on the drug. Tolulicity can be safely combined with insulin or metformin.
However, do not take it with other GLP-1 agonists such as Ozempic, Victorza (Liraglatide), or Mounjaro (Tirzepatide).
If you have concerns about the potential interaction between current diabetes medication and trulicity, consult your healthcare provider. If there are contraindications, alternatives can be proposed.
Do Trulicity need to be refrigerated?
Yes, it should be stored in the fridge at a temperature of 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). Can be used for up to 56 days after opening. Do not freeze or expose to extreme heat.
How much does Trulicity cost?
Monthly expenses, or your joint payment, will depend on your specific insurance plan. To find the co-payment amount, consult your insurance provider using a prescription or medical card.
Trulicity is commonly covered by major health plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. If you have any questions about coverage or joint payment costs, you can contact Lilly Cares at 1-800-Lillyrx (1-800-545-5979).
For eligible individuals, the Lily Cares Foundation Patient Assistance Program may offer free medicines. To find out more about this program and whether you are eligible, call 1-800-545-6962. Eligible individuals can also use the Trulicity Savings card.
How do I get a Trulicity prescription?
If you are interested in prescriptions, talk to your healthcare provider.
If you have type 2 diabetes and are dealing with weight management or insulin resistance, you may be eligible.
For people with pre-diabetic or type 1 diabetes, this treatment may help improve insulin sensitivity.
If you are not suffering from diabetes but are aiming to lose weight, discuss other FDA-approved weight loss medications that are safer and appropriate, without the side effects associated with this medication.
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