Dulaglutide (Trulicity)

A once-weekly GLP-1 shot for type 2 diabetes that also lowers the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Evidence: Extensive clinical research
Half-life: ~5 days
Sources: 3 cited

Is dulaglutide FDA-approved?

FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes since 2014.

Overview

Dulaglutide is a weekly GLP-1 medicine sold as Trulicity. It's approved for type 2 diabetes, not for weight management, though many people lose a modest amount of weight. In the REWIND trial it lowered major heart events by about 12% in people with type 2 diabetes, most of whom didn't have heart disease yet.

How it works

GLP-1 action fused to part of an antibody, which keeps it in the blood for days. It boosts insulin when sugar is high, slows the stomach and reduces appetite.

How long does dulaglutide stay in the body?

About 5 days. Levels peak 1–3 days after a shot and level out after 2–4 weeks of weekly shots.

What it's studied for

Type 2 diabetes in adults and children 10+
Heart and kidney outcomes

Reported side effects

Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, lower appetite
Pancreatitis (rare)
Boxed warning: thyroid C-cell tumors seen in rodents. Not for people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN 2.

How should dulaglutide be stored?

Fridge; a pen can stay at room temperature up to 86°F (30°C) for up to 14 days.

Sources

The studies and prescribing labels this page is written from.