Dulaglutide

What people use it for

• Type 2 diabetes (blood-sugar control)
• Reducing cardiovascular risk in adults with type 2 diabetes

What Dulaglutide does in the body

A GLP-1 analogue fused to part of an antibody, which makes it last about a week. Like other GLP-1 drugs it boosts glucose-dependent insulin release, lowers glucagon, slows stomach emptying and reduces appetite.

Strength of evidence

Strong: large randomised trials (the AWARD programme and the REWIND cardiovascular outcomes trial).

Look up the evidence

• Reviews on PubMed: Summaries of the published research
• Clinical trials on PubMed: Published studies in people
• ClinicalTrials.gov: Registered trials, past and ongoing
• Prescribing information (DailyMed, US): Official US label
• Patient leaflets (emc, UK): Official UK product information

Live searches of official databases. New to the terms? See the glossary.

Reported side effects & risks

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea (most common)
• Pancreatitis and gallbladder problems (uncommon)
• Boxed warning: thyroid C-cell tumours in rodents; not for people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN2
• Low blood sugar when combined with insulin or sulfonylureas

Who should avoid it or take extra care

• Personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN2
• Pregnant, breastfeeding or planning pregnancy
• Past pancreatitis (talk to your doctor first)
• Severe stomach-emptying problems (gastroparesis)

Not a complete list. Check with a doctor or pharmacist about your own health and medicines.

Regulatory status

Approved as Trulicity in the US, UK and EU for type 2 diabetes. It is not licensed for weight loss.

How it's taken

Route: Prefilled pen, injection under the skin once a week

How long it lasts (half-life): About 5 days

Storage

Pens: refrigerate; may be kept at room temperature for a limited time. Follow the patient leaflet.