Dulaglutide is used on its own or together with other medicines to treat type 2 diabetes (a long-term condition in which the body gradually becomes resistant to the effects of insulin or the pancreas does not produce enough insulin).
This medicine helps treat your diabetes by keeping your blood sugar under control.
Dulaglutide is meant to be used as part of a complete diabetes care programme that should include exercise, a healthy diet and regular monitoring of blood sugar levels.
Use Dulaglutide exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not use more or less than instructed by your doctor.
This medicine is to be injected subcutaneously (into the fatty layer under the skin, usually in the thigh, upper arm, or abdomen area).
Remember to rotate the injection sites. Do not inject into the same area all the time. New injection sites should be at least 1.5 inches away from the previous injection site. Do not inject near the navel (belly button).
If you are using this medicine with insulin, administer as separate injections and do not mix. You may inject Dulaglutide and insulin in the same body region, but the injections should not be near each other.
Administer Dulaglutide once a week, at any time of the day, with or without food. Try to use it on the same day each week.
This medicine is available as a pre-filled pen or syringe. Make sure you know how to use the specific device you have been given. If you have problems or do not understand the instructions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
DO NOT administer this medicine intravenously (into a vein) or intramuscularly (into a muscle).
Do not share your Dulaglutide injection with anyone else.
This medicine must be used regularly for it to be effective. Continue using Dulaglutide even when you feel better. Do not stop using it unless instructed by the doctor.
If you miss a dose and it is at least 3 days before the next dose is due, administer the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
If it is less than 3 days before the next dose is due, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to use your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not use Dulaglutide if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or any of its ingredients.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (a type of thyroid cancer)
- multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (a rare inherited disorder characterised by cancer in the thyroid gland and other tumours affecting additional glands in the endocrine system)
as Dulaglutide may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- severe problems with your stomach, such as slowed emptying of your stomach or problems with digesting food
- pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- diabetic retinopathy (a diabetes complication that affects the back of the eye [retina])
- kidney disease
- liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Dulaglutide to a child. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.
If you are going to have an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine.
Dulaglutide is not intended for the treatment of type 1 diabetes (a long-term condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin) or diabetic ketoacidosis (complication of diabetes characterised by high level of blood acid in your body).
This medicine is also not approved for use in weight management.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. glucose levels, kidney function) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring of signs of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) may also be needed.
If you are using Dulaglutide with other anti-diabetic medicines, you may have been warned about hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar).
How do I know if I am experiencing hypoglycaemia?
Hypoglycaemia is the medical term for low blood sugar. Symptoms of hypoglycaemia include dizziness, tremor, shaky hands, feeling hungry, weak or confused, and sweating. These signs are your body's way of warning you that your blood sugar level is low.
It is important to recognise these symptoms and get relief for hypoglycaemia quickly, as the hypoglycaemia may worsen.
What should I do if I am experiencing hypoglycaemia?
Always carry some glucose tablets (also known as dextrose tablets) with you. Take 15 grams of glucose tablet at the first sign of hypoglycaemia, wait for 15 minutes and re-check your blood sugar level. If you are not feeling better or if your blood sugar level is still low (less than 4 mmol/L or 70 mg/dL), take another 15 grams of glucose tablet.
If you don't have glucose tablets, you may take any of the following:
- half cup (120 mL) of juice or regular soda (not diet)
- 1 tablespoon of sugar, honey, or corn syrup
- hard candies, jellybeans, or gumdrops (not sugar-free)
Get medical help should symptoms not improve after the second serving.
Dulaglutide may cause any of the following: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, indigestion, stomach wind, stomach pain or swelling, decreased appetite, tiredness, and rash or redness at the site of injection.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
- signs and symptoms of dehydration e.g. dry mouth, decreased frequency of urination and concentrated urine, headache, muscle weakness, dizziness or lightheadedness
- signs and symptoms of an inflamed pancreas e.g. persistent, severe pain in the stomach and back
- changes in vision or eyesight problems
- signs and symptoms of gallstones or an inflamed gallbladder e.g. upper stomach pain, fever, yellowing of skin or eyes, clay-coloured stools
- lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking other medicines for diabetes such as insulin.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
It is important for you to maintain a healthy diet and weight in order to help keep your diabetes under control.
It may be helpful to discuss your diet plan with your doctor or dietitian to manage your weight and blood sugar levels.
Store in the refrigerator, between 2-8°C. Do not allow Dulaglutide to freeze. If frozen, this medicine will become ineffective and should not be used.
Dulaglutide may be stored below 30°C for up to 14 days.
Store away from the reach of children. Protect from light.
If you notice that the injection has changed colour or has become cloudy, do not use it. Throw it away and use a new injection.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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