What is Dulaglutide?
When combined with diet and exercise, dulaglutide can help improve blood sugar control for adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Dulaglutide can also be used to reduce the risk of serious heart problems, such as a heart attack or strokes, in adults with type 2 diabetes. Dulaglutide does not treat type I diabetes. This medication guide does not list all possible uses of dulaglutide.
Side effects of Dulaglutide
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, stop using dulaglutide immediately and seek emergency medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, feeling lightheaded, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat.
Dulaglutide can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
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Pancreatitis: Severe pain that spreads from your upper stomach to your back and nausea;
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Signs of a thyroid tumor include swelling or a lump on your neck, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness of voice, or feeling short of breath.
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A rapid heart rate or feeling jittery are all symptoms of low sugar.
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Kidney problems include little or no urination and swelling of the feet or ankles. You may also feel tired or short of breath.
If you have diarrhea or vomiting or are sweating more often than normal, tell your doctor. Dulaglutide can cause dehydration. This can cause kidney failure.
Dulaglutide side effects may include:
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Nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain;
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Diarrhea;
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Loss of appetite
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Warnings
Dulaglutide should not be used if you suffer from Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndrome type 2 (MEN2) or have a family or personal history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (a type of thyroid cancer). Dulaglutide should not be used if you have diabetic ketoacidosis. Call your doctor to get treatment. Dulaglutide has caused thyroid tumors and thyroid cancer in animal studies. These effects may occur even in patients taking regular doses. Consult your doctor to determine your risk. If you experience any of the following symptoms: swelling, a lump on your neck, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, or shortness of breath, call your doctor immediately.
Before you take this drug
Dulaglutide should not be used if:
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Multiple Endocrine Carcinoma Type 2, commonly referred to as multiple glandular tumors;
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A personal or familial history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (a type of thyroid cancer);
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Diabetic ketoacidosis: Call your doctor to get treated.
Inform your physician of any of the following issues:
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Pancreatitis;
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A stomach or intestinal disorder.
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Slow digestion or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
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Diabetic eye disease (retinopathy)
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Liver or kidney disease
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If you are also taking insulin or an oral diabetes medication,
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If you've been sick and have had diarrhea or vomiting,
Dulaglutide has caused thyroid cancer or tumors in animals. These effects may occur even in patients taking regular doses. Consult your doctor to determine your risk. Dulaglutide is not known to harm an unborn child. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Breast-feeding may not be possible while taking this medication. You should consult your doctor if you are concerned about any risks. Dulaglutide should not be used by anyone under the age of 18.
How to take Dulaglutide?
Read all instructions or guides that come with your medication, and follow their advice exactly. Depending on what doctor prescribes, dose adjustments may occur and it's essential that the exact same medicine be taken at once each week under the skin - Dulaglutide for instance is often administered through injection once every seven days. Dulaglutide should be taken on its scheduled dosing day every week at approximately the same time and time. If changing this day is necessary, allow at least three days between doses if doing so changes the dosing frequency or day. Dulaglutide can be taken either with or without food and all instructions provided with your medication must be read and followed carefully for effective usage. If you need assistance understanding the instructions, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Your healthcare provider can show you where the ideal place is to inject dulaglutide; each time use a different site; don't do it at the same place twice! If your blood glucose (hypoglycemia) drops below normal, symptoms include being irritable, confused and anxious as well as feeling very hungry. If this happens to you quickly, consume or drink sugary food or drinks like fruit juices, hard candies, crackers or raisins as soon as possible to quickly treat hyperglycemia.
If you suffer from severe hypoglycemia, your physician may provide an injection kit. Be sure that all members of your household know how to administer this injection. Also keep an eye out for symptoms of hyperglycemia like increased thirst or urination as these could indicate hyperglycemia is present. Stress, illness, surgery and alcohol intake all can have a dramatic impact on blood sugar levels. Before changing or supplementing any prescription or dosage plans consult with your healthcare provider first; each syringe or injection pen are only intended to be used once. After one use, throw away your syringe or injection pen even if they still contain medicine. Instead use a puncture-proof sharps container according to local or state laws; be sure to store this out of reach from pets and children. Dulaglutide should be stored in the fridge, away from direct light. Use before its expiration date is printed on its label; do not freeze as this could void your warranty; store dulaglutide in a cool, dry location for 14 days at most before throwing away or using.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you have less than three days until your next dose, skip the missed one. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once. Dulaglutide should not be used twice in a 72-hour period.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Even if you have changed the needle, never share an injection pen with someone else. These devices can spread infections and diseases from person to person.
Interaction with other drug
Dulaglutide may slow down your digestion and make it harder for you to absorb medicines that you take orally. Dulaglutide can be affected by other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are currently taking and those that you will begin or stop using.
