# Dulaglutide

> Dulaglutide is a long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist in which a modified GLP-1 peptide is fused to a human immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) Fc fragment, extending its circulating half-life to about five days and allowing once-weekly dosing. It is approved for glycemic control in type 2 diabetes and has demonstrated a reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes who have or are at risk for cardiovascular disease. It is delivered via a prefilled, single-use autoinjector pen designed for patient self-administration. It is available only by prescription.

- URL: https://www.lifeconverted.com/peptides/dulaglutide
- Also known as: Trulicity
- Primary category: Other & Clinical
- Effectiveness rank: #11 in Weight Management; #19 in Other & Clinical
- Evidence level: Well studied
- Route: Subcutaneous (Subcutaneous injection once weekly via single-dose pen, independent of meal timing.)
- Dose range: 0.75-4.5 mg
- Dose tiers: low 0.75 mg; moderate 1.5 mg; high 4.5 mg
- Half-life: Approximately 5 days, supporting once-weekly administration
- Timing: Weekly · same day, any time
- Cycle: Continuous once-weekly injections for long-term diabetes management on, Long-term maintenance therapy; not typically cycled off while clinically indicated off
- Storage: Refrigerate unopened pens at 2-8°C; may be kept at room temperature below 30°C for up to 14 days if needed, protected from light; do not freeze; single-use only.

## Mechanism of action

Dulaglutide activates GLP-1 receptors on pancreatic beta cells to enhance glucose-dependent insulin secretion and suppress glucagon release, lowering both fasting and post-meal glucose. It also slows gastric emptying and reduces appetite via central GLP-1 receptor signaling. The Fc-fusion design markedly slows renal clearance and proteolytic degradation compared to native GLP-1, enabling once-weekly dosing.

## Reported benefits

- Improves HbA1c and fasting glucose control in type 2 diabetes
- Once-weekly dosing supports treatment adherence
- Demonstrated reduction in cardiovascular events in high-risk patients
- Associated with modest weight loss as a secondary effect

## Reported side effects

- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, particularly early in treatment
- Risk of pancreatitis
- Boxed warning for thyroid C-cell tumors observed in rodent studies
- Possible acute kidney injury related to gastrointestinal fluid losses
- Injection site reactions

## Common protocols

- Trulicity once-weekly regimen for type 2 diabetes glycemic control and cardiovascular risk reduction

## Stacking notes

Not recommended with other GLP-1 receptor agonists; frequently combined with metformin, SGLT2 inhibitors, or basal insulin as part of a broader diabetes regimen.

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