Trulicity (Dulaglutide) 0.75mg Solution for injection

Trulicity is a brand of dulaglutide, a medication used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. It is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist and is administered once weekly via subcutaneous injection. Each dose of Trulicity contains 0.75mg of dulaglutide in a ready-to-use, single-dose pen.

How It Works

Trulicity works by mimicking the action of the incretin hormone GLP-1. Incretins are hormones released by the gut in response to food intake, and they play a significant role in glucose metabolism. The mechanism of action of Trulicity includes: 1. Stimulating Insulin Secretion: Trulicity binds to GLP-1 receptors on pancreatic beta cells, enhancing insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent manner. This means that it increases insulin release only when blood glucose levels are high, reducing the risk of hypoglycemia. 2. Inhibiting Glucagon Release: Trulicity suppresses glucagon secretion, a hormone that raises blood sugar levels, thereby preventing excessive glucose production by the liver. 3. Slowing Gastric Emptying: By delaying the emptying of food from the stomach into the intestines, Trulicity reduces postprandial (after meal) blood sugar spikes. 4. Promoting Satiety:It helps in reducing appetite, leading to potential weight loss, which is beneficial for many patients with type 2 diabetes.

Indications

Trulicity is indicated for:

• Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Trulicity is used as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It can be used as monotherapy or in combination with other antidiabetic medications such as metformin, sulfonylureas, or insulin.
• Cardiovascular Risk Reduction: In patients with type 2 diabetes who have established cardiovascular disease or multiple cardiovascular risk factors, Trulicity may reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events (e.g., heart attack, stroke).

Side Effects

Trulicity, like any medication, can cause side effects. Common side effects include:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Decreased appetite
• Fatigue
• Indigestion

Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention include:

• Severe allergic reactions (e.g., rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing)
• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
• Hypoglycemia (especially when used with other diabetes medications)
• Kidney problems
• Thyroid tumors (observed in animal studies, though human relevance is unclear)

Contraindications

Trulicity is contraindicated in the following situations:

• Personal or Family History of Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (MTC): Due to the risk of thyroid C-cell tumors observed in animal studies.
• Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndrome Type 2 (MEN 2): A genetic condition that predisposes individuals to certain types of tumors.
• Hypersensitivity: Known allergy to dulaglutide or any of its components.
• Severe Gastrointestinal Disease: Such as gastroparesis, as Trulicity affects gastric motility.

Pricing Information

Here is a table detailing the price of Trulicity in various countries:

Country	Price (per 0.75 mg Pen)	Reference
United States	$720 – $900	GoodRx
Canada	CAD $450 – $550	DrugBank
United Kingdom	£200 – £300	NHS
Australia	AUD $400 – $500	PBS
Germany	€280 – €350	Apotheken Umschau

Top 5 Global Brands

Several pharmaceutical companies manufacture GLP-1 receptor agonists similar to Trulicity. The top 5 global brands include:

• Ozempic (semaglutide) – Novo Nordisk
• Victoza (liraglutide) – Novo Nordisk
• Byetta (exenatide) – AstraZeneca
• Bydureon (exenatide extended-release) – AstraZeneca
• Rybelsus (semaglutide oral) – Novo Nordisk

This detailed description provides a thorough understanding of Trulicity (Dulaglutide) 0.75mg Solution for Injection, covering its mechanism of action, uses, side effects, contraindications, pricing, and leading brands globally.