Dulaglutide is used together with other medicines to treat type 2 diabetes (gradual loss of capacity of the pancreas to produce enough insulin). This medicine helps treat your diabetes by keeping your blood sugar in 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 inject more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Administer this medicine once a week, at any time of the day, with or without meals. Try to use it at same day each week.
This medicine is to be injected subcutaneously (into the fatty layer under the skin, usually in the thigh, upper arm or abdomen area).
Dulaglutide is available as a solution for injection which comes with a device called injection pen. To administer your prescribed dose, follow these steps:
- Wash your hands before using the injection pen.
- Remove the cap of the pen.
- Firmly place the clear base flat against the injection site area.
- Hold the injection pen with your thumb over the injection button. Unlock by turning the lock ring.
- Press the injection pen against your body. Use your thumb to push the injection button until you hear a loud click. Continue to hold the injection button in that position while slowly counting to 5 to get a full dose.
- Remove the injection pen from your skin.
- Dispose your used injection pens according to your doctor or pharmacist’s instructions.
DO NOT inject this medicine intravenously (into a vein) or intramuscularly (into a muscle).
Remember to rotate the injection sites. Do not inject into the same area all the time. If you need help with understanding the instructions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Do not share your Dulaglutide injection with anyone else.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment regimen depending on your condition.
Dulaglutide must be used regularly for it to be effective. Continue using this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop using it unless instructed by the doctor.
If there are at least 3 days until the next scheduled dose, administer the missed dose as soon as possible.
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 administer your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have a personal or family history of tumours of the endocrine organs (e.g. thyroid, parathyroid, adrenals), as Dulaglutide may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- stomach disorder e.g. poor emptying of food from stomach into the bowels
- kidney disease
- liver disease
This medicine is not intended for the treatment of type 1 diabetes (your body does not produce any insulin) or diabetes ketoacidosis (complication of diabetes characterised by high level of blood acid in your body).
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- You may need to have routine tests (e.g. blood sugar, kidney function tests). Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Signs or symptoms of pancreatitis must also be monitored.
If you are using Dulaglutide with other anti-diabetic medicines, you may have been warned about hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar). This medicine itself does not usually cause hypoglycaemia, but it may increase the hypoglycaemic effect of other anti-diabetic medicines.
How do I know if I am experiencing hypoglycaemia?
Some of the symptoms of hypoglycaemia include dizziness, tremor, shaky hands, feeling hungry, weak or confused, problems speaking. These signs are your body’s way of warning you that your blood sugar level is dangerously low.
It is important for you to recognise the symptoms and get relief for hypoglycaemia quickly. If you don't, you may faint.
What should I do if I am experiencing hypoglycaemia?
You should take a drink or food containing sugar (e.g. fruit juice, soft drinks, sweets) at the first sign of hypoglycaemia. If your symptoms do not improve, get medical help. Keep some glucose tablets (also known as dextrose tablets) with you at all times.
When used with other medicines for diabetes, Dulaglutide may cause hypoglycaemia. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, indigestion, stomach wind, stomach pain or discomfort, decreased appetite and tiredness.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any signs of inflammation of the pancreas (e.g. severe stomach pain, back pain, nausea or vomiting).
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 e.g. insulin, glibenclamide, gliclazide, glimepiride, glipizide.
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.
Store in the refrigerator, between 2-8 °C, prior to initial use. Do not allow to freeze. If frozen, this medicine will become ineffective and should not be used.
Store below 30°C up to 14 days, once opened.
Store away from the reach of children. Protect from light and heat.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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