Dulaglutide
Dulaglutide Solution for injection
What is this medicine?
DULAGLUTIDE (DOO la GLOO tide) is used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. This medicine may be used with other oral diabetes medicines.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
endocrine tumors (MEN 2) or if someone in your family had these tumors
history of pancreatitis
kidney disease
liver disease
stomach problems
thyroid cancer or if someone in your family had thyroid cancer
an unusual or allergic reaction to dulaglutide, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
This medicine is for injection under the skin of your upper leg (thigh), stomach area, or upper arm. It is usually given once every week (every 7 days). You will be taught how to prepare and give this medicine. Use exactly as directed. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed.
If you use this medicine with insulin, you should inject this medicine and the insulin separately. Do not mix them together. Do not give the injections right next to each other. Change (rotate) injection sites with each injection.
It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or healthcare provider to get one.
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you've taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can within 3 days after the missed dose. Then take your next dose at your regular weekly time. If it has been longer than 3 days after the missed dose, do not take the missed dose. Take the next dose at your regular time. Do not take double or extra doses. If you have questions about a missed dose, contact your health care provider for advice.
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
gatifloxacin
Many medications may cause changes in blood sugar, these include:
alcohol containing beverages
aspirin and aspirin-like drugs
chloramphenicol
chromium
diuretics
female hormones, such as estrogens or progestins, birth control pills
heart medicines
isoniazid
male hormones or anabolic steroids
medications for weight loss
medicines for allergies, asthma, cold, or cough
medicines for mental problems
medicines called MAO inhibitors - Nardil, Parnate, Marplan, Eldepryl
niacin
NSAIDS, such as ibuprofen
pentamidine
phenytoin
probenecid
quinolone antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, ofloxacin
some herbal dietary supplements
steroid medicines such as prednisone or cortisone
thyroid hormones
Some medications can hide the warning symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). You may need to monitor your blood sugar more closely if you are taking one of these medications. These include:
beta-blockers, often used for high blood pressure or heart problems (examples include atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol)
clonidine
guanethidine
reserpine
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress.
A test called the HbA1C (A1C) will be monitored. This is a simple blood test. It measures your blood sugar control over the last 2 to 3 months. You will receive this test every 3 to 6 months.
Learn how to check your blood sugar. Learn the symptoms of low and high blood sugar and how to manage them.
Always carry a quick-source of sugar with you in case you have symptoms of low blood sugar. Examples include hard sugar candy or glucose tablets. Make sure others know that you can choke if you eat or drink when you develop serious symptoms of low blood sugar, such as seizures or unconsciousness. They must get medical help at once.
Tell your doctor or health care professional if you have high blood sugar. You might need to change the dose of your medicine. If you are sick or exercising more than usual, you might need to change the dose of your medicine.
Do not skip meals. Ask your doctor or health care professional if you should avoid alcohol. Many nonprescription cough and cold products contain sugar or alcohol. These can affect blood sugar.
Wear a medical ID bracelet or chain, and carry a card that describes your disease and details of your medicine and dosage times.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
breathing problems
signs and symptoms of low blood sugar such as feeling anxious, confusion, dizziness, increased hunger, unusually weak or tired, sweating, shakiness, cold, irritable, headache, blurred vision, fast heartbeat, loss of consciousness
unusual stomach upset or pain
vomiting
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (Report these to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome.):diarrhea
heartburn
loss of appetite
nausea
pain, redness, or irritation at site where injected
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store this medicine in a refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F). Do not freeze or use if the medicine has been frozen. Protect from light and excessive heat. Each single-dose pen or prefilled syringe can be kept at room temperature, not to exceed 30 degrees C (86 degrees F) for a total of 14 days, if needed. Store in the carton until use. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
Updated:  
March 21, 2017
Sources:  
U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert