Dulaglutide (Dulaglutide (Trulicity))
A long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist consisting of a GLP-1 analog fused to an IgG4 Fc domain. Approved for type 2 diabetes and shown to produce significant weight loss. Once-weekly dosing makes it convenient for adherence.
How it works
Activates GLP-1 receptors in pancreatic beta cells (enhancing glucose-dependent insulin secretion), the hypothalamus (reducing appetite), and the GI tract (slowing gastric emptying). The Fc fusion extends half-life to ~5 days.
Key facts
- Molecular weight: ~63,000 Da
- Half-life: ~5 days (supports weekly dosing)
- Bioavailability: ~65% subcutaneous
- Storage: Refrigerated at 2-8C in original carton. Can be at room temperature for up to 14 days.
Dosing overview
- Typical dose: 0.75 mg - 4.5 mg once weekly
- Frequency: Once weekly
- Duration: Ongoing (chronic treatment)
- Route: Subcutaneous injection (pre-filled pen)
Protocol notes
- Start at 0.75 mg weekly for 4 weeks.
- Increase to 1.5 mg weekly.
- Can titrate to 3.0 mg then 4.5 mg based on response/tolerability.
- Inject same day each week; can change day if 3+ days since last dose.
Reported benefits
- Significant weight loss (3-5% at standard doses)
- Improved glycemic control
- Reduced cardiovascular events (REWIND trial)
- Once-weekly convenience
- Appetite suppression
Possible side effects
- Nausea (most common, usually transient)
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Decreased appetite
- Injection site reactions
- Rare: pancreatitis risk
Research
- AWARD clinical trial program (2017): Dulaglutide demonstrated superior A1c reduction vs placebo and non-inferiority to insulin glargine across multiple trials.
- REWIND cardiovascular outcomes (2019): Dulaglutide reduced major cardiovascular events (MACE) by 12% vs placebo in 9,901 patients over median 5.4 years.
- Dulaglutide weight effects in non-diabetics (2021): 4.5 mg dose produced 4.7% weight loss at 36 weeks in overweight/obese adults without diabetes.
Compare Dulaglutide
Community discussions about Dulaglutide
- Dulaglutide + GLOW stack – thoughts on timing and safety? - 3 comments
- Dulaglutide’s latest cardiovascular data – what it means for off‑label use - 0 comments
- Dulaglutide REWIND trial cardiovascular data, anyone here tracking GLP-1s for longevity not just weight - 3 comments
- Dulaglutide resting HR and HRV, anyone tracked it alongside semaglutide? - 4 comments
- Dulaglutide vs sema for appetite suppression, anyone tried both? - 4 comments
- Ask the community about Dulaglutide
Research and educational reference only. Not medical advice.