Dulaglutide
Also known as: Trulicity
Dulaglutide is a once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist fusion protein with extended half-life. It has proven cardiovascular benefits and significant weight loss effects with no dose titration required for many patients.
Beginner Basics
Plain-English guide to Dulaglutide
What it does
Dulaglutide helps your body manage blood sugar and reduces appetite, leading to weight loss and heart health improvements. Researchers use it because it can lower heart attack and stroke risk while helping people lose 2-4 kg on average.
Typical dose
0.75 to 4.5 mg injected under the skin once per week; most people don't need to gradually increase the dose.
When to inject
Pick the same day and time each week (for example, every Monday morning) and stick to it.
Storage
Keep the unused pen or vial in the refrigerator away from light. Once you mix it, keep it refrigerated and use within the timeframe on the package.
First-timer tip
Set a weekly phone reminder for injection day so you don't forget-consistency matters more than finding the perfect time of day.
On This Page
Research Status
FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes with cardiovascular risk
For research purposes only. Not approved for human use. Not medical advice.
Research Areas
Side Effects
Most common in the first 1–2 weeks; typically resolves with continued use. Occurs in 20–40% of users. Manage by eating small, frequent meals; avoiding fatty or greasy foods; and staying hydrated. Taking the injection in the evening may reduce daytime nausea.
Occurs in 5–10% of users, usually mild and transient. If persistent or severe, contact a healthcare provider to rule out other causes.
Reported in 15–25% of users; typically mild and self-resolving within 1–2 weeks. Ensure adequate hydration and fibre intake. Avoid high-fat meals which may worsen symptoms.
Occurs in 5–15% of users. Increase water intake, dietary fibre, and physical activity. Over-the-counter stool softeners may help if needed.
Erythema, bruising, or mild pain at injection site in 2–5% of users. Rotate injection sites systematically to minimise risk. Reactions typically resolve within 24–48 hours.
Reported in 5–10% of users. Usually mild and transient. Ensure adequate hydration and monitor for other causes.
Occurs in 5–8% of users, typically mild and temporary. Ensure adequate sleep and nutrition.
Expected pharmacological effect in 30–50% of users. This contributes to weight loss but requires attention to adequate caloric and nutrient intake, especially protein.
Risk is low when used alone (< 1%), but increases significantly when combined with insulin or sulphonylureas. Symptoms include tremor, sweating, palpitations, and confusion. Always carry fast-acting carbohydrates (glucose tablets, juice). Inform healthcare provider if hypoglycaemic episodes occur.
Reported in < 0.1% of users. Symptoms include severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and elevated pancreatic enzymes. Seek immediate medical attention if suspected. GLP-1 agonists are contraindicated in personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2.
Rapid weight loss may increase gallstone risk. Symptoms include right upper quadrant pain, nausea, and vomiting. Seek medical evaluation if suspected.
GI side effects (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea) may lead to dehydration. Drink adequate fluids (at least 2–3 litres daily) and monitor for dizziness, dry mouth, or dark urine.
Reported in < 2% of users. Usually mild and transient. Monitor heart rate; inform healthcare provider if persistent or symptomatic.
Rapid glycaemic improvement may transiently worsen diabetic retinopathy in patients with pre-existing retinopathy. Inform your ophthalmologist of dulaglutide use. This is not a contraindication but requires monitoring.
Dosing Reference
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Dose range | 0.75-4.5 mg |
Frequency, timing and route - members only | |
Research disclaimer
Figures drawn from published research literature and community logs. Not clinical recommendations. Consult a qualified professional. Research use only.
Reconstitution Guide
Do not use saline or bacteriostatic saline, use only bacteriostatic water for reconstitution
Do not shake the vial vigorously; gentle swirling prevents peptide degradation
Discard immediately if the solution appears cloudy, discolored, or contains visible particles
Use within 30 days of reconstitution when stored at 2-8°C
Do not freeze the reconstituted solution; freezing may denature the peptide
Use the PeptideVolt reconstitution calculator for your exact concentration
Molecular and Pharmacological Data
| Molecular weight | 65 kDa (approximately) |
| Half-life | 4.5 days |
Dulaglutide is a long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist fusion protein that mimics glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a natural hormone that regulates blood glucose and appetite. It binds to GLP-1 receptors on pancreatic beta cells to stimulate insulin secretion in response to elevated glucose, while simultaneously inhibiting glucagon secretion and slowing gastric emptying. The extended half-life (approximately 4.5 days) allows for once-weekly dosing and provides sustained metabolic effects including weight loss, improved glycaemic control, and cardiovascular protection.
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Recent Research
Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists and Risk of Systemic and Ocular Vascular Complications in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and Diabetic Retinopathy.
A case of once-weekly basal insulin therapy for a dementia patient with Type 2 Diabetes mellitus and living alone.
The effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists on Alzheimer's pathophysiology: A systematic review.
Source: PubMed / NCBI. Updated daily. Articles are listed for research reference only.
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View all peptidesResearch Use Only. All content on this page is provided for informational and educational purposes related to scientific research. Dulaglutide is not approved for human use by the FDA or any equivalent regulatory body. This is not medical advice. Do not use any substance discussed here for therapeutic, diagnostic, or preventative purposes. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. The Peptide Volt does not endorse the use of any research chemicals. 18+ only.