Dulaglutide

What is this medication for?

Dulaglutide reduces the blood sugar to control diabetes. It works by reducing your food craving and increasing the insulin made by your body in response to the food that you eat. This medication does not replace insulin.

How should I take or use this medication?

• Inject the dose as advised by your healthcare professional, on the same day each week.
• Do not use if the solution is cloudy, leaking, has particles or has changed colour.
• Do not stop using your medication without checking with your healthcare professional.
• You may use this medication with or without food.

How to select an injection site

• Dulaglutide is injected into the fatty tissue between the skin and muscle layer of your upper arms, thigh or tummy (abdomen).
  • Rotate the injection site within the same body region every week.
  • Do not inject into your blood vessel or muscles.

How to inject Dulaglutide

Read the instruction leaflet or approach your healthcare professional for more details.

• Wash your hands before and after you use this medication.
• Ensure pen is locked and pull off the grey base cap.
• Place the clear base flat and firmly against your skin at the injection site.
• Turn the lock ring to unlock the pen.
• Press and hold the green injection button. You will hear a loud click.
  • Continue holding the clear base firmly against your skin until you hear a second click.
• After you hear the second click, remove the pen from your skin.

What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is less than 3 days until the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your next dose on your usual day.

Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.

Write down the number of missed doses and inform your healthcare provider on your next visit.

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

Inform your healthcare professional if you:

• Are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication
• Are pregnant, planning to get pregnant or breastfeeding
• Are unable to take liquids by mouth or have persistent diarrhea/vomiting
• Are also taking Linagliptin, Sitagliptin, Vildagliptin or other dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors
• Have type 1 diabetes mellitus
• Have ever had pancreatitis
• Have heart, kidney or liver problems
• Have stomach or bowel problems
• Have thyroid cancer or family history of thyroid cancer

What are some common side effects of this medication? ​

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Speak to your healthcare professional or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort
  • Inject this medication with or after food to reduce nausea and vomiting
  • Avoid food that is too rich, spicy or has strong smells
• Diarrhoea
• Decrease in appetite
• Bruising, pain, irritation, itch and rash at injection site

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately? 

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

The following side effects are rare. However, it is important for you to be aware of the possible symptoms to watch out for and to know when to seek medical attention immediately.

• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas):
  • Severe pain in the stomach, abdomen or back area that does not go away
  • Nausea or vomiting that does not go away
  • Fever
• Gallbladder problems:
  • Pain in upper right of belly area
  • Very upset stomach
  • Bloatedness
  • Vomiting
  • Fever or chills
  • Yellowing of skin or eyes
  • Clay coloured stools
• Change in eyesight
• Thyroid cancer
  • Unusual lumps or swelling in the neck area
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Strained or rough voice

If you experience any of the above symptoms, you should stop your medication and seek medical attention immediately.

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use this medication?

Talk with your doctor before you drink alcohol.

How should I store this medication?

Store in the refrigerator between 2-8◦C. Do not freeze. If needed, you may store the pens at room temperature for up to 14 days. Write down the date you have removed it from the refrigerator and discard any unused medication within 14 days.

Store in the original container to protect from light.

How do I throw away this medication safely? ​

Throw this injection away together with the used needles, into a metal tin or thick plastic container (eg. detergent bottles). You can also buy a container specially designed to throw sharp items, known as a sharps box, to prevent any injuries due to the needles.