Trulicity (dulaglutide), according to the FDA, should not be taken as a sole/first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus, particularly in patients with inadequate diet and exercise habits. Healthy diet and exercise habits are often encouraged for treating type 2 diabetes, particularly to manage blood glucose levels.
In some cases, physicians may prescribe additional medication(s) and/or treatment(s) to treat type 2 diabetes. Metformin (metformin hydrochloride) is one example of an additional therapy used to treat this condition.
What is Metformin?
Metformin is an anti-diabetic medication that can be prescribed alone or in combination with other medications and treatments. Metformin treats type 2 diabetes, just like Trulicity. Metformin works in a variety of ways including helping the liver to stop making glucose and stopping some of the absorbing of glucose from the gut.
Metformin comes in various brand names including but not limited to:
- Glucophage
- Glumetza
- Riomet
- Glucophage XR
- Fortamet
Metformin is in the drug class of biguanide, which compiles various oral medications for type 2 diabetes.
Can you take Trulicity and Metformin?
The answer to this question will depend on your individual health profile and other medication(s) you are currently taking. To decide if Trulicity and Metformin in combination are right for you, talk with your doctor. In some cases, the two medications prescribed together can be beneficial, but this may not be true for everyone with type 2 diabetes.
Which is better: Trulicity or Metformin?
This is a question your prescribing physician will be able to answer based off of your individual health profile.
In combination, Trulicity and Metformin can act as an improved treatment for type 2 diabetes, although this may not be true for everyone.
Many guidelines/ studies show that metformin is a first line agent for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, however GLP-1’s like dulaglutide may be better for certain individuals.
Is Trulicity the same as Metformin?
Both Trulicity and Metformin are prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes, but the two are not the same.
In general, Metformin and Trulicity differ in a few ways:
- Metformin comes as an oral tablet, a solution, or a suspension, while Trulicity comes as an injection
- Metformin is usually administered once daily, while Trulicity is usually administered once weekly
- Doses
- They also have completely different mechanisms of action
It is critical to talk with your prescribing physician about which medication is right for you. In some cases, doctors may prescribe both Metformin and Trulicity, based on the patient’s individual health needs. Always talk with your doctor about potential side effects, interactions, and alternatives before starting treatment with these prescription medications.
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