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Similar to any other medication, Trulicity (dulaglutide) may interact with certain drugs or health conditions. For this reason, it is critical to discuss possible interactions with Trulicity before you start treatment with it.

Keep in mind the FDA does not recommend Trulicity as a “first-line therapy” for people who do not lead a lifestyle based on a healthy diet and plenty of exercise. In other words, prescribing physicians will most likely recommend that patients treated with Trulicity also prioritize healthy eating and plenty of exercise. Trulicity is not the only treatment available or recommended, in some cases.

Please note that the following list of potential interactions with Trulicity may not be complete. Always ask your doctor about the risks of Trulicity interacting with any current medication(s) you take, your diet or lifestyle, or other health conditions that fit your profile.

The following information comes from the FDA label.

Drug Interactions

Oral Medications

The FDA states that Trulicity can cause gastric emptying when administered with certain oral medications. In other words, the combination can negatively affect digestion. Talk with your doctor about specific drugs that may impact your digestion during treatment with Trulicity.

Food Interactions

Alcohol

For more information on the interaction between Trulicity and alcohol, please visit our alcohol interactions page.

Condition & Disease Interactions

Trulicity and Pregnancy

For more information, please visit our page on Trulicity and pregnancy.

Pancreatitis

The FDA states Trulicity use has not been studied in patients with pancreatitis, and therefore, recommends an alternative antidiabetic therapy. The FDA advises to stop treatment with Trulicity if pancreatitis is suspected or confirmed in the patient.

Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma & Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndrome Type 2 (MEN2)

Trulicity is not recommended for patients with medullary thyroid cancer nor for patients with a family history of medullary thyroid cancer. The same rings true for patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2), a condition in which three types of tumors may occur: thyroid, parathyroid, and pheochromocytoma.

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus or Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Trulicity is not prescribed for patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus or diabetic ketoacidosis. Trulicity’s mechanism of action would not suit these conditions.

Sedentary Lifestyle or Poor Diet

As mentioned before, Trulicity is not prescribed as a first-line therapy to people with type 2 diabetes mellitus, particularly those who do not adhere to a healthy lifestyle. Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet with nutritious food, as well as exercising regularly are two additional components of treatment with Trulicity.

Hypoglycemia

The FDA recommends lowering the dose of Trulicity when it is used with either insulin or an insulin secretagogue (e.g. gastrin) to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

Renal Impairment

Patients with renal impairment (kidney failure) should report their condition to their prescribing physician and should be monitored for severe gastrointestinal issues during treatment with Trulicity.

Gastrointestinal Disease

People with pre-existing gastrointestinal diseases may experience severe gastrointestinal side effects with Trulicity. For this reason, the FDA does not recommend Trulicity for people with such diseases.

An Important Note

The FDA warns of potential hypersensitive reactions to Trulicity, specifically in patients with previous hypersensitive reactions to dulaglutide. If such reactions occur, the FDA states to discontinue treatment with Trulicity, in accordance with the prescribing physician’s approval.

Please note this list of interactions may not be complete. Always consult your prescribing physician before starting treatment with Trulicity. Inform your doctor of all medications, treatments, and medical conditions within your individual health profile.

Disclaimer: this article does not constitute or replace medical advice. If you have an emergency or a serious medical question, please contact a medical professional or call 911 immediately. To see our full medical disclaimer, visit our Terms of Use page.


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