Skip to content
ClinCalc Pro
Menu
Calculators Drugs Pathways AI Dx Donate Get the App
GLP-1 Receptor Agonist

Dulaglutide

Brand names: Trulicity

Dulaglutide is a once-weekly injectable GLP-1 receptor agonist for type 2 diabetes, providing glucose lowering, weight loss and cardiovascular benefit.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

US labelling (FDA)

Reference — US labelling, may differ from UK

Adult Dosage ( 2.1 ) Recommended starting dosage is 0.75 mg injected subcutaneously once weekly. Increase dosage to 1.5 mg once weekly for additional glycemic control. If additional glycemic control is needed, increase dosage in 1.5 mg increments after at least 4 weeks on the current dosage. Maximum recommended dosage is 4.5 mg injected subcutaneously once weekly. Pediatric Dosage ( 2.2 ) Recommended starting dosage is 0.75 mg injected subcutaneously once weekly. If additional glycemic control is needed, increase dosage to the maximum recommended dosage of 1.5 mg once weekly after at least 4 weeks on the 0.75 mg dosage. Recommendations Regarding Missed Dose ( 2.3 ) If a dose is missed, …

Source: US FDA prescribing information (openFDA / DailyMed), label dated 2023-08-05. Accessed 2026-06-12. US dosing and indications can differ from UK practice — use UK sources for prescribing decisions.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It mimics GLP-1 — stimulating glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppressing glucagon, slowing gastric emptying and reducing appetite.

Prescribing in practice

  • Gastrointestinal effects (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea) are common — titrate the dose and they usually settle.
  • It is not for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis; pancreatitis is a rare but important risk (stop if suspected).
  • It is contraindicated in a personal/family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN 2.

Monitoring

Monitor glycaemic response, weight and gastrointestinal tolerance.

Counselling the patient

  • It is a once-weekly injection; nausea usually improves with time.
  • Report severe or persistent abdominal pain (possible pancreatitis).

Evidence & guidelines

Improves glycaemia and weight with cardiovascular benefit (NICE NG28; REWIND).

Reference: REWIND Trial (Gerstein et al, Lancet 2019); NICE NG28; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators
Drugs
Pathways