Table of contents:
- Uses
- What is Dulaglutide?
- Dulaglutide injection rules
- Dulaglutide save rules
- Dose
- Side effects
- What side effects may Dulaglutide cause?
- Important Warning
- Drug Interactions
- Overdose
- What should I do in an emergency or overdose?
- What if I miss the scheduled injection?
Uses
What is Dulaglutide?
Dulaglutide is an injection given to control blood sugar for adult patients with type 2 diabetes. The injection must be balanced with exercise and diet so that blood sugar control can run optimally. Dulaglutide is not given to patients with type 1 diabetes and diabetic ketoacidosis. This drug is an addition to the treatment given to type 2 diabetes patients, does not serve as a substitute of insulin if you need insulin therapy.
Dulaglutide works like a natural hormone in the body called incretin. The way it works increases the production of insulin in the right amount when blood sugar levels are high, such as after eating, and decreases the amount of sugar produced by the liver. This drug also helps sugar in the blood to enter the adipose tissue for further breakdown into energy.
Dulaglutide injection rules
Dulaglutide is a drug that is available as a liquid that is injected into the body through the subcutaneous layer (under the skin layer) in the area of the abdomen, thighs or upper arms. This medicine is usually only given once a week without having to be carried out in conjunction with a meal schedule. Do this drug injection on the same day every week at any time. You can change the day of administration of this medication if it is three or more days from the last Dulaglutide administration.
If you are also injecting insulin, do it with two different injection machines. The area that is injected can be the same, but avoid injecting with the injection point that is exactly next to each other. Also pay attention to Dulaglutide before you inject it. The liquid must be clear, colorless, and free of visible solid particles.
Dulaglutide save rules
Store the medicine that is still sealed in the refrigerator with a temperature of 2-8 degrees Celsius. Do not freeze this medication and keep it away from direct light. Any filled syringe or Dulaglutide that has been opened can be stored at room temperature (below 30 degrees Celsius) for 14 days.
Dose
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.
At initial administration, the dose given is 0.75 milligrams once a week. This dose can be increased to 1.5 once a week if glycemic control does not show improvement.
Side effects
What side effects may Dulaglutide cause?
Use of this drug can cause side effects. Contact your doctor if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Heartburn
- Loss of appetite
- Excess fatigue
Although the use of Dulaglutide does not cause hypoglycemia, a decrease in blood sugar levels can still occur when this drug is combined with other diabetes medications. Talk to your doctor about all medicines that you have or are currently taking, including the types of herbal medicines.
Stop treatment if an allergic reaction such as rash, hives, swelling in facial areas, such as the tongue, mouth and eyes, swelling of the throat and shortness of breath occurs. If the side effects you feel persist and even get worse, contact your doctor immediately for further medical steps.
Important Warning
Dulaglutide injection may increase a person's risk of thyroid gland tumor cells, including medullary thyroid cancer. Tests conducted on animals have shown that administering Dulaglutide injection to mice can develop tumor cells, although it is not known whether it has the same effect in humans.
Talk with your doctor about your history of hereditary disease or the type of cancer that is inherited, including if your family (or you) have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2, which is a condition that causes tumors to develop in more than one gland in the body. Immediately consult your doctor if you find symptoms, such as swelling or the appearance of a lump in the neck, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, and shortness of breath during treatment with Dulaglutide.
Drug Interactions
Concomitant use with sulfonylurea or insulin class drugs can increase the occurrence of hypoglycemia. Concomitant use of this medicine with other oral medications may cause delay in gastric emptying and reduce the absorption rate of the drug.
Overdose
What should I do in an emergency or overdose?
Some of the symptoms that may arise due to an overdose are indigestion, such as nausea and vomiting as well as symptoms of hypoglycemia. If you experience these symptoms, immediately contact your doctor or other medical emergency assistance for further medical steps.
What if I miss the scheduled injection?
If you miss your scheduled injection on the designated day, give the injection as soon as you remember. However, if your next injection schedule is three days from now, ignore your missed schedule and move on to your next regular schedule.
