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Trulicity (Dulaglutide)

What is Trulicity?

 

The well-publicised Semaglutide has now got some strong competition, more so during the current stock shortage of Ozempic.

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Just like semaglutide, Trulicity (dulaglutide) is a glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist, to be injected subcutaneously once a week. It helps regulate the hunger hormones in our body to reduce appetite and help make it easier to shrink portions, eat healthier foods and get into a healthier routine to lose weight and keep it off for the long run.

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Just like Liraglutide and Semaglutide in their early days, Trulicity is currently a diabetic medication. It can be prescribed off-label to you if you are deemed safe & suitable for treatment.

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Obesity is a common issue in the UK with 1 in 4 adults in the UK being obese and 1 in 5 children aged 10-11. The most widely used method to check if you're a healthy weight is known as body mass index (BMI). Your BMI is a measure of whether you're a healthy weight for your height.

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For most adults, a BMI of:

  • 18.5 to 24.9 means you're a healthy weight

  • 25 to 29.9 means you're overweight

  • 30 to 39.9 means you're obese

  • 40 or above means you're severely obese

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​How does Trulicity work?

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Much like semaglutide and liraglutide, Trulicity slows the emptying of the stomach and promotes a feeling of fullness by acting on the brain.

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During clinical trials to evaluate the effectiveness of Trulicity when used for treating obesity, participants without diabetes lost on average 52lbs after 16 months - or 22.5 per cent of their weight - compared to those who took the placebo.

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What is the dosing regime for Trulicity compared to Ozempic?

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Trulicity comes in 4 different doses:

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  • 0.75mg Trulicity

  • 1.5mg Trulicity

  • 3mg Trulicity

  • 4.5mg Trulicity

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Each pack / course of Trulicity contains 4 disposable pre-filled injectable pens. Each pen is used once and disposed of. Each course lasts for 4 weeks.

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What about side effects?

 

Like any new medication introduced to your body, your body will have to adjust to it. Some people get mild side effects, such as headaches, nausea, dry mouth or tiredness. These side effects are generally mild and are transient - which means they will go after a few days once your body has adjusted.

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We will send you aftercare information on how to deal with any potential side effects, along with the Patient Information Leaflet which goes into greater detail.

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Everyone is different. You may not experience any side effects, you may experience one side effect or several side effects.

 

Common Side Effects:

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  • Nausea

  • Headaches

  • Dry Mouth

  • Constipation

  • Loose Stool

  • Tiredness

  • Stomach Cramps

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Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need any support on dealing with side effects. We are more than happy to advise you.

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Adverse Effects:

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Adverse effects are rare but they are something you should be aware of.

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Adverse effects may include:

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  • Palpitations / Fast Heart Rate

  • Pancreatitis

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If you experience or feel that you may be experiencing these adverse effects, please stop using the medication & contact 111. When you are safe to do so, please contact us.

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Anaphylaxis:

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There have been no documented cases of an anaphylactic reaction to Liraglutide, Dulaglutide or Semaglutide but as this is a new medication being introduced to your body, we want to make you aware of the possible signs of anaphylaxis.

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If you experience swelling of the lips/tongue/throat, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, a severe rash or severe itching, discontinue use immediately and call 999.

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Who can use it?

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The medication can be used for those with a BMI over 25. We take into account a range of factors such as:

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  • BMI

  • Medical History

  • Current Medication

  • Body measurements

  • Eating habits

  • Past diets

  • Current exercise levels

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The programme is not suitable for:

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Under 18's

Ladies who are breastfeeding, pregnant or actively trying to get pregnant.

Type 1 diabetics

Anyone with a history of pancreatitis or thyroid tumours

Anyone with direct family members who have had thyroid cancer

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How much weight will I lose?

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During the current initial clinical trials by the manufacturer, the average weight loss has been calculated as between 10lbs and 18lbs. Everyone is different, so your weight loss may be more or less. Try not to compare yourself to others losing weight - focus on yourself, your goals and your progress. - your safety is paramount.

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How many courses will I need?

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This depends on what dose you are on, how well you take to the medication and your overall target weight. Each course lasts for 4 weeks.

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Anything else?

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Please note that this medication is not yet licensed for weight loss. It is a prescription-only medication and should be prescribed by a qualified pharmacist. Your full medical history and circumstances should be taken into account to ensure safety & suitability. We prescribe and dispense only from within the UK.

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What are the prices?

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Please see our treatment options (below).

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