The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved Trulicity in 2014. It's marketed by Eli Lilly and Company. It is the only GLP-1 agonist approved for primary prevention of cardiovascular events.

Clinical Trials



In clinical trials to test the effectiveness of this drug, people who took the 0.75 milligram (mg) dose of Trulicity lowered their A1C levels (a measure of blood sugar control) by 0.7 percent to 1.6 percent. Those who received the 1.5 mg dose saw an A1C reduction of 0.8 percent to 1.6 percent.

Additionally, in the phase 3 REWIND study, people with type 2 diabetes who took Trulicity experienced significantly fewer major heart problems.

Trulicity Warnings



Trulicity contains a black box warning because, in animal studies, it caused thyroid tumors, including thyroid cancer. It's not known if Trulicity will cause thyroid tumors or thyroid cancer in people.

Don't use this medicine if you or a family member has ever had medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC; a type of thyroid cancer) or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2; an endocrine system condition).

Tell your doctor right away if you notice the following symptoms while taking Trulicity:

• Swelling or a lump in your neck
• Trouble swallowing
• Hoarseness
• Shortness of breath

Trulicity shouldn't be used to treat people with type 1 diabetes (a disease where your body doesn't produce any insulin) or diabetic ketoacidosis (a life-threatening condition that can occur if high blood sugar isn't treated). Before taking Trulicity, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, especially if you have or have ever had:

• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
• Severe stomach problems, including gastroparesis (slowed movement of food from the stomach to the small intestine)
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Diabetic retinopathy (a complication of diabetes that affects the eyes)

Tell your doctor you're taking this medicine before having any type of surgery.

Be sure to follow any diet and exercise plan your physician recommends while you're using Trulicity.
Keep all appointments with your healthcare provider. Your doctor will likely order specific tests to check your body's response to this medicine.

Trulicity may cause changes in your blood sugar. You should be on the lookout for symptoms of high or low blood sugar and know what to do if you experience them. Some common signs of low blood sugar include:

• Headache
• Hunger
• Weakness
• Sweating
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Feeling jittery
• Fast heart rate
• Irritability

Check your blood sugar levels as often as your healthcare provider tells you to do so.

Illnesses, injuries, and stress can all affect your blood sugar. Talk to your doctor about what to do if you experience any of these events while taking Trulicity.

It's not known whether Trulicity is safe or effective for use in children. This medicine shouldn't be given to anyone under 18 years of age.


Common Side Effects of Trulicity

The most common side effects of Trulicity are:

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Heartburn
• Decreased appetite
• Tiredness

Tell your doctor if these symptoms become severe or don't go away.

Serious Side Effects of Trulicity

Seek medical help right away if you experience any of the symptoms listed in the warning section or if you have any of the following serious side effects:

• Vomiting or severe stomach problems
• Pain that starts in the upper left or middle of the stomach (and may spread to your back)
• Decreased urination
• Vision changes
• Signs of an allergic reaction, which may include itching; rash; hives; trouble breathing; or swelling of the lips and face