Overview
An FDA-approved once-weekly GLP-1 (brand Trulicity), used for type-2 diabetes and weight management.
Same appetite-curbing, blood-sugar-lowering family as semaglutide, with simple weekly dosing.
What It Does
Dulaglutide is a long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist (an antibody-Fc fusion).
It enhances glucose-dependent insulin secretion, slows gastric emptying, and reduces appetite.
FDA-approved (Trulicity) for type-2 diabetes; produces moderate weight loss.
Once-weekly.
Reconstitution
| Vial Size | BAC Water / Solvent | Concentration |
|---|---|---|
| 5 mg | + 1 mL | 5 mg/mL |
| 10 mg | + 2 mL | 5 mg/mL |
Reconstitution Calculator
Enter the vial amount and diluent volume to calculate concentration. If you already have a target amount, you can also convert it to liquid volume and syringe markings. This tool does not recommend a target amount.
Enter a target amount you already have and select the syringe capacity.
Mathematical reference only. The calculator does not determine an appropriate target amount. Syringe capacity only changes the maximum volume that fits.
Protocol
| Phase | Frequency | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–4 | Once weekly | 0.75 mg | Starting dose (FDA Trulicity). |
| Weeks 5–8 | Once weekly | 1.5 mg | Step up if tolerated. |
| Weeks 9–12 | Once weekly | 3.0 mg | |
| Week 13+ | Once weekly | 4.5 mg | Max labeled dose. |
escalate every 4 weeks as tolerated to the 4.5 mg max. Continuous use is standard for the indication.
same day each week, any time, with or without food. FDA: approved as Trulicity for type-2 diabetes; weight loss is moderate vs semaglutide/tirzepatide.
Women lose more than men at the same dose but report more GI (start lower). In PCOS they improve cycles, lower free testosterone and raise ovulation; a real unplanned-pregnancy risk. Stop before conceiving. Men: In men, excess fat lowers testosterone; GLP-1 raises total testosterone, SHBG and gonadotropins as weight drops, and improves sperm and erectile function; and preserves fertility, unlike TRT (which suppresses spe Women lose more than men at the same dose but report more GI (start lower). In PCOS they improve cycles, lower free testosterone and raise ovulation; a real unplanned-pregnancy risk. Stop before conceiving. Men: In men, excess fat lowers testosterone; GLP-1 raises total testosterone, SHBG and gonadotropins as weight drops, and improves sperm and erectile function; and preserves fertility, unlike TRT (which suppresses sperm).
Handling & Stacking
- Freeze-dried: -4°F.
- Reconstituted: 36–46°F.
- Best used within 28 days.
- No clear reconstituted-potency data (the pen label gives an in-use date, not potency), so defer to the 28-day sterility limit. (Commercial Trulicity is pre-filled, refrigerated.)
Safety & Patient Education
- Fasting glucose / HbA1c (baseline + periodic) Renal function with significant GI losses Lipase if pancreatitis suspected Resting heart rate (GLP-1s nudge it up a few bpm) Out of range?
- Rising glucose/HbA1c = blood sugar creeping toward diabetes (recheck, tighten diet); a falling eGFR = kidney strain, usually dehydration (hydrate, hold the dose).
