What Is Trulicity? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

Trulicity (dulaglutide) is a once-weekly injectable medication approved by the FDA for two main purposes: improving blood sugar control in adults and children (10+) with type 2 diabetes, and reducing the risk of serious cardiovascular events in adults with T2DM who have established heart disease or multiple cardiovascular risk factors. It belongs to a drug class called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which has become one of the most important classes in modern diabetes and metabolic medicine.

What Is Trulicity Used For?

Trulicity has two FDA-approved indications:

• Type 2 diabetes management: Used alongside diet and exercise to improve blood glucose (A1C) in adults and children ages 10 and older. It is not approved for type 1 diabetes.

• Cardiovascular risk reduction: In adults with T2DM who have established cardiovascular disease or multiple CV risk factors, Trulicity is approved to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death, non-fatal heart attack, and non-fatal stroke (MACE).

While not FDA-approved for weight loss, some patients experience modest weight reduction on Trulicity — particularly at higher doses. At 4.5 mg, patients in clinical trials lost an average of approximately 10 lbs over 9 months.

What Drug Class Is Trulicity?

Trulicity belongs to the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist drug class. Other drugs in this class include Ozempic and Wegovy (semaglutide), Victoza and Saxenda (liraglutide), Mounjaro and Zepbound (tirzepatide, a dual GLP-1/GIP agonist), and Rybelsus (oral semaglutide). These medications all work by mimicking a gut hormone called GLP-1 to help regulate blood sugar.

Trulicity Dosage Forms and Strengths

Trulicity comes as a pre-filled, single-use pen injector for subcutaneous (under the skin) injection. It is available in four dose strengths:

• 0.75 mg/0.5 mL — starting dose

• 1.5 mg/0.5 mL — maintenance dose for most patients

• 3 mg/0.5 mL — higher dose for additional A1C reduction (shortage-affected)

• 4.5 mg/0.5 mL — maximum dose (shortage-affected)

Each pen delivers a single dose. The standard prescription is 4 pens (a 28-day supply). Trulicity is available regardless of strength at the same price point.

How Do You Use Trulicity?

Trulicity is injected subcutaneously (just under the skin) once per week. Key points on administration:

• Inject into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm — rotate injection sites

• Can be taken at any time of day, with or without food

• Take on the same day each week; can change the day as long as your last dose was at least 3 days ago

• Store in the refrigerator (36°F–46°F); can be kept at room temperature (up to 86°F) for up to 14 days

• Start with 0.75 mg once weekly; may increase to 1.5 mg after 4 weeks if more glycemic control is needed

What Makes Trulicity Different from Other Diabetes Medications?

Trulicity stands out from older diabetes medications for several reasons:

• Once-weekly dosing: Unlike most diabetes medications taken daily, Trulicity only needs to be injected once a week. This improves adherence for many patients.

• Low hypoglycemia risk: Because Trulicity only stimulates insulin when blood sugar is elevated (glucose-dependent mechanism), it has a much lower risk of causing dangerous low blood sugar than insulin or sulfonylureas — when used alone.

• Cardiovascular protection: Trulicity has FDA approval specifically for cardiovascular risk reduction in patients with T2DM — a benefit not shared by all diabetes medications.

• Easy-to-use pen: The Trulicity single-use pen has a hidden needle — you don't have to see the needle, which reduces injection anxiety.

Who Should NOT Take Trulicity?

• People with type 1 diabetes (not approved)

• People with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)

• People with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)

• People with a known severe allergy to dulaglutide or any component of Trulicity

The Bottom Line

Trulicity is a well-established GLP-1 receptor agonist that helps patients with type 2 diabetes control blood sugar and protect their heart — with the convenience of once-weekly dosing. If you want to understand more about how the medication works at a biological level, see our article on how Trulicity works. And if you're having trouble finding your prescription at a pharmacy, medfinder can help locate it near you.