dulaglutide

dulaglutide

Trulicity

Indications

Action

Pharmacokinetics

Time/action profile (↓ in HbA1c)

Contraindications/Precautions

Adverse Reactions/Side Effects

Central nervous system

• fatigue

Dermatologic

• pruritis
• rash

Endocrinologic

• thyroid C-cell tumors (life-threatening)

Gastrointestinal

• pancreatitis (life-threatening)
• diarrhea
• nausea (most frequent)
• abdominal pain (most frequent)
• ↓ appetite
• dyspepsia
• vomiting (most frequent)
• constipation

Genitourinary

• acute renal failure

Local

• hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis and angioedema (life-threatening)
• injection site reactions

Interactions

Drug-Drug interaction

Route/Dosage

Availability

Nursing implications

Nursing assessment

• Observe patient taking concurrent insulin for signs and symptoms of hypoglycemic reactions (sweating, hunger, weakness, dizziness, tremor, tachycardia, anxiety, headache, blurred vision, slurred speech, irritability).
• If thyroid nodules or elevated serum calcitonin are noted, patient should be referred to an endocrinologist.
• Monitor for pancreatitis (persistent severe abdominal pain, sometimes radiating to the back, with or without vomiting). If pancreatitis is suspected, discontinue dulaglutide; if confirmed, do not restart dulaglutide.
• Lab Test Considerations: Monitor serum HbA_1c periodically during therapy to evaluate effectiveness.
  • May ↑ lipase and pancreatic amylase.

Potential Nursing Diagnoses

Implementation

• Patients stabilized on a diabetic regimen who are exposed to stress, fever, trauma, infection, or surgery may require administration of insulin.
• Subcutaneous: Administer once daily at any time of the day, without regard to food. Day of week may be changed as long as at least 72 hr before next dose. Inject into abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Solution should be clear and colorless; do not administer solutions that are discolored or contain particulate matter.

Patient/Family Teaching

• Instruct patient on use of pen and to take dulaglutide as directed. Follow manufacturer's instructions for pen use. Pen should never be shared between patients, even if needle is changed. Store pen in refrigerator; do not freeze. After initial use, pen may be stored at room temperature up to 14 days. Advise patient to read the Patient Medication Guide before starting dulaglutide and with each Rx refill in case of changes.
• Take missed dose as soon as remembered as long as 3 days (72 hr) until next scheduled dose. If less than 3 days until next scheduled dose, skip and take next scheduled dose.
• Inform patient that nausea is the most common side effect, but usually decreases over time.
• Advise patient taking insulin and dulaglutide to never mix insulin and dulaglutide together. Give as 2 separate injections. Both injections may be given in the same body area, but should not be given right next to each other.
• Explain to patient that this medication controls hyperglycemia but does not cure diabetes. Therapy is long-term.
• Review signs of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia with patient. If hypoglycemia occurs, advise patient to take a glass of orange juice or 2–3 tsp of sugar, honey, or corn syrup dissolved in water and notify health care professional.
• Encourage patient to follow prescribed diet, medication, and exercise regimen to prevent hypoglycemic or hyperglycemic episodes.
• Instruct patient in proper testing of serum glucose and ketones. These tests should be closely monitored during periods of stress or illness, and health care professional should be notified if significant changes occur.
• Advise patient to notify health care professional of all Rx or OTC medications, vitamins, or herbal products being taken and consult health care professional before taking any new medications.
• Advise patient to notify discontinue dulaglutide and health care professional immediately if signs of pancreatitis (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain) occur.
• Inform patient of risk of benign and malignant thyroid C-cell tumors. Advise patient to notify health care professional if symptoms of thyroid tumors (lump in neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, shortness of breath) or if signs of allergic reaction (swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; fainting or feeling dizzy; very rapid heartbeat; problems breathing or swallowing; severe rash or itching) occur.
• Advise patient to inform health care professional of medication regimen before treatment or surgery.
• Insulin is the preferred method of controlling blood glucose during pregnancy. Counsel female patients to notify health care professional if pregnancy is planned or suspected or if breastfeeding.
• Advise patient to carry a form of sugar (sugar packets, candy) and identification describing disease process and medication regimen at all times.
• Emphasize the importance of routine follow-up exams.

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes

• Improved glycemic control.