Trulicity (dulaglutide) is a prescription injectable medication approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It is part of the GLP-1 receptor agonist drug class, which works by lowering blood sugar, suppressing appetite, and slowing digestion.
Although Trulicity is generally prescribed at lower doses than newer GLP-1 drugs, serious side effects have still been reported, including severe gastrointestinal injury, kidney complications, gallbladder disease, pancreatitis, and vision problems. As GLP-1 safety investigations expand, Trulicity is included in broader litigation and injury reviews involving this drug class.
This page provides a comprehensive overview of Trulicity, how it works, known risks, and when medical or legal review may be appropriate.
What Is Trulicity?
Trulicity is an injectable medication containing dulaglutide.
Key facts:
- FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes
- Injected once weekly
- Manufactured by Eli Lilly
- Not FDA-approved for weight loss
- Part of the GLP-1 receptor agonist drug class
Trulicity was one of the earlier GLP-1 drugs, prescribed before semaglutide and tirzepatide became widespread.
How Trulicity Works
Trulicity mimics the hormone GLP-1, which:
- increases insulin release
- decreases glucagon secretion
- slows stomach emptying
- suppresses appetite
- affects gut-brain signaling
Although effective for blood sugar control, these mechanisms can also disrupt normal digestion in some patients.
Approved Uses and Prescribing Context
FDA-Approved Use
- Blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes
Off-Label Context
While not approved for weight loss, some patients experience:
- appetite suppression
- unintentional weight loss
Long-term use or dose escalation may increase side-effect risk.
Commonly Reported Side Effects
Many Trulicity users report gastrointestinal symptoms, especially early in treatment:
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- constipation
- abdominal pain
- bloating
- fatigue
- dizziness
For some patients, these symptoms persist or worsen over time.
Serious Safety Concerns Associated With Trulicity
Severe Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders
Reported injuries include:
- gastroparesis (stomach paralysis)
- ileus (functional bowel shutdown)
- severe constipation
- chronic digestive dysfunction
➡️ Related: Motility Disorders
Dehydration & Kidney Injury
Ongoing vomiting or diarrhea may lead to:
- dehydration
- electrolyte imbalance
- acute kidney injury (AKI)
- worsening kidney disease
➡️ Related: Dehydration and Kidney Damage
Gallbladder Disease
Weight loss and altered bile flow may increase the risk of:
- gallstones
- gallbladder inflammation
- gallbladder removal surgery
➡️ Related: Gallbladder Removal
Pancreatitis
Some patients report:
- severe abdominal pain
- elevated pancreatic enzymes
- hospitalization for pancreatitis
➡️ Related: Pancreatitis
Vision Problems / NAION
Serious vision complications, including Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION), have been reported across the GLP-1 drug class.
➡️ Related:
Who May Be at Higher Risk
Higher-risk patients may include:
- those with prior GI disorders
- individuals prone to dehydration
- patients with kidney disease
- people with diabetes-related vascular disease
- older adults
- long-term GLP-1 users
Trulicity and Lawsuits
Trulicity is included in broader GLP-1 litigation, particularly claims involving:
- severe motility disorders
- kidney injury
- gallbladder surgery
- pancreatitis
- permanent digestive injury
- blindness / NAION
➡️ Trulicity lawsuits hub: Lawsuits
When to Consider a Review
You may want to consider review if:
- you used Trulicity, AND
- you required ER care or hospitalization, OR
- you developed a diagnosed complication, OR
- symptoms persisted after stopping the drug
➡️ Start here: File a Claim
Trulicity is an established GLP-1 medication that helps control blood sugar but may cause serious and persistent side effects in some patients. While many tolerate the drug, others report long-term or life-altering injuries.
If you experienced severe complications after using Trulicity, medical and legal review may be appropriate.