Trulicity® dosage guide: Finding the right dose for effective results

What you’ll learn:

• Trulicity^® contains dulaglutide and is FDA-approved to manage type 2 diabetes; it can also be prescribed off-label to support weight loss.
• Following a gradual, step-up dosing schedule allows your body to slowly adjust to the medication and reduce side effects.
• Working with your provider can help you find the best dose for your health goals. 

You’ve likely heard of Ozempic^® and Mounjaro^®, two GLP-1 medications approved for managing type 2 diabetes that are often prescribed off-label for weight loss. Trulicity^®, which contains dulaglutide, works in a similar way—but it’s primarily used to lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. That said, some people do experience moderate weight loss, especially at higher doses when combined with healthy habits.

If you’re considering Trulicity^® or just getting started, understanding the dosing process is key. It’s a once-weekly injection that follows a step-up schedule, starting at 0.75 mg and gradually increasing to a maximum of 4.5 mg as needed and tolerated. 

This gradual increase—called titration—helps reduce side effects like nausea and stomach upset. While Trulicity^® isn’t FDA-approved for weight loss, studies show that people taking the highest dose lost around 5% of their body weight on average over a year, with smaller losses at lower doses.

In this guide, you’ll learn how Trulicity^® dosing works, what to expect during titration, and how your healthcare provider can help you find the dose that best balances results and tolerability, whether you’re focused on blood sugar, weight, or both.

How Trulicity^® dosing works 

You will take Trulicity^® once per week by giving yourself an injection with a preloaded pen. A gradual step-up dosing schedule helps your body get used to the medication and can make side effects like nausea and stomach issues manageable. 

• Starting dose: The initial dose is 0.75 mg once weekly for the first month. This starting point gives your body time to adjust and helps minimize the risk of uncomfortable side effects.
• Dose escalation: After the first four weeks, your provider may increase the dose every four weeks, depending on how you’re feeling and how your body is responding. While this is the standard schedule, some people may stay on a lower dose longer if it’s working well and they’re experiencing fewer side effects.
• Available doses include:
  • 0.75 mg
  • 1.5 mg
  • 3 mg
  • 4.5 mg
• Maintenance dose: Once you find the dose that works best for your body and goals, you’ll likely stay on that amount for continued support.
• Maximum dose: The highest approved dose for adults is 4.5 mg once weekly.

The most common side effects of Trulicity^® by dose

Side effects are more likely when you first start taking Trulicity^® or when your dose is increased. Most are mild to moderate and can be managed with care at home. The most frequently reported side effects of Trulicity® are digestive-related and are usually temporary and tend to ease as your body gets used to the medication.

They include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain or discomfort

Again, the goal of slow dose escalation is to minimize these effects. Here’s what to expect at each dose based on studies:

Side effect	Trulicity® (1.5 mg)	Trulicity® (3 mg)	Trulicity® (4.5 mg)
Nausea	13%	16%	16%
Diarrhea	7%	11%	11%
Vomiting	6%	8%	9%
Dyspepsia	3%	5%	3%

Finding the best Trulicity^® dose for weight loss vs. diabetes

Trulicity^® dosing starts the same for everyone—0.75 mg once a week—but where you go from there depends on your goals. Whether you’re focusing on blood sugar, weight, or both, the dose can be adjusted over time. 

If you’re managing type 2 diabetes, your provider will gradually raise your dose to get better glucose control. The goal is to find a dose that gives you the most benefits with the least side effects. 

If you’re using Trulicity^® for off-label weight management, higher doses tend to show better results. In one study, people taking 4.5 mg achieved an average of 5% of body weight lost over a year, while those on lower doses saw a smaller weight loss rate. 

Most people use Trulicity^® to help manage type 2 diabetes. While some people lose weight while taking it, significant weight loss is rare. Other GLP-1 medications, like Wegovy^® or Ozempic^® (semaglutide) and Zepbound^® or Mounjaro^® (tirzepatide), tend to be more effective when weight loss is the primary goal.

For more information on which GLP-1 medications work better for weight loss, check out:

• Wegovy^® vs. Trulicity^®
• Ozempic^® vs. Trulicity^®
• Mounjaro^® vs. Trulicity^®

How much weight can I expect to lose with Trulicity^®? 

Again, while Trulicity^® isn’t a weight loss medication, some people do lose weight while taking it. In a clinical study, people taking Trulicity^® lost different amounts of weight depending on the dose:

• 1.5 mg: People on this dose lost about 3% on average
• 3.0 mg: Weight loss increased up to 4%
• 4.5 mg: People at the highest dose saw an average loss of 5%

Again, while Trulicity^® doesn’t match the weight loss amounts you’ll see with other medications, it can still support steady weight loss over time, especially when paired with healthy habits.

How to take Trulicity^®: Tips for the best results

Taking Trulicity^® the right way can help you get the most benefit while minimizing side effects. While dosage is important, your timing, technique, and weekly routine can also influence how well it works and how you feel throughout your treatment. Here’s what to do:

Action	Details
When to take it	Take Trulicity® once a week on the same day—choose a day that fits your schedule and stick with it. You can take it in the morning or at night, with or without food. The key is consistency. Setting a recurring phone or calendar reminder can help you stay on track.
Where to inject	You can inject Trulicity® into your stomach, thigh, or upper arm. Rotate injection sites each week to avoid skin issues like lumps or soreness. Avoid areas that are bruised, red, or hard to the touch.
How to take it	Check the pen – Make sure the pen is locked and that the medication is clear (not cloudy or discolored). Wash your hands and clean the injection site – Wipe the chosen area with an alcohol swab and let it dry. Remove the base cap – Press the clear base flat against your skin at the selected site. Unlock and inject – Turn the lock ring to unlock, then press and hold the green injection button. You’ll hear a click when it starts and another when it’s done (takes 5–10 seconds). Confirm the dose – Look for the gray plunger; if it’s visible, the dose was delivered. Dispose of safely – Place the used pen in a sharps container. Never reuse or recap it.
How to minimize side effects	Try nighttime dosing – If nausea occurs, taking your injection in the evening may help you sleep through it. Eat bland meals and hydrate – Stick to bland, light meals and drink plenty of water if you feel queasy. Track injection sites – Rotating sites each week helps reduce the risk of skin irritation or lumps—consider keeping a quick log.

How to avoid injection site reactions

It’s normal to notice a bit of redness, swelling, or itching where you inject Trulicity^®, especially in the beginning. These skin reactions are usually mild and go away on their own, but a few habits can make injections more comfortable:

• Rotate your injection sites each week; again, switching between your abdomen, thigh, and upper arm can help reduce the chance of reactions.
• Avoid spots that are already bruised or sore. If an area looks red or feels tender, choose a different spot.
• Always use a new pen and inject at a 90-degree angle with steady pressure.
• Let the pen warm up for 30 minutes after taking it out of the fridge—this can make injections more comfortable.
• Clean the skin with an alcohol swab and let it dry before you inject.
• Don’t rub the spot afterward—it can cause more irritation.

If you do have a reaction, a cold compress may help ease the swelling or redness. If the area doesn’t improve or gets worse, it’s best to check in with your provider for guidance.

How to care for your Trulicity^® pen

Storing and handling your Trulicity^® pen the right way helps keep the medication safe and effective. Here’s what you should know:

• Before you start using a new pen: Keep unused pens in the refrigerator between 36°F and 46°F (2°C to 8°C), ideally inside the original carton to protect them from light.
• Once you’re using a pen: After taking it out of the fridge, your pen can stay at room temperature (below 86°F/30°C) for up to 14 days. Always check that the liquid inside is clear and free of particles before injecting.
• Don’t freeze it: If your Trulicity^® pen has been frozen, toss it out. It’s no longer safe to use once frozen.
• Protect from heat and light: Whether in the fridge or out, store your pen somewhere cool and away from direct sunlight or extreme heat.
• Keep away from kids: As with all medications, store it out of reach to keep everyone safe.
• Don’t use a damaged pen: If your pen gets dropped, cracked, or doesn’t look right, don’t take any chances—swap it out for a new one.

A little care goes a long way in making sure your medication stays safe and works as intended.

Trulicity^® dosage: Adjustments & personalization

Your healthcare provider will adjust your dose based on your personal health goals, how your body responds to changes in blood sugar and/or weight, and how well you’re tolerating the medication. Several things can influence how your dose is tailored:

• Weight loss: If losing weight is part of your plan, your provider may consider gradually increasing your dose. As mentioned, higher doses of Trulicity^® have been associated with greater average weight loss compared to lower doses.
• Side-effect tolerance: Some people experience stronger side effects as the dose increases. If that happens, your provider might slow down dose increases or keep you at a lower dose for longer to give your body time to adjust.

Everyone’s experience is different, which is why ongoing check-ins with your provider are key to finding your ideal dose.

Signs you might need a different dose of Trulicity^®

Here are a few things that might signal a dose change is needed:

• You’re not seeing much progress. If your blood sugar isn’t well controlled or you aren’t losing weight, it could be time to explore a higher dose.
• Side effects are lingering. If side effects are interfering with your daily life, your provider might lower your dose.
• Something else changes in your health. New meds or shifts in your health can affect how Trulicity^® works for you.

What happens if you miss a dose?

If you miss your weekly Trulicity^® dose, don’t stress—just follow these simple steps based on the official prescribing information:

Situation	What to do	Why it matters
If you missed a dose and there are at least 3 days before your next dose	Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Stay on your regular schedule moving forward.	This helps keep the medication working effectively while staying within the safe dosing window.
If less than 3 days remain before the next scheduled dose	Skip it and take your next dose on your regular day.	Taking doses too close together can raise your risk of side effects.
If you miss several doses or aren’t sure how long it’s been	Reach out to your healthcare provider before restarting.	They’ll help you get back on track safely. Don’t double up to catch up. Doubling your dose can lead to serious side effects like nausea or low blood sugar.

Trulicity^®: Overdose risks and symptoms

Whether you’re focused on weight loss, blood sugar management, or both, take Trulicity^® exactly as directed. If you accidentally take too much Trulicity^®, these are the signs to watch for:

• Digestive discomfort (nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain)
• Constipation that lasts longer than usual
• Dehydration from vomiting or diarrhea
• Low blood sugar, especially if you’re also taking insulin or sulfonylureas

If your symptoms feel more intense or you’re not sure what’s going on, contact the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222, or 911 if it’s an emergency.

Trulicity^®: Important safety considerations and warnings

Most people tolerate Trulicity^® well, but it comes with a few warnings you should be aware of. While rare, there are certain symptoms to be aware of that require immediate medical attention. Here‘s what to watch for:

• Pancreatitis: Sudden, severe stomach pain, especially if it spreads to your back and comes with vomiting. 
• Gallbladder issues: Watch for upper abdominal pain, nausea, jaundice, or pale stools.
• Kidney problems: Symptoms may include fatigue, swelling, or changes in urination.
• Low blood sugar: Signs include shakiness, confusion, blurred vision, or sweating. If you’re also taking certain diabetes medications, your risk of hypoglycemia may increase. 
• Vision changes: Sudden changes in vision need immediate medical attention.
• Allergic reactions: Seek immediate care if you have swelling of the face or throat, trouble breathing, dizziness, or a rash after injection.
• Thyroid tumors: Signs include a neck lump, difficulty swallowing, or persistent hoarseness. (This connection hasn’t been established in humans, but all GLP-1s carry a boxed warning.)

If you notice any of these symptoms, check in with your healthcare provider right away. For detailed safety information, review the medication guide for Trulicity^®.

Trulicity^® dosage: Finding the right dose for your goals

Trulicity^® can be an effective tool for managing type 2 diabetes and, in some cases, supporting modest weight loss. But its effects—and side effects—depend on finding the dose that works for you. 

Knowing how the dosing works can help you manage side effects and stick with treatment to get your desired results. Regular check-ins with your provider can help you find the dose that offers the right balance between benefits and tolerability, whether you’re focused on blood sugar control, modest weight loss, or both. 

And if you’re looking for added support, see if you qualify for Noom Med. You’ll be matched with a clinician who can help you explore your options, prescribe medication if needed, and build a plan that fits your goals. 

Note: Trulicity^®, Ozempic^®, and Mounjaro^® are not FDA-approved to treat obesity or for weight loss.