Quick Answer: If you miss a dose of Trulicity, take it as soon as you remember if it's within 3 days of your scheduled dose. If more than 3 days have passed, skip the missed dose and continue with your next scheduled dose. Never take two doses at once to compensate for a missed injection.
If you've missed a dose of Trulicity, you're not alone. It happens! But don't worry-there are clear steps you can take to get back on track safely.
In this article, we'll explain exactly what to do if you forget your weekly Trulicity injection and the possible side effects of missing a dose. Ready?
Related article: How to Store Your Trulicity Injections Correctly at Home and When Travelling
What is Trulicity and How Does it Work?
Trulicity (dulaglutide) is a once-weekly injectable medication used to help manage type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which work by mimicking the hormone GLP-1 to stimulate insulin production, slow digestion, and reduce blood sugar spikes after meals. It also helps with weight management by promoting a feeling of fullness, which can help control appetite and prevent overeating.
How is Trulicity Injected?
Trulicity is administered as a subcutaneous injection (just under the skin). It comes in a pre-filled, single-use pen that makes self-injection simple.
The medication is injected once per week, on the same day each week, at any time of day. It can be taken with or without food. Sticking to a regular injection schedule is essential for maintaining blood sugar levels and optimising the medication's effectiveness.
The most common Trulicity injection sites are:
✅ Stomach (abdomen) - Avoid the area around the belly button.
✅ Thighs - A convenient option for self-administration.
✅ Upper arm - Typically used when someone else is administering the injection.
It's important to rotate injection sites to prevent irritation and ensure proper absorption of the medication by your body. If you're unsure about how to inject Trulicity properly, refer to the manufacturer's instructions for use or ask your doctor or pharmacist for guidance.
Related article: Travelling with Diabetes: Your Checklist and All You Need to Know Before Departure!
What Happens If You Miss a Dose of Trulicity: Possible Side Effects
Sticking to a regular injection schedule when taking Trulicity is crucial for keeping your blood sugar levels stable. Missing a dose of Trulicity or skipping an entire week can cause fluctuations in blood sugar levels and impact your overall diabetes management.
Possible effects of a missed dose include:
🔺 Increased blood sugar levels (hyperglycaemia) - If your diabetes is not well-managed, missing doses may cause spikes in blood glucose levels.
🔺 Loss of steady blood sugar control - Consistency is key with Trulicity, like with any other diabetes medication. Skipping doses too often might make it less effective over time and cause of loss of control of your blood sugar levels, impacting your diabetes management and potentially causing health complications in the long term.
🔺 Potential return of symptoms - If you've been feeling better with Trulicity, missing doses might lead to a recurrence of fatigue, frequent urination, or increased thirst (symptoms of prolonged hyperglycaemia).
🔺 Potential impact on weight loss or weight maintenance - Many people using Trulicity also see weight benefits as a welcome side effect. Skipping doses might make it less effective in supporting weight control.
What To Do If You Miss Your Weekly Dose
If you miss your weekly Trulicity dose, the right course of action depends on how much time has passed.
If You Miss a Dose by Less Than 3 Days
✅ If it's been less than 3 days (72 hours) since your scheduled injection, take your dose as soon as you remember. Taking your dose within this window helps ensure that your blood sugar control remains stable.
✅ Continue with your regular schedule the following week.
✅ Monitor your blood sugar levels and watch for any unusual symptoms. Speak with your healthcare provider if you notice any unusual side effect.
✅ Set reminders to help avoid missing future doses.
If You Miss a Dose by More Than 3 Days
🚫 If more than 3 days (72 hours) have passed, skip the missed dose and take your next scheduled dose as usual.
🚫 Do not double up on your Trulicity dose to make up for the one you missed. Doubling up could lead to unwanted side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal discomfort, as well as hypoglycaemia.
✅ Monitor your blood sugar levels and watch for any unusual symptoms. Speak with your healthcare provider if you notice any unusual side effect.
✅ Set reminders to help avoid missing future doses.
Can You Skip a Dose of Trulicity?
Ideally, no-you shouldn't skip your Trulicity dose unless advised by your doctor. Missing doses regularly may reduce its effectiveness in managing your blood sugar levels. However, if you've accidentally skipped a dose, just follow the missed dose instructions above.
If you anticipate missing a dose due to travel or other commitments, speak with your doctor in advance to discuss potential adjustments. Some patients may be advised on ways to maintain their schedule, such as adjusting injection days temporarily or ensuring they carry their medication while travelling.
Tips to Avoid Missing Your Trulicity Dose
Maintaining consistency with your Trulicity injections is crucial for effective diabetes management. Missing a dose can disrupt your blood sugar control, so it's important to develop habits that help you remember your weekly injection. Here are some practical tips to help you stay on track:
⏰ Set a reminder on your phone or calendar.
📅 Pick a specific day and time to take your injection each week.
📍 Keep your Trulicity pen in a visible spot (but stored safely at the right temperature).
📲 Use a medication tracker app to log your doses.
🎯 Consider linking your injection schedule with another weekly habit (e.g., a particular TV show or Sunday meal).
👜 Keep an extra Trulicity pen on hand in case of travel or misplaced medication.
Related article: 12 Great Diabetic-Friendly Snack Ideas for Travellers!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I take Trulicity at a different time each week?
Yes, Trulicity can be taken at any time of the day on your scheduled day. However, it is recommended to take it at the same time each week to maintain consistency in your treatment plan. This helps reduce the risk of forgetting a dose.
2. Can I change the day of the week I inject Trulicity?
Yes, you can change the day you inject Trulicity if needed, but there should be at least a 3-day (72-hour) gap between doses.
If you need to make a change, try to establish a new consistent weekly routine. It's always a good idea to consult your doctor before making any adjustments to ensure it won't impact your diabetes management.
3. Should I take Trulicity with food?
Trulicity can be taken with or without food, as it is not dependent on meals for absorption.
However, some people find that taking it with food helps reduce potential side effects like nausea or an upset stomach. If you experience digestive issues, try eating a light meal before your injection and see if it helps. Always discuss persistent side effects with your healthcare provider.
4. What should I do if I accidentally take two doses in one week?
If you mistakenly take two doses of Trulicity in a single week, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately. Taking too much Trulicity can lead to severe side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and a risk of dangerously low blood sugar levels.
Your doctor may provide guidance on how to manage any symptoms that arise and whether you need medical attention. In the future, setting reminders and keeping a medication journal can help prevent accidental double dosing.
5. How should I store my Trulicity pens?
Trulicity pens should be stored in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C until you're ready to use them. If refrigeration is not possible, you can store them at room temperature, below 30°C, for up to 14 days. Do not freeze Trulicity pens, and if they have been accidentally frozen, discard them and use a new pen.
Always keep Trulicity out of direct sunlight and away from excessive heat. If you are travelling, consider using an insulated travel case to maintain the proper storage temperature.
6. How long does Trulicity stay in your system?
Trulicity has a long half-life of about 5 days, meaning it remains active in your system for at least a week. This extended effect allows for once-weekly dosing while maintaining blood sugar control throughout the week. Because of this prolonged action, missing a dose could lead to fluctuations in blood sugar levels, making it essential to take the medication as prescribed.
7. How effective is Trulicity for diabetes management?
Trulicity has been shown to effectively lower blood sugar levels and A1C readings in people with type 2 diabetes. In clinical trials, patients taking Trulicity experienced improvements in glycaemic control and, in some cases, weight loss. The medication is often prescribed alongside lifestyle changes like diet and exercise to enhance its benefits.
8. Can I stop taking Trulicity if I feel better?
No, you should not stop taking Trulicity just because you feel better. Diabetes is a chronic condition, and stopping your medication abruptly may lead to fluctuations in blood sugar levels and serious health complications.
Even if your blood sugar levels are stable, Trulicity continues to play a role in managing your condition over time. If you're considering stopping Trulicity for any reason, consult your doctor first. They may recommend an alternative treatment plan or suggest lifestyle changes to support your health.
Final Thoughts
Missing a dose of Trulicity isn't the end of the world, but staying consistent is key to managing type 2 diabetes effectively. If you forget your Trulicity injection, follow the missed dose instructions, monitor your blood sugar levels, and try to prevent it from happening again. And if you have any concerns, don't hesitate to speak to your doctor.
We'd Love to Hear From You!
💬 Have you ever missed a Trulicity dose? How do you keep track of your medication schedule? Share your tips in the comments below!
