Trulicity is a prescription medicine used to help adults and some children with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar levels. It is also prescribed for some people with type 2 diabetes to lower the risk of major heart problems, such as a heart attack or stroke.
Unlike many diabetes medicines that are taken every day, Trulicity is injected once a week. Because it is taken less often, it can be easy to forget a scheduled dose. Missing a dose may leave you wondering if your blood sugar will rise, whether you should take the missed injection, or if it is safe to wait until your next scheduled dose.
The good news is that missing one dose of Trulicity does not usually cause a medical emergency. However, it is important to know what to do so you can continue your treatment safely and effectively.
In this guide, you will learn what happens if you miss a dose of Trulicity, what steps you should take, and how to avoid missing future doses.
What Is Trulicity?
Trulicity is the brand name for dulaglutide, a medication that belongs to a group of medicines called GLP-1 receptor agonists.
It works by helping your body:
- Release insulin when blood sugar is high
- Reduce the amount of sugar made by the liver
- Slow down how quickly food leaves the stomach
- Help you feel full for longer
These effects help improve blood sugar control and may also support weight loss in some people, although Trulicity is not approved specifically as a weight loss medication.
Because this medication stays in your body for several days, it only needs to be taken once every week.
What Happens If You Miss a Dose of Trulicity?
Missing one dose of Trulicity usually does not cause immediate serious health problems. Since the medicine works over several days, its effects do not disappear as soon as you miss an injection.
However, if you skip a dose, the amount of medicine in your body slowly decreases. As this happens, Trulicity may become less effective at controlling your blood sugar.
Some people may not notice any changes after missing one dose, while others may experience higher blood sugar levels, especially if they also have changes in their diet, exercise routine, or other diabetes medications.
Can Missing a Dose of Trulicity Raise Blood Sugar?
Yes. Missing a dose of Trulicity may cause your blood sugar to rise because there is less medication available to help control it.
Higher blood sugar does not always happen immediately. Since Trulicity remains in your body for several days, blood sugar levels may increase gradually.
You may notice higher readings if you check your blood sugar at home.
Some people may not have any noticeable symptoms, while others may begin to feel different.
Signs Your Blood Sugar May Be Higher Than Normal
If your blood sugar increases after missing a dose, you might notice symptoms such as:
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Feeling tired
- Blurred vision
- Dry mouth
- Increased hunger
- Difficulty concentrating
These symptoms can also occur for many other reasons, so monitoring your blood sugar is often the best way to know if your levels have changed.
What Should You Do If You Miss a Dose of Trulicity?
What you should do depends on how much time has passed since your missed injection.
If there are three or more days before your next scheduled dose, you can usually take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Then continue taking Trulicity on your regular weekly schedule.
If there are less than three days until your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take your next injection on your usual day. Do not take two doses within three days of each other unless your healthcare provider specifically tells you to do so.
If you are unsure about your schedule, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist for advice.
What If You Miss More Than One Dose of Trulicity?
Missing several doses may reduce how well Trulicity controls your blood sugar.
Without regular treatment, your blood sugar may gradually increase, making it harder to keep your diabetes under control.
If you have missed multiple weekly injections, contact your healthcare provider before restarting your medication. They can advise you on the safest way to return to your treatment plan.
Can Missing Trulicity Make You Feel Sick?
Missing one dose usually does not cause withdrawal symptoms because Trulicity does not create physical dependence.
However, if your blood sugar becomes higher than normal, you may begin to feel unwell.
Some people report:
- Feeling more tired than usual
- Increased thirst
- Frequent trips to the bathroom
- Feeling less energetic
- Difficulty focusing
These symptoms are more likely to be caused by higher blood sugar rather than stopping the medication itself.
Can Missing a Dose of Trulicity Affect Weight Loss?
Some people taking this medication notice reduced appetite and gradual weight loss.
If you miss a single dose, it is unlikely to have a major effect on your weight. However, missing doses regularly may reduce the medication’s ability to help control appetite and blood sugar over time.
Consistent treatment, along with healthy eating and regular physical activity, gives the best results.
Can You Take Two Doses of Trulicity to Catch Up?
No. If you forget your weekly injection, do not take an extra dose to make up for the missed one.
Taking two doses too close together may increase the chance of side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach discomfort.
Always follow the dosing instructions provided by your healthcare provider and the medication guide.
Can Missing Trulicity Increase the Risk of Diabetes Complications?
Missing one dose is unlikely to cause long-term health problems. However, regularly missing doses can make it more difficult to keep your blood sugar within your target range.
When blood sugar remains high for a long time, it can increase the risk of diabetes-related complications. These may include:
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Kidney disease
- Nerve damage
- Vision problems
- Poor wound healing
This is why taking Trulicity on the same day every week is an important part of managing type 2 diabetes.
Does Missing a Dose of Trulicity Affect Heart Health?
Trulicity is prescribed for some people with type 2 diabetes to help lower the risk of major cardiovascular events, including heart attack and stroke.
Missing one dose is not likely to remove these benefits immediately. However, taking your medication consistently is important to receive its full long-term benefits. If you miss doses frequently, your treatment may become less effective over time.
Can Missing a Dose of Trulicity Affect Other Diabetes Medicines?
Many people take Trulicity along with other diabetes medications, such as metformin or insulin.
If you miss a Trulicity dose, continue taking your other diabetes medications exactly as prescribed unless your healthcare provider tells you otherwise.
Never stop or adjust any diabetes medication on your own. If you are unsure how a missed Trulicity dose affects your treatment plan, speak with your healthcare provider.
What Happens If You Stop Taking Trulicity Completely?
Stopping Trulicity without medical advice may cause your blood sugar to gradually rise.
Over time, you may notice that your diabetes becomes harder to control. Some people may experience symptoms such as:
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Feeling tired
- Blurred vision
- Increased hunger
Your healthcare provider may recommend another medication if Trulicity is no longer right for you. Never stop treatment without discussing it first.
Tips to Help You Remember Your Weekly Dose
Since Trulicity is taken only once a week, it can be easier to forget compared to daily medications.
These simple habits can help you stay on schedule:
- Choose the same day every week for your injection.
- Set a recurring reminder on your phone.
- Use a medication reminder app.
- Mark your injection day on a calendar.
- Keep your medication in the recommended storage location where you are likely to see it.
- Link your injection day to another weekly routine, such as grocery shopping or a regular appointment.
Creating a routine can make remembering your weekly injection much easier.
What If You Are Traveling?
Travel can interrupt your normal schedule, making it easier to miss a dose.
Before traveling:
- Pack your medication ahead of time.
- Bring enough supplies for your entire trip.
- Keep Trulicity stored according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Set reminders using your phone if you are changing time zones.
- Carry your medication in your hand luggage if you are flying.
Planning ahead can help you stay on track wherever you go.
When Should You Contact Your Healthcare Provider?
You should contact your healthcare provider if:
- You have missed several weekly doses.
- You are unsure when to take your next injection.
- Your blood sugar stays higher than your target range.
- You experience severe nausea, vomiting, or dehydration.
- You have symptoms that concern you after missing a dose.
- You are thinking about stopping Trulicity completely.
Your healthcare provider can give advice based on your medical history, current blood sugar levels, and other medications.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
If you miss a dose of Trulicity, try to avoid these common mistakes:
- Do not take two injections close together to make up for a missed dose.
- Do not stop taking the medication without medical advice.
- Do not ignore high blood sugar readings if they continue.
- Do not assume one missed dose means your treatment has failed.
- Do not change your dose without speaking to your healthcare provider.
Following the correct dosing schedule helps keep your treatment safe and effective.
How to Get the Best Results From Trulicity
Trulicity works best when it is part of a complete diabetes management plan.
You can improve your results by:
- Taking your injection on the same day every week.
- Following a healthy eating plan.
- Staying physically active.
- Monitoring your blood sugar if recommended.
- Taking your other medications as prescribed.
- Attending regular medical checkups.
These healthy habits work together to help manage your diabetes and lower the risk of complications.
FAQs
What should I do if I forget which day I usually take Trulicity?
Check your medication records, calendar, or reminder app. If you’re unsure, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist before taking your next dose.
Can I change my weekly Trulicity injection day?
Yes. You can change your injection day if there are at least 3 days (72 hours) between doses. Speak with your healthcare provider if you need help adjusting your schedule.
Can missing a dose of Trulicity cause high blood sugar right away?
Not usually. Since Trulicity stays in your body for several days, blood sugar levels may rise gradually rather than immediately.
Is it safe to exercise if I miss a dose of Trulicity?
Yes, unless your healthcare provider has advised otherwise. Regular physical activity can help manage your blood sugar, even if you miss a dose.
Can I take Trulicity at a different time on my scheduled day?
Yes. You can take your injection at a different time on the same scheduled day if needed.
What happens if I accidentally miss my Trulicity dose every week?
Frequently missing doses can make Trulicity less effective at controlling your blood sugar. Speak with your healthcare provider about ways to stay on track.
Should I check my blood sugar after missing a Trulicity dose?
If your healthcare provider recommends regular blood sugar monitoring, continue checking your levels. This can help you see if your blood sugar has changed after a missed dose.
Can I restart Trulicity without talking to my doctor after missing several doses?
It is best to contact your healthcare provider if you have missed multiple doses. They can advise you on the safest way to restart your treatment.
Does missing a dose of Trulicity affect my A1C?
One missed dose is unlikely to have a significant effect on your A1C. However, regularly missing doses may make it harder to maintain your target A1C over time.
Can I use reminder tools to avoid missing my weekly injection?
Yes. Phone reminders, medication apps, calendars, and weekly pill or injection trackers are great ways to help you remember your Trulicity schedule.
Conclusion
Missing one dose of Trulicity is usually not a medical emergency because the medication stays in your body for several days. However, it is still important to get back on your regular schedule as soon as possible. If there are at least three days before your next scheduled injection, take the missed dose when you remember. If your next dose is less than three days away, skip the missed dose and continue with your usual schedule.
Missing doses regularly can make it harder to control your blood sugar and may reduce the long-term benefits of treatment. Taking Trulicity consistently, following a healthy lifestyle, and keeping regular appointments with your healthcare provider can help you manage type 2 diabetes more effectively.
If you ever feel unsure about what to do after missing a dose, do not guess. Your healthcare provider or pharmacist can give you the safest advice based on your individual treatment plan.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding Trulicity and consult them if you have questions about missed doses or your treatment plan.
