Trulicity and Fatigue: What Users Say

• Lil...
• February 24, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "My insurance would no longer pay for Victoza. As soon as I went off of it, I gained 15 pounds. Very frustrating, especially since my A1C went from 7.3 to 8.2 also. Doc started me on the 0.75 dose of Trulicity. I was pleased that other than some mild digestive issues and fatigue for the first month, I had no horrific side effects. It also had no effect whatsoever on my blood sugar, A1C, or weight! After five months, Doc doubled the dose to 1.75/week. Still no big stomach or intestinal issues, unless I eat something super rich or fatty. You will absolutely pay a physical price if you don't pay attention to your fat intake with this drug. The other thing is that I'm having to overcome that crushing fatigue again, hoping it eases soon, trying to take power-naps when possible. But my sugar numbers are awesome, and I'm sticking with Trulicity for that reason."

• Ike...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 16, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "Had terrible upper abdominal pain while on Trulicity, lasting for 5 days post injection. Could not eat much although had an appetite. Very tough time with bowel movements. Lost all energy during this time. But blood sugars came down and I really wish I could have tolerated it due to once/week dosing. The benefit does not outweigh the awful side effects."

• Gin...
• October 22, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I took the Trulicity shot on Friday, today is Tuesday. Until today, no side effects until I decided to eat a donut today, which I know is not diabetic-friendly... I got so sick, nauseated, dizzy, fatigued, I thought I would have to go to the ER. I eventually had several normal bowel movements and a long nap. The first day or two, I felt really weird. Not myself. Appetite is definitely almost nonexistent. And for me, that is a huge plus. I have been overeating like a mad person for years. I am not sure how this stuff works, but it does! Instantly, my blood sugars are in record lows for me. I've been a type 2 diabetic for nearly 15 years. I've never had sugars like a 'normal' person since my diagnosis, until this week! I cried when I saw how good they are! Together with my insulin regimen, I am on my way to a lot better health. I am so grateful for the change! Will update again after a few weeks"

• Emi...
• February 12, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "I was on Trulicity for 6 months. The first 5 months, my symptoms were mild enough that I could manage them. Around 5 months in, I started getting extremely bloated, gassy, sulfur burps, extreme fatigue, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and headaches. I would get sick 2-3 days after my injection. Since stopping Trulicity, I've still periodically gotten sick (extreme bloating, gas, sulfur burps, diarrhea, vomiting, extreme fatigue). I've had my low-functioning gallbladder removed, and I've had an EGD done... and I'm still sick. Nobody can seem to diagnose or fix the digestive issues Trulicity has caused me. I've been off of Trulicity for 10 months. I'm at my wits' end. I wish these awful effects would go away for good."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 28, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "I took one shot of Trulicity 2 weeks ago. I missed a whole week of work because of nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and vision problems. I can’t think straight. I called my doctor and told her I was not taking this again. It’s been 2 weeks and I still feel horrible! Dizziness and nausea are terrible. Achy all over. How long does this stay in our bodies?"

• kat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 9, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "Nope! Trulicity is not for me! Vomiting every day multiple times, nausea, fatigue. I can't even lift my arm to brush my teeth or walk 10 feet without feeling like I'm going to pass out. Heart beating out of my chest. Only had one dose, never again. Poison!!!"

• Gen...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 22, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "Been on Trulicity for a year now and have lost 35 lbs. A1C is right where it needs to be. I used to take Metformin, and it was a nightmare with having to deal with diarrhea, extreme stomach nausea, and just anytime that I was out and about with errands or out to eat and having to worry or stress if I was going to have to rush getting to a restroom. Trulicity does have its side effects of fatigue here and there. It also suppresses appetite, which is a good thing. Stools are much better other than a spell of diarrhea once in a while, but nothing compared to Metformin. Trulicity is also easier to deal with-just one shot once a week compared to Metformin, where I was pilled to death at 500 mg, 2 in the morning and 2 in the evening, Monday through Sunday, 365 days a year."

• Zoe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 2, 2020

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I was prescribed this for weight loss, and it has been the worst thing ever. Bedridden and unable to work for 6 days now. Vomiting and diarrhea the whole day. Complete loss of control of my bowels. Unable to care for my kids. BP dropped to 74/48 at one stage, been to ED yesterday for IV fluids, but today it's worse than ever! Severe gastric upset, gas, pain, weakness, fatigue. Constant nausea that Maxolon and Ondansetron doesn't touch! I feel so awful! Don't risk this! I have heard of many now who have had these severe symptoms. I have not been this sick in 15 years! Diarrhea every 15-30 mins, using nappy rash cream on my bum now. Nightmare!"

• Ell...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 3, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "This is the worst medicine ever, and I’ve taken quite a few. I had to take Trulicity because my insurance won’t cover Victoza without a fight, and this is the second time I’m given low-rated/poorly tolerated medication for this reason. Thanks, Tricare. That same night, I had awful stomach cramping and diarrhea. Then the stomach pain was a little less severe but more persistent. I also suffered fatigue, constipation, bloating, sulfur burps, heartburn, nausea, dizziness, poor sleep, nightmares in addition to the stomach pain. Once it was so bad, it woke me up! I had constipation switched with diarrhea and heartburn for almost 2 weeks, and I stopped the medicine already. It stays in your system for DAYS and still messes with you. It’s awful."

• Nev...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 2, 2016

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started Trulicity 0.75 mg in December of 2015 along with 1500 mg of metformin. My A1C was 9.3 at that time. My weight was 170 lbs. It is now July 2016, my A1C is 6.2 and my weight is 145 lbs. I lost a lot of weight, simply because I don't eat much now. Trulicity definitely helped with A1C and weight loss, but it totally destroyed my appetite. For this reason, I feel tired, fatigued, dizzy, and lightheaded. My doctor reduced my metformin to 500 mg a day extended release. I was taking the regular metformin before, will see how I do with 1 a day 500 mg extended release... Diabetes totally sucks! Ughhh. I hope they find a cure for it soon. Best wishes and good luck everyone! I will update you on how I do with this new change."

• Ern...
• July 28, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "Been on Januvia for the last 8 yrs. With a strict diet and a less active life, I've been keeping A1 between 7-9. Still not so good for the no carbs diets. In June 19, started with Trulicity. 1st week was like a zombie: gas in stomach, fatigue, no appetite, pain in bladder, also pancreas, inflated abdomen. 2nd week - little better. Most of the side effects disappeared, but still some discomfort. Week 5, almost all gone. Feel in good shape, no discomfort at all. Sugar went down and stabilized at 110-130 fasting. Never went above 170. But keep in mind! You need to eat as much as possible right: no carbs (potatoes, bread, rice, etc.), more green vegetables, no alcohol at all, no sweets, no sparkling. Few fruits - 1 apple/day, apricot (2-3 pcs), nuts, low-fat meat (fish, beef, chicken), corn flour meal, salads. There is no way to stay on type 2 too long and eat everything and look for a miracle medication that will fix all problems. Will stay on Trulicity a few more months to see if it's worth it. So far, it does."

• Ruz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 21, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I am into my 2nd month of taking this medicine as recommended by my Diabetes Educator Nurse, as I was finding it hard to lower my blood sugars to an acceptable level. I was on (and still am as well) Jardiamet 1000/12.5 twice a day. I went straight on to the 1.5 dose. My blood sugar readings have improved, and my loss of appetite has meant I am losing weight. My side effect seems to be, especially the first couple of days each week, a real loss of energy. I get very tired after doing any physical work and need a good old 'lie down!' I was not like this before and feel like I am getting old before my time!"

• LCa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 17, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "Diagnosed in October with type 2 diabetes, started Trulicity. Blood sugars normal. Developed back pain and fatigue. Injections on Fridays, day after Thanksgiving, diarrhea, nausea, burps like nasty sulfur x 4 days, very sick. To ER Dec 10th, chest pain, back pain, diarrhea, nausea. Labs normal for heart, pancreas, and liver. Thought severe flare of my GERD, saw PCM Thur 12th, increased Nexium, & more meds for stomach and diarrhea. Inject Friday 13th, sick again Sat & Sunday. No more Trulicity for me. Missed too much work and sick the past 3 weeks."

• Joe...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 4, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "This has been horrible. Started with .75 for two weeks, moved to 1.5, and the increase of mental and physical anguish has been overwhelming. Bloated, depressed, fatigued, cloudy, a weight fluctuation (216 yesterday, 209 today, and when I take the shot again my weight shoots back up)... oh, and my sugars are not good. This has been a horrible and pointless experience."

• Jud...
• May 27, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have to say after reading these reviews, I was horrified and so scared because I took the injection before I read the reviews, and I am glad I did take it. The first day, I was very fatigued, the second day, I was good. I noticed I was a little nauseous, but not to where I was in pain or discomfort, and I also noticed I was not hungry at all, which caused my sugar to drop. I have had no other symptoms such as diarrhea or vomiting. Now, on the 5th day, I have felt very hungry and find myself snacking again. It's been now a week, and it did not cut my appetite like I wanted, but... my sugar levels are between 110 and 150 all day without insulin. I do check my sugars 3 times a day just to keep checking. I know it has only been one week, and I will update weekly just to see if anything changes. I have not lost 1 lb as of yet. I am just sharing my experience with anyone that may read the reviews and feel terrified of them like I did, everyone is different, so it will affect differently for every person."

• Tam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 10, 2023

For Type 2 Diabetes "After being prescribed Trulicity by my diabetes specialist for my diabetes, I took it for a month and a week, which included five injections. However, after a month, I began feeling extremely fatigued, experiencing kaleidoscope vision and an upset stomach with heartburn. I tried contacting my doctor, but they dismissed my concerns, insisting that it couldn't be the Trulicity, claiming it was helpful. Despite this, I received a refill for the second month and took the first injection on July 6, 2022, only to suffer a heart attack. I'm only 46, and I felt fine before I started taking Trulicity. Although my blood sugar levels were high, I had been working on lowering them through a low-carb diet and exercise. I should have trusted my instincts and stopped taking the medication. I regret ever taking Trulicity, and while I'm fortunate to have survived the heart attack, I still feel like I'm struggling every day. My hormones are out of balance, and I firmly believe that Trulicity caused my heart attack."

• Nic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 1, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "My doctor prescribed Trulicity in combination with bupropion and phentermine to help me with weight loss. The side effects for me were fatigue, general malaise, severe burping, extreme abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, sweating, and unbelievable bloating. The bloating was so extreme I nearly called an ambulance. I quit taking the other two meds after the first week. After my second dose of Trulicity, the symptoms were worse. I have missed two days of work and may miss more. My 44-year streak of not soiling myself nearly came to an end today. Can anyone tell me how long this will be in my system? My last dose was seven days ago and today was my second worst day on this drug. Never again... I'd rather be overweight."

• Nic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 1, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "My doctor prescribed Trulicity in combination with bupropion and phentermine to help me with weight loss. The side effects for me were fatigue, general malaise, severe burping, extreme abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, sweating, and unbelievable bloating. The bloating was so extreme I nearly called an ambulance. I quit taking the other two meds after the first week. After my second dose of Trulicity, the symptoms were worse. I have missed two days of work and may miss more. My 44-year streak of not soiling myself nearly came to an end today. Can anyone tell me how long this will be in my system? My last dose was seven days ago and today was my second worst day on this drug. Never again... I'd rather be overweight."

• Veg...
• January 16, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I just started. First two injections, no issues, felt great, then a few days ago I started getting dizzy, but it would only last a moment, then chronic fatigue. Figured I had exercised too much or too hard. This evening, after the third shot, I made the mistake of working with weights, and it seems like the side effects of Trulicity took hold and completely kicked in. Been up all night with nausea, same body aches when you have a cold or flu. Started burping too. I can’t take any of the pills currently available since they eat holes in the lining of my stomach, so that’s why I tried this drug. Been on it for three weeks now. With the symptoms, I initially thought I was having a heart attack, but apparently, Trulicity side effects share quite a few of the same symptoms. I really want this drug to work, but I can’t work out and walk or sleep very well like this. I’m heading to a Quick Care Clinic this morning to make sure everything is OK."

• Lis...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 20, 2016

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been taking this drug for 3 months now. Here is a list of my reactions: Night sweats wake me up at different times throughout the morning. My stomach always feels bloated. I wake up with horrible, smelly belches in the morning. I always have stinky breath. I brush my teeth 3 times a day and drink lemon water, which does help. I feel very dry constantly. One thing that has truly helped me is drinking plenty of cold water. Fatigue, tension in my extremities. The meds promote weight loss and control my sugar."

• pra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 28, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I continue from my previous review on October 7, 2019. So, 4 doses of 0.75 and 6 doses of 1.5 from 14 OCT. My A1C comes down from 9.5 to 6.6 (was on Janumet 50/1000 twice a day + 60 mg gliclazide) - changed to Trulicity + 2000 metformin + 60 gliclazide. After this result, the doctor has put me off gliclazide. Now only Trulicity 0.75 weekly + metformin 1000 twice a day, which is good. The side effects are extreme fatigue on days 3 and 4, lack of appetite, and diarrhea once in a while. I hope going back to 0.75 should get rid of these side effects. Diet is very important, I have recorded the diet that works for me in the previous posts. Stay healthy!"

• CeC...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 12, 2016

For Type 2 Diabetes "My blood sugar levels have definitely come down, from the 250-350 range to the 90-150 range. This med works great for that. However, 5 weeks in and I'm still having side effects that can be hard to deal with. The nausea has lessened, the burping is less, but I still get stomach cramps the first day or two after an injection. I'm also getting muscle weakness, muscle pain, extreme fatigue, joint pain, I'm off-balance, can't concentrate, jittery, woozy, and my peripheral neuropathy seems worse. I definitely eat less. I might be hypersensitive, and every little ache and pain gets blamed on the Trulicity, but since I started it I just don't feel good. I'm not sure if the side effects are worth the good numbers, but I'm hanging in there hoping to adjust!"

• Rev...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 15, 2015

For Type 2 Diabetes "This drug, Trulicity, has been a nightmare for me. Having severe stomach problems, sweating, fatigue, severe muscle tightness in my neck, sleep problems, heightened anxiety, poking pains in my toes, all-over weird body tingling, and the bottom of my feet. Extreme fatigue, and blood sugar is spiking high with a careful diet and meds. This is NOT something I would recommend to ANYONE. Bad stuff. I was feeling good until I started this med. Been off it now two weeks and STILL having problems. Have to see an internist soon. Do NOT let your doctor prescribe this medicine for you."

• Rev...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 15, 2015

For Type 2 Diabetes "This drug, Trulicity, has been a nightmare for me. Having severe stomach problems, sweating, fatigue, severe muscle tightness in my neck, sleep problems, heightened anxiety, poking pains in my toes, all-over weird body tingling, and the bottom of my feet. Extreme fatigue, and blood sugar is spiking high with a careful diet and meds. This is NOT something I would recommend to ANYONE. Bad stuff. I was feeling good until I started this med. Been off it now two weeks and STILL having problems. Have to see an internist soon. Do NOT let your doctor prescribe this medicine for you."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 21, 2018

For Type 2 Diabetes "Have been on the 0.75 dose for over a year. Endocrinologist wanted to increase the amount, and I said I couldn’t handle the nausea at 0.75. But they encouraged me to continue. I really tried to forge past the nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Yes, my sugars have come down, however, since February, they have started to be all over the map. The nausea is much worse, I’m vomiting in my sleep and choking all the time. Irregular periods. Constant diarrhea. Numbness in my feet. Excessive fatigue. Joint pain. Itching all over. Sore throat. And most recently, abdominal pain in my left upper stomach. I’m terrified I’m getting pancreatitis. This is not worth it. My doctor and endocrinologist said I would lose weight on this medication. False. I’ve gained 6 pounds. I’m over it. My kidney function has decreased, I’m now stage 2 chronic kidney disease. I pray the medication isn’t to blame. I also pray that it hasn’t caused permanent damage to other organs. Don’t use this medication."