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Does Trulicity need to be refrigerated?

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on July 30, 2024.

Official answer

by Drugs.com
  • Trulicity should be stored in a refrigerator at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C) until you need to use it.
  • You can leave Trulicity out of a refrigerator, at room temperature that is not over 86°F (30°C), for up to 14 days and still use it.
  • If Trulicity has not been used within 14 days of being kept out of a refrigerator, it should be thrown away in a sharps container.
  • Trulicity should not be frozen, if it has been frozen it should not be used.

Trulicity (dulaglutide) is an injectable medicine that may be used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in adults. It may also be given to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (such as a heart attack or stroke) occurring in adults with type 2 diabetes who already have cardiovascular disease or are at high risk of cardiovascular disease.

Trulicity mimics the action of GLP-1, a naturally occurring hormone that helps to regulate blood glucose levels. Trulicity should be kept refrigerated at between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C) until it needs to be administered.

Allow Trulicity at least 30 minutes to warm up to room temperature after taking it out of the refrigerator to make receiving the injection much more pleasant. The best way to warm it up is to leave it sitting on a bench. A microwave oven, boiling water, or a stove should never be used because this may ruin the medicine. You could also place the injection between your hands to warm up to speed the process up.

Related questions

How long can Trulicity be left out of the refrigerator?

A Trulicity pen may be left unrefrigerated for a maximum of 14 days, as long as it is kept at room temperature (less than 86°F (30°C) and not exposed to light or a heat source.

If a Trulicity pen is not used within 14 days after being taken out of the fridge, throw it away in an approved sharps container.

References

Read next

Trulicity and diet: What foods should you avoid?

There are no specific foods you must avoid, but stomach side effects are common when you first start taking Trulicity. Adjusting your eating patterns and food choices may help you manage these side effects. For example, you might try avoiding large meals, eating more slowly and avoiding fatty, fried or spicy foods. Also, limit sugar intake, caffeine, and alcohol consumption. Continue reading

How do you use/inject Trulicity?

To use the Trulicity Pen remove the cap of the pen and hold the pen straight up and down on the skin before pushing the green injection button. You should hear a click, followed by a second click, 10 to 15 seconds later once the injection has finished.

Trulicity is injected under the skin once a week into the thigh, stomach area, or upper arm. Continue reading

Can Trulicity be injected cold?

Trulicity may be injected straight out of the fridge (while it is still cold) but it is more likely to sting. Allow Trulicity at least 30 minutes to warm up to room temperature first so that it is less likely to sting. Continue reading

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