Trulicity (dulaglutide) is a once-weekly injectable GLP-1 receptor agonist used to manage type 2 diabetes in adults. One of the most common questions patients have is about the best time to take Trulicity shot. The good news is that Trulicity offers considerable flexibility: it can be administered at any time of day, with or without food. The key to effective treatment is consistency—choosing a specific day each week and sticking to it. This article explains optimal timing, dosing guidelines, administration technique, and what to do if you miss a dose, helping you integrate Trulicity safely and effectively into your diabetes management routine.

When to Take Trulicity: Timing and Dosing Guidelines

Trulicity (dulaglutide) is a once-weekly injectable medication used to manage type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults. It belongs to a class of medicines called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, which work by stimulating insulin release when blood glucose levels are elevated, suppressing glucagon secretion, and slowing gastric emptying. This helps improve glycaemic control whilst also supporting modest weight reduction in many patients.

The standard dosing schedule for Trulicity is once every seven days, and it can be administered at any time of day, with or without food. Treatment typically starts with 0.75 mg once weekly, with possible stepwise increases to 1.5 mg, 3.0 mg, and 4.5 mg based on your response and tolerability. Your doctor will consider increasing your dose after at least 4 weeks at each level if additional glycaemic control is needed.

The key principle is consistency: once you select a day of the week for your injection, you should aim to administer it on that same day each week. For example, if you choose Monday as your injection day, continue with Monday throughout your treatment course. If needed, you can change your weekly injection day, provided at least 3 days have passed since your last dose. This routine helps maintain steady medication levels in your bloodstream and supports optimal therapeutic effect.

If you miss a dose, the guidance depends on how much time has passed. If fewer than three days (72 hours) remain until your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. If more than three days remain, administer the missed dose as soon as you remember, then return to your usual weekly schedule. It is important never to take two doses within three days of each other, as this increases the risk of adverse effects, particularly gastrointestinal symptoms.

It's important to note that Trulicity is not a substitute for insulin and is not indicated for people with type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. If you are taking Trulicity alongside insulin or a sulfonylurea medication, your doctor may reduce the dose of these medicines to lower the risk of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar). If you are uncertain about what to do after missing a dose, contact your GP or diabetes specialist nurse for personalised advice.

Does the Time of Day Matter for Trulicity Injections?

One of the practical advantages of Trulicity is its flexibility regarding the time of day you choose to inject. Unlike some diabetes medications that must be taken at specific times relative to meals, Trulicity can be administered at any time—morning, afternoon, or evening—and does not need to coincide with food intake. This flexibility allows patients to integrate their injection routine into their daily schedule in a way that suits their lifestyle and helps promote adherence.

That said, many patients find it helpful to establish a consistent time of day for their injection, as this can serve as a useful reminder and reduce the likelihood of missed doses. For instance, some individuals prefer morning injections as part of their daily routine, whilst others opt for evening administration. There is no clinical evidence to suggest that one time of day offers superior glycaemic control over another, so the choice is entirely personal.

Practical considerations may influence your preferred timing. Some patients find that administering the injection in the evening fits better with their personal preferences, while others prefer morning injections to complete their medication routine early in the day. If you experience mild gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea—common when starting Trulicity—you might want to experiment with different times of day to see what works best for you. Discuss your preferences and any side effects with your healthcare team, who can offer tailored advice to optimise your treatment experience whilst maintaining the once-weekly schedule that makes Trulicity effective and convenient.

Common Side Effects and When to Contact Your GP

Like all medicines, Trulicity can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. The most frequently reported adverse effects are gastrointestinal in nature, particularly during the initial weeks of treatment as your body adjusts to the medication. These include:

• Nausea and vomiting – often mild to moderate and typically diminishing over time

• Diarrhoea or constipation – changes in bowel habits are common

• Abdominal pain or discomfort – usually transient

• Reduced appetite – which may contribute to weight loss

• Injection site reactions – such as redness, itching or swelling at the injection site

These symptoms are generally manageable and tend to improve after the first few weeks. Eating smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding high-fat foods may help reduce nausea. Staying well hydrated is important, especially if you experience vomiting or diarrhoea.

When to contact your GP or seek medical attention:

You should contact your healthcare provider promptly if you experience:

• Severe, persistent abdominal pain that may radiate to your back, potentially with nausea and vomiting—this could indicate pancreatitis, a rare but serious side effect. If pancreatitis is suspected, stop taking Trulicity and seek urgent medical attention

• Signs of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar), particularly if you are taking Trulicity alongside insulin or a sulphonylurea: symptoms include trembling, sweating, confusion, rapid heartbeat, or dizziness

• Symptoms of dehydration from persistent vomiting or diarrhoea, such as decreased urination, dry mouth, or feeling faint. Maintaining hydration is important as dehydration can affect kidney function

• Allergic reactions, including rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing

• Symptoms of gallbladder problems such as right-sided abdominal pain, fever, or yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)

If you experience severe allergic reactions or symptoms of pancreatitis, seek immediate medical attention by calling 999 or attending your nearest A&E department.

Trulicity is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding, discuss this with your healthcare provider. It is also not recommended for people with severe gastrointestinal disease, including gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying).

Report any suspected side effects to the Yellow Card Scheme at https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or via the Yellow Card app. Always inform your diabetes care team about any side effects you experience, as they can provide guidance and may adjust your treatment if necessary.

How to Administer Your Trulicity Shot Safely

Trulicity is supplied in a single-use, pre-filled pen that is designed for ease of use and does not require manual needle attachment or dose measurement. Each pen contains one weekly dose. Proper injection technique is important to ensure the medication is delivered correctly and to minimise discomfort or injection site reactions.

Preparation steps:

• Remove the pen from the refrigerator approximately 30 minutes before injection to allow it to reach room temperature, which can make the injection more comfortable

• Inspect the pen through the viewing window—the solution should be clear and colourless to slightly yellow; do not use if it appears cloudy, discoloured, or contains particles

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water

• Choose an injection site: Trulicity can be injected into the abdomen (avoiding the area around the navel), the front of the thigh, or the upper arm. Note that upper arm injections should be given by a caregiver, not self-administered. Rotate injection sites each week to reduce the risk of local skin reactions

Injection technique:

• Remove the base cap from the pen

• Place the clear base flat against your chosen injection site at a 90-degree angle

• Press and hold the injection button; you will hear a click

• Keep holding the pen in place and count slowly until you hear a second click (usually about 5–10 seconds), indicating the injection is complete

• Remove the pen from your skin and check that the plunger is visible in the indicator window, confirming the full dose has been delivered

Storage and disposal:

Store unused Trulicity pens in the refrigerator (2°C to 8°C) and keep them in the original carton to protect from light. Do not freeze. If needed, the pen can be kept at room temperature (up to 30°C) for up to 14 days. Do not use the pen if it has been dropped or damaged.

After use, dispose of the pen safely in a sharps container, which you can obtain from your GP surgery or pharmacy. Never reuse pens or share them with others, even if the needle is changed, as this poses a risk of infection. If you have questions about injection technique, your diabetes specialist nurse or practice nurse can provide hands-on training and support.

Always follow the specific instructions provided in the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with your medication.

Frequently Asked Questions