Can Trulicity make you tired? Trulicity (dulaglutide) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist used to manage type 2 diabetes mellitus in the UK. Whilst fatigue is listed as a reported adverse reaction in the official Summary of Product Characteristics, it is not among the most frequently encountered side effects. Tiredness may arise through several mechanisms, including changes in eating patterns, gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and diarrhoea, dehydration, or low blood sugar—particularly when Trulicity is combined with insulin or sulphonylureas. Understanding the potential causes and knowing when to seek medical advice can help you manage this symptom effectively whilst maintaining optimal diabetes control.

Can Trulicity Make You Tired?

Trulicity (dulaglutide) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist prescribed for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Fatigue or tiredness is listed as a reported adverse reaction in the official UK Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) for Trulicity, although it is not among the most frequently reported side effects.

Several mechanisms may explain why some patients experience tiredness whilst taking this medication. Trulicity works by enhancing insulin secretion in response to elevated blood glucose levels, slowing gastric emptying, and reducing appetite. These actions can lead to changes in eating patterns and caloric intake, which may contribute to feelings of low energy, particularly during the initial weeks of treatment when the body is adjusting to the medication.

Additionally, Trulicity commonly causes gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and reduced appetite—especially when starting treatment or increasing the dose. These symptoms can disrupt normal nutrition and hydration, potentially leading to fatigue. Dehydration from gastrointestinal side effects may also affect kidney function in some patients. Furthermore, if blood glucose levels drop too low (hypoglycaemia), particularly in patients taking Trulicity alongside other glucose-lowering medications such as sulphonylureas or insulin, tiredness may occur as a symptom of low blood sugar.

It is also worth considering that fatigue in people with type 2 diabetes can have multiple causes unrelated to Trulicity, including suboptimal glucose control, other medications, sleep disturbances, or coexisting conditions such as anaemia or thyroid dysfunction. A thorough assessment is essential to identify the underlying cause.

If you experience severe, persistent abdominal pain (especially if radiating to the back) with or without vomiting, seek urgent medical attention as this could indicate pancreatitis, a rare but serious side effect.

How Common Is Tiredness with Trulicity?

According to the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA) product information, fatigue is listed as an adverse reaction to Trulicity, though it is not classified among the most common side effects.

The most commonly reported adverse effects of Trulicity include:

• Nausea (very common: may affect more than 1 in 10 people)

• Diarrhoea (very common: may affect more than 1 in 10 people)

• Vomiting (common: may affect up to 1 in 10 people)

• Abdominal pain (common: may affect up to 1 in 10 people)

• Decreased appetite (common: may affect up to 1 in 10 people)

These gastrointestinal symptoms are typically most pronounced during the first few weeks of treatment and often improve over time as the body adapts to the medication. Indirectly, these side effects may contribute to feelings of tiredness due to reduced nutritional intake, dehydration, or disrupted sleep.

Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) is another consideration. When Trulicity is used as monotherapy, the risk of hypoglycaemia is low. However, when combined with insulin or sulphonylureas, the risk increases significantly. Symptoms of hypoglycaemia include tiredness, dizziness, sweating, confusion, and palpitations. In clinical trials, hypoglycaemia was more common in patients using Trulicity alongside these other glucose-lowering agents.

Whilst anecdotal reports from patients suggest that some individuals do experience fatigue, it is difficult to establish causality without controlled studies. Fatigue in people with diabetes is multifactorial and may be influenced by factors such as poor glycaemic control, other medications, lifestyle factors, or comorbid conditions. If you are experiencing persistent tiredness whilst taking Trulicity, it is important to discuss this with your healthcare team to explore potential contributing factors.

If you believe you have experienced a side effect from Trulicity, you can report it through the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme.

Managing Fatigue While Taking Trulicity

If you are experiencing tiredness whilst taking Trulicity, there are several practical strategies that may help manage this symptom and improve your overall wellbeing.

Optimise your nutrition and hydration

Gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea and reduced appetite can lead to inadequate calorie and fluid intake. Try to:

• Eat small, frequent meals throughout the day rather than large portions

• Choose bland, easily digestible foods if nausea is troublesome

• Stay well hydrated by sipping water regularly, especially if experiencing diarrhoea or vomiting

• Avoid high-fat or spicy foods, which may worsen gastrointestinal symptoms

If you are unable to keep fluids down or have severe gastrointestinal symptoms, seek prompt medical advice as dehydration can be serious.

Monitor your blood glucose levels

If you are taking insulin or a sulphonylurea alongside Trulicity, or if you experience symptoms of hypoglycaemia, your healthcare team may advise monitoring your blood glucose levels. Fatigue can be a symptom of both high and low blood sugar. If you are experiencing symptoms of hypoglycaemia (tiredness, shakiness, sweating, confusion), check your blood glucose and follow the advice provided by your diabetes team. Your doctor may need to adjust the dose of your other diabetes medications to reduce the risk of low blood sugar.

Maintain a consistent sleep routine

Poor sleep quality can exacerbate feelings of tiredness. Aim for 7–8 hours of sleep per night and establish a regular bedtime routine. Avoid caffeine and screen time in the evening, and ensure your bedroom is cool, dark, and quiet.

Stay physically active

Whilst it may seem counterintuitive, regular physical activity can actually boost energy levels and improve overall wellbeing. The UK Chief Medical Officers recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week for adults. Activities such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling can help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce fatigue.

Review your medications

Discuss all your current medications with your GP or pharmacist, as some drugs can contribute to tiredness. Your healthcare team can review your treatment plan and make adjustments if necessary.

When to Speak to Your GP About Tiredness

Whilst mild tiredness during the initial weeks of Trulicity treatment may be related to adjusting to the medication or managing gastrointestinal side effects, persistent or severe fatigue warrants medical review. You should contact your GP or diabetes specialist nurse if:

• Tiredness is severe, persistent, or worsening despite self-care measures

• You experience symptoms of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar), such as shakiness, sweating, confusion, or palpitations, particularly if you are also taking insulin or a sulphonylurea

• You have signs of dehydration due to vomiting or diarrhoea, such as dizziness, dark urine, or reduced urination

• Fatigue is accompanied by unexplained weight loss, fever, night sweats, or breathlessness, which may indicate an underlying condition requiring investigation

• You notice mood changes, such as low mood or loss of interest in activities, which could suggest depression—a condition more common in people with diabetes

Seek urgent medical help via NHS 111, 999 or A&E if you experience:

• Severe, persistent abdominal pain, especially if radiating to the back (possible pancreatitis)

• Persistent vomiting or inability to keep fluids down

• Yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice)

• Severe hypoglycaemia that doesn't improve with treatment

Your GP may wish to perform investigations to identify potential causes of fatigue, including:

• Blood tests to check for anaemia (full blood count), thyroid dysfunction (thyroid function tests), vitamin deficiencies (B12, folate, vitamin D), or kidney and liver function

• HbA1c to assess overall glucose control

• Review of your medication regimen to identify any drugs that may contribute to tiredness

According to NICE guidelines, people with type 2 diabetes should have regular reviews to assess treatment efficacy, side effects, and overall wellbeing. If Trulicity is contributing significantly to fatigue or other troublesome side effects, your doctor may consider adjusting the dose, switching to an alternative GLP-1 receptor agonist, or exploring other treatment options. Never stop or adjust your medication without consulting your healthcare team, as this could affect your diabetes control and increase the risk of complications.

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