Trulicity (dulaglutide) remains in production and is widely available across the UK for adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist, manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company, continues to be prescribed through NHS and private healthcare providers. Whilst occasional local supply constraints may occur due to increased global demand for GLP-1 medications, these are typically temporary rather than indicative of permanent discontinuation. Patients currently prescribed Trulicity should continue treatment as directed and contact their GP surgery or community pharmacy if they experience difficulty accessing their medication.

Is Trulicity Still Available in the UK?

Yes, Trulicity (dulaglutide) remains available in the UK and continues to be manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company. This once-weekly injectable GLP-1 receptor agonist is licensed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults. It is available through NHS prescription and private healthcare providers across the United Kingdom.

Trulicity is supplied in pre-filled, single-dose pens in various strengths: 0.75 mg, 1.5 mg, 3 mg, and 4.5 mg. Treatment typically starts at 0.75 mg once weekly, with possible uptitration to higher doses based on clinical response. The medication works by mimicking the action of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a naturally occurring hormone that stimulates insulin secretion in response to food intake, suppresses glucagon release, and slows gastric emptying. This multi-faceted mechanism helps improve glycaemic control whilst also promoting modest weight loss in many patients.

Whilst Trulicity remains in production and distribution, patients may occasionally experience local supply issues due to increased global demand for GLP-1 receptor agonists. The surge in prescribing of this drug class—both for diabetes management and, in some cases, off-label weight management—has placed pressure on manufacturing and distribution networks. However, these are typically temporary supply constraints rather than permanent discontinuation. The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) Medicine Supply Team, working with NHS England and the Specialist Pharmacy Service (SPS), monitors medicine supplies closely and issues guidance when significant shortages occur.

Patients currently prescribed Trulicity should continue their treatment as directed unless advised otherwise by their healthcare professional. If you have concerns about accessing your medication, contact your GP surgery or community pharmacy, who can check current stock levels and advise on the expected timeframe for resupply.

Why Patients May Be Concerned About Trulicity Availability

Several factors have contributed to patient concerns about Trulicity availability in recent years. The unprecedented demand for GLP-1 receptor agonists has been the primary driver, with prescriptions increasing substantially across the UK and globally. This surge reflects both the growing prevalence of type 2 diabetes and the recognition of GLP-1 medications' cardiovascular benefits, as demonstrated in clinical trials such as REWIND (for dulaglutide) and reflected in NICE guidance.

Media coverage of medication shortages has understandably heightened patient anxiety. Reports of supply constraints affecting various GLP-1 medications—including semaglutide products like Ozempic and Wegovy—have led some patients to worry that Trulicity might face similar issues. Social media discussions and anecdotal reports of individuals unable to collect prescriptions from their usual pharmacy have further amplified these concerns, even when such experiences represent localised or temporary situations rather than widespread unavailability.

The off-label use of GLP-1 receptor agonists for weight management has also impacted supply chains. Whilst Trulicity is not licensed for obesity treatment in the UK (unlike some other GLP-1 medications), the general increase in demand across the entire drug class has affected manufacturing capacity. NHS England has advised prioritising licensed indications for diabetes during periods of GLP-1 receptor agonist shortages. Pharmaceutical companies have been working to increase production, but scaling up complex biological manufacturing processes takes considerable time and investment.

Pharmacy stock rotation practices may also create the impression of shortage. Community pharmacies typically maintain limited stock of expensive medications and order supplies based on anticipated demand. If several patients request Trulicity simultaneously, a pharmacy may temporarily run out whilst awaiting their next delivery. This represents normal stock management rather than a genuine supply crisis, though it can be frustrating for patients requiring timely access to their medication.

Alternative GLP-1 Medications to Trulicity

If Trulicity is temporarily unavailable or unsuitable, several alternative GLP-1 receptor agonists are available in the UK, each with distinct characteristics. Your GP or diabetes team will consider your individual circumstances, including your current glycaemic control, cardiovascular risk profile, renal function, and treatment preferences when recommending an alternative.

Semaglutide is available as both a once-weekly injection (Ozempic) and a daily oral tablet (Rybelsus). Ozempic has demonstrated superior HbA1c reduction compared to dulaglutide in head-to-head trials and has proven cardiovascular benefits from the SUSTAIN-6 trial. The oral formulation provides an option for patients who prefer to avoid injections, though it requires specific administration instructions (taken on waking with up to 120 mL water only, at least 30 minutes before food, drink or other oral medicines).

Liraglutide (Victoza) is a once-daily injectable GLP-1 receptor agonist with an established safety profile and proven cardiovascular benefits in the LEADER trial. Whilst requiring more frequent administration than Trulicity, some patients prefer the flexibility of daily dosing, which allows for easier dose adjustments. Liraglutide is also licensed at higher doses (Saxenda) specifically for weight management in appropriate patients.

Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) is a newer once-weekly injectable that acts on both GLP-1 and GIP receptors. It has been approved for type 2 diabetes in the UK, though availability may vary. NICE has issued guidance on its use within the NHS.

NICE guidance (NG28) supports the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists in type 2 diabetes when metformin is insufficient, specifically for patients with a BMI ≥35 kg/m² (or ≥30 kg/m² with weight-related comorbidities), or for whom insulin would have significant occupational implications, or for whom weight loss would benefit obesity-related comorbidities. Treatment should be continued only if there is a beneficial metabolic response (reduction of at least 11 mmol/mol [1%] in HbA1c and weight loss of at least 3% of initial body weight in 6 months). Switching between GLP-1 medications should always be undertaken under medical supervision, as dosing equivalence is not straightforward and titration schedules differ between products.

What to Do If You Cannot Access Trulicity

If you experience difficulty obtaining Trulicity, take prompt action rather than simply missing doses, as interrupting diabetes treatment can lead to deteriorating glycaemic control and increased risk of complications. Your first step should be to contact your community pharmacy to enquire about expected resupply dates. Pharmacies can often order medication from alternative wholesalers or check stock availability at nearby branches.

Contact your GP surgery or diabetes specialist nurse if your pharmacy cannot source Trulicity within a few days. Healthcare professionals can explore several options: prescribing an alternative GLP-1 receptor agonist, arranging a temporary supply from a different pharmacy, or adjusting your diabetes management plan. Do not attempt to source medication from unregulated online suppliers, as counterfeit diabetes medications pose serious health risks.

If switching to an alternative GLP-1 medication, expect a transition period during which your healthcare team will monitor your response. Different GLP-1 receptor agonists have varying potencies and side effect profiles. Your doctor will provide guidance on starting doses, titration schedules, and what to expect regarding glycaemic control and potential adverse effects such as nausea or gastrointestinal discomfort.

Monitor your blood glucose levels more frequently during any treatment transition, particularly if you use insulin or sulfonylureas alongside your GLP-1 medication, as dose adjustments may be necessary to prevent hypoglycaemia. Keep a record of your readings to share with your healthcare team. If you take an SGLT2 inhibitor (e.g., empagliflozin, dapagliflozin) alongside your GLP-1 medication, check blood or urine ketones when unwell and seek urgent advice if positive.

For patients with type 2 diabetes, missing several doses of Trulicity warrants medical review. Contact your GP if you experience symptoms of hyperglycaemia including increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, or blurred vision. Call NHS 111 for urgent concerns. Seek immediate medical attention (call 999 or go to A&E) if you develop signs of diabetic ketoacidosis such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or fruity-smelling breath.

Be aware of potential serious side effects of GLP-1 medications. Stop taking the medication and seek urgent medical care if you experience persistent severe abdominal pain (with or without vomiting), which could indicate pancreatitis, or symptoms of gallbladder disease. Report any suspected side effects to the MHRA Yellow Card scheme (yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk).

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