glucagon like peptide 1 glp 1 receptor agonists
Adjunct treatment to diet and exercise in the management of adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus; not recommended as first line therapy, as a substitute for insulin, in patients with type 1 diabetes, or for ketoacidosis.
Acts as an acylated human Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1, an incretin) receptor agonist; increases intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) leading to insulin release when glucose is elevated, which then subsides as blood glucose decreases toward euglycemia. Also decreases glucagon secretion and delays gastric emptying.
Improved glycemic control.
Absorption: 0.75 mg dose–65% absorbed following subcutaneous administration; 1.5 mg dose–47% absorbed following subcutaneous administration.
Metabolism and Excretion: Degraded by protein catabolic processes.
Half-life: 5 days.
Adverse Reactions/Side Effects
Derm: pruritus, rash
Endo: THYROID C-CELL TUMORS
GI: PANCREATITIS, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation, ↓ appetite, diarrhea, dyspepsia
GU: acute renal failure
Local: HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS INCLUDING ANAPHYLAXIS AND ANGIOEDEMA, injection site reactions
* CAPITALS indicate life-threatening.
Underline indicate most frequent.
- Concurrent use with insulin or agents that increase insulin secretion including sulfonylureas may ↑ the risk of serious hypoglycemia, use cautiously and consider dose ↓ of insulin or agents increasing insulin secretion.
- May alter absorption of concomitantly administered oral medications due to delayed gastric emptying.
SC: (Adults) 0.75 mg once weekly; may ↑ to 1.5 mg once weekly to obtain glycemic control.
Solution for subcutaneous injection: 0.75 mg/0.5 mL single-dose pen, 0.75 mg/0.5 mL single-dose prefilled syringe, 1.5 mg/0.5 mL single-use pen, 1.5 mg/0.5 mL single-dose prefilled syringe
- Observe patient taking concurrent insulin for signs and symptoms of hypoglycemic reactions (sweating, hunger, weakness, dizziness, tremor, tachycardia, anxiety, headache, blurred vision, slurred speech, irritability).
- If thyroid nodules or elevated serum calcitonin are noted, patient should be referred to an endocrinologist.
- Monitor for pancreatitis (persistent severe abdominal pain, sometimes radiating to the back, with or without vomiting). If pancreatitis is suspected, discontinue dulaglutide; if confirmed, do not restart dulaglutide.
Lab Test Considerations:
Monitor serum HbA1c periodically during therapy to evaluate effectiveness.
- May ↑ lipase and pancreatic amylase.
- Patients stabilized on a diabetic regimen who are exposed to stress, fever, trauma, infection, or surgery may require administration of insulin.
- SC: Administer once weekly at any time of the day, without regard to food. Day of wk may be changed as long as at least 72 hr before next dose. Inject into abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Solution should be clear and colorless; do not administer solutions that are discolored or contain particulate matter.
- Take missed dose as soon as remembered as long as 3 days (72 hr) until next scheduled dose. If less than 3 days until next scheduled dose, skip and take next scheduled dose.
- Inform patient that nausea is the most common side effect, but usually decreases over time.
- Advise patient taking insulin and dulaglutide to never mix insulin and dulaglutide together. Give as 2 separate injections. Both injections may be given in the same body area, but should not be given right next to each other.
- Explain to patient that this medication controls hyperglycemia but does not cure diabetes. Therapy is long-term.
- Review signs of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia with patient. If hypoglycemia occurs, advise patient to take a glass of orange juice or 2–3 tsp of sugar, honey, or corn syrup dissolved in water and notify health care professional.
- Encourage patient to follow prescribed diet, medication, and exercise regimen to prevent hypoglycemic or hyperglycemic episodes.
- Instruct patient in proper testing of serum glucose and ketones. These tests should be closely monitored during periods of stress or illness, and health care professional should be notified if significant changes occur.
- Advise patient to notify health care professional of all Rx or OTC medications, vitamins, or herbal products being taken and consult health care professional before taking any new medications.
- Advise patient to notify discontinue dulaglutide and health care professional immediately if signs of pancreatitis (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain) or hypersensitivity (swelling of face, lips, tongue or throat, problems breathing or swallowing, severe rash or itching, fainting or feeling dizzy, very rapid heartbeat) occur.
- Inform patient of risk of benign and malignant thyroid C-cell tumors. Advise patient to notify health care professional if symptoms of thyroid tumors (lump in neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, shortness of breath) or if signs of allergic reaction (swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; fainting or feeling dizzy; very rapid heartbeat; problems breathing or swallowing; severe rash or itching) occur.
- Advise patient to inform health care professional of medication regimen before treatment or surgery.
- Advise patient to carry a form of sugar (sugar packets, candy) and identification describing disease process and medication regimen at all times.
- Insulin is the preferred method of controlling blood glucose during pregnancy. Counsel female patients to notify health care professional if pregnancy is planned or suspected or if breast feeding.
- Emphasize the importance of routine follow-up exams.