Inyecciones de dulaglutida para la diabetes de tipo 2

About dulaglutide

La insulina es una hormona que se produce de forma natural en el páncreas. Ayuda a controlar los niveles de azúcar (glucosa) en la sangre. Si el organismo no produce suficiente insulina o no utiliza eficazmente la que produce, se produce la diabetes (diabetes mellitus).

People with diabetes need treatment to control the amount of sugar in their blood. This is because good control of blood sugar levels reduces the risk of complications later on. Some people with type 2 diabetes can control the sugar in their blood by making changes to the food they eat. For other people, medicines are given alongside the changes in diet. Dulaglutide is one of the medicines that are prescribed for people with type 2 diabetes.

Dulaglutide very closely resembles a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and it works in three ways. Firstly, it increases the amount of insulin produced by your body which then reduces the level of sugar in your blood.

It also reduces the amount of a substance called glucagon being produced by your pancreas. Glucagon causes your liver to produce more sugar. Reducing the amount of glucagon in your body therefore also helps to reduce the levels of sugar in your blood.

Dulaglutide also works on your stomach so that food passes more slowly through it. This means that the sugar from your meals takes longer to get into your blood.

Dulaglutide is given as an injection just under the surface of the skin. It is administered using an injection device called a pre-filled pen. Dulaglutide (brand name Trulicity®) is given as a once-weekly injection. It is used in addition to other antidiabetic medicines.

Before starting dulaglutide treatment

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start using dulaglutide injections it is important that your doctor knows:

• Si está embarazada, esperando un bebé o en período de lactancia.

• Si tiene algún problema estomacal o digestivo.

• Si alguna vez ha tenido el páncreas inflamado (pancreatitis).

• Si tiene algún problema con el funcionamiento de sus riñones.

• If you have type 1 diabetes or are being treated for diabetic ketoacidosis.

• Si está tomando otros medicamentos. Esto incluye cualquier medicamento que esté tomando y que pueda adquirirse sin receta, así como medicamentos a base de plantas y complementarios.

• Si alguna vez ha tenido una reacción alérgica a un medicamento.

How to use dulaglutide injections

• Before you start this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside your pack, as well as any information you are given by your doctor or diabetes clinic. The manufacturer's leaflet will give you more information about dulaglutide and a full list of side-effects which you may experience from using it.

• Use dulaglutide exactly as your doctor or nurse tells you to. Your doctor or diabetes nurse will show you how to inject yourself. Dulaglutide should be injected into the skin on your upper arms, thigh, or tummy (abdomen). Try to choose a slightly different injection site for each of your injections as this will help to prevent skin problems and difficulties in injecting.

• There are four different strengths of dulaglutide injection. Check that you have the correct strength before injecting. It is usual to start treatment with a lower dose which may be increased later if necessary.

• Dulaglutide is given as a once-weekly injection, on the same day each week. Each pre-filled pen provides a single dose and is single-use only. The injection can be given at any time of the day, and it can be given either before or after a meal.

• If you forget to use the injection on your usual day, use it as soon as you remember, and keep to your normal weekly schedule. However, if your next scheduled dose is due within three days, miss out the forgotten dose and take your next dose when it is due.

Aproveche al máximo su tratamiento

• It is important that you keep your regular doctor's and clinic appointments. This is so that your progress can be monitored. You will need regular check-ups with an eye clinic and possibly a foot clinic as well as with your doctor and diabetes clinic.

• Su médico puede recomendarle que se haga análisis de azúcar (glucosa) en sangre u orina con regularidad para comprobar que su diabetes está controlada. Su médico o enfermera especializada en diabetes le enseñarán cómo hacerlo.

• Si su médico le ha aconsejado hacer cambios en la dieta, dejar de fumar o hacer ejercicio con regularidad, es importante que siga sus consejos.

• Each time you collect a prescription, check that you have been given the brand and strength of dulaglutide that you are expecting. If anything looks different from what you have had before, ask your pharmacist to check the prescription for you.

• Make sure you know what it feels like if your blood sugar is low. This is known as hypoglycaemia, or a 'hypo'. Dulaglutide may cause low blood sugar, especially if you are taking other medicines for diabetes alongside it. The first signs of hypoglycaemia are feeling shaky or anxious, sweating, looking pale, feeling hungry, having a feeling that your heart is pounding (palpitations), and feeling dizzy. If this happens, eat something containing sugar, such as dextrose tablets, sweets or a sugary drink (non-diet), and then follow this up with a snack such as a sandwich or a banana.

• Si es usted conductor, debe tener especial cuidado, ya que su capacidad de concentración puede verse afectada si su diabetes no está bien controlada. Es posible que le aconsejen que compruebe sus niveles de azúcar en sangre antes de viajar y que lleve un tentempié en los viajes largos.

• It is important to keep hydrated during treatment with dulaglutide by drinking plenty of water or non-sugary soft drinks.

• No beba alcohol, ya que puede afectar al control de su azúcar en sangre. Consulte a su médico si necesita más información al respecto.

• Si tiene una sed inusual, orina con más frecuencia de lo normal o se siente muy cansado, debe comunicárselo a su médico. Estos son signos de que tiene demasiada azúcar en la sangre y puede ser necesario ajustar el tratamiento.

• Consulte a su médico antes de realizar cualquier ejercicio físico nuevo, ya que tendrá un efecto sobre sus niveles de azúcar en sangre y es posible que deba comprobar sus niveles en sangre u orina con mayor regularidad.

• If you are due to have an operation or dental treatment, you should tell the person carrying out the treatment that you have diabetes and give them a list of the medicines you are taking. This is especially important if you are due to have general anaesthesia as dulaglutide can put you at increased risk during the operation.

• Este medicamento no debe utilizarse durante el embarazo. Las mujeres y niñas en edad fértil deben utilizar métodos anticonceptivos eficaces durante el tratamiento y durante los dos meses siguientes a la interrupción del mismo.

• If you buy any medicines, always check with a pharmacist that they are suitable for you to take. Dulaglutide can interfere with the way some other medicines are absorbed.

• Treatment for diabetes is usually lifelong. Continue with dulaglutide unless you are told otherwise by your doctor.

Can dulaglutide treatment cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with dulaglutide treatment. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

Si experimenta cualquier otro síntoma que considere que puede deberse a este medicamento, consulte a su médico o farmacéutico.

How to store dulaglutide injections

• Mantenga todos los medicamentos fuera del alcance y de la vista de los niños.

• Store unopened packs in the refrigerator, ensuring they do not freeze. Individual pens can be stored at room temperature for a maximum of 14 days.

• Dulaglutide pens are single-use only; store discarded pens safely after use and return them to a pharmacy for disposal.

Información importante sobre todos los medicamentos