Skip to content
For research use only. Not for human or veterinary use. Not a drug, food, or dietary supplement.
AMIRAVOResearch Library
Metabolic · Dosing reference

Dulaglutide dosage

Dosing as the FDA label states it, how long trials ran, and the arithmetic for working with vials.

FDA-approvedAHuman trial evidenceFDA label
Full research pageCycle-length evidenceComparePrefer Amiravo on Google
Regulatory status
FDA-approved
Human amounts
Adults: 0.75 mg once weekly to start; may increase to 1.5 mg after 4 weeks, then in 1.5 mg steps after at least 4 weeks; maximum 4.5 mg once weekly. Pediatric (10 years and older): 0.75 mg, maximum 1.5 mg once weekly
Route studied
Subcutaneous injection
Frequency
Once weekly
Half-life
Approximately 5 days
Evidence grade
Grade A · Human trial evidence
Vial sizes on the market
Not recorded
Other forms seen
—

What Dulaglutide is

Dulaglutide is a once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist fusion protein, FDA-approved as Trulicity for glycemic control in type 2 diabetes (adults and children 10 years and older) and for reducing major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Dulaglutide activates the GLP-1 receptor, a cell-surface receptor coupled to adenylyl cyclase in pancreatic beta cells, increasing intracellular cAMP and glucose-dependent insulin release 1. Pharmacodynamics It decreases glucagon secretion and slows gastric emptying; the delay in gastric emptying is largest after the first dose and diminishes with later doses 1. Both first- and second-phase insulin secretion… How it works →

Key evidence

  • Gerstein et al., Lancet (REWIND, NCT01394952) · 2019 · Humans (9,901 adults aged 50 or older with type 2 diabetes and prior CV disease or risk factors)
    Primary MACE outcome 12.0% versus 13.4% (HR 0.88, 95% CI 0.79-0.99); all-cause mortality did not differ significantly (HR 0.90); GI adverse events 47.4% versus 34.1% 2. 2
  • Frias et al., Diabetes Care (AWARD-11, NCT03495102) · 2021 · Humans (1,842 adults with type 2 diabetes on metformin)
    4.5 mg reduced HbA1c more than 1.5 mg (estimated treatment difference -0.24%); body-weight change -4.6 vs -3.0 kg; nausea 16.4% vs 13.4% 3. 3
  • Arslanian et al., N Engl J Med (AWARD-PEDS, NCT02963766) · 2022 · Humans (154 youths aged 10 to under 18 with type 2 diabetes)
    HbA1c -0.6 and -0.9 points versus +0.6 with placebo; HbA1c below 7.0% in 51% versus 14%; no difference in BMI change 4. 4
All studies on the research page

Schedules by time period

Label regimens and laid out week by week. Each bar is what the label states or what investigators gave participants; none is a recommendation.

FDA label

Trulicity (FDA label): adult dosing 1

Adults with type 2 diabetes

Adults
SC · once weekly
Week-by-week table
PeriodAmount
Weeks 0–40.75 mg
Weeks 4–onward1.5 mg (maintenance)

Maximum 4.5 mg once weekly.

Pediatric (10 years and older)
SC · once weekly
Week-by-week table
PeriodAmount
Weeks 0–40.75 mg
Weeks 4–onward1.5 mg (maintenance)

Maximum 1.5 mg once weekly.

Escalation beyond 0.75 mg is optional and based on glycemic need; each step requires at least 4 weeks on the current dosage.

Dosing as stated on the FDA label

  • Adults: the recommended starting dosage is 0.75 mg subcutaneously once weekly; after 4 weeks it may be increased to 1.5 mg once weekly for additional glycemic control, and further in 1.5 mg increments after at least 4 weeks on the current dosage, to a maximum of 4.5 mg once weekly 1.
  • Pediatric patients 10 years and older: starting dosage 0.75 mg once weekly; if needed, increase to the maximum of 1.5 mg once weekly after at least 4 weeks 1.
  • Missed dose: give as soon as possible if at least 3 days (72 hours) remain until the next scheduled dose; otherwise skip it 1.
  • Administration and preparation instructions are set out in the prescribing information and are not reproduced here 1.

How long did human studies run?

No human study durations are recorded for Dulaglutide.

Cycle-length evidence for Dulaglutide

Side effects reported in studies

  • Nausea
    12.4% (0.75 mg) and 21.1% (1.5 mg) versus 5.3% placebo · Pool of placebo-controlled adult trials (n=1,670 exposed, mean 23.8 weeks) 1
  • Diarrhea
    8.9% and 12.6% versus 6.7% · Same pool 1
  • Vomiting
    6.0% and 12.7% versus 2.3% · Same pool 1
  • Abdominal pain
    6.5% and 9.4% versus 4.9% · Same pool 1
  • Decreased appetite
    4.9% and 8.6% versus 1.6% · Same pool 1
  • Dyspepsia
    4.1% and 5.8% versus 2.3% · Same pool 1
  • Fatigue
    4.2% and 5.6% versus 2.6% · Same pool 1
  • Sinus tachycardia
    2.8% and 5.6% versus 3.0% · Placebo-controlled adult trials 1
Full adverse-event data

Supplies and handling

  • Lyophilized vial
    Sealed vial with the freeze-dried cake. Check the label, lot and the certificate of analysis before opening.
  • Sterile diluent
    The diluent named on the product documentation. Bacteriostatic water contains benzyl alcohol; sterile water does not.
  • Graduated syringes
    Sized to the volume being measured. U-100 insulin syringes are graduated in units where 100 units = 1 mL.
  • Alcohol prep pads
    For wiping vial stoppers before each puncture.
  • Nitrile gloves
    Clean gloves for aseptic handling.
  • Sharps container
    Puncture-resistant container for used needles.
Step-by-step reconstitution guideStorage and transport accessories

Storage

The label directs refrigerated storage (2 to 8°C) in the original carton, protected from light and not frozen; a pen may be kept at room temperature up to 30°C for a total of 14 days 1.

  • Lyophilized (unmixed) vials: typically stored cold and dry, away from light, as the documentation directs. Many are stable longer frozen.
  • Reconstituted vials: typically refrigerated (about 2–8 °C), protected from light and not frozen.
  • Bacteriostatic water contains benzyl alcohol, which inhibits bacterial growth in multi-use vials; sterile water has no preservative.

Handling mistakes and troubleshooting

Added the wrong volume of diluent
The concentration changes, not the amount of compound in the vial. Recalculate with the volume actually added and relabel the vial.
Shook the vial and it foamed
Let it settle in the refrigerator. Foam is a sign of agitation; some peptides aggregate when shaken. Note it on the label.
The solution is cloudy or has particles
Do not use it. Cloudiness can indicate incomplete dissolution, contamination or degradation. Record the lot and contact the supplier with the certificate of analysis.
The powder cake looks melted or shrunken before reconstitution
This can indicate the vial was exposed to heat or moisture. Record the lot and condition on arrival.
Liquid sprayed back when the needle was removed
Pressure built up in the vial. Withdraw a small volume of air while adding diluent to keep pressure neutral.

Regulatory status

Status
FDA-approved (initial U.S. approval 2014) as Trulicity, BLA 125469, listed with prescription marketing status as of 2026-10-24 1,5.
United States (FDA)
FDA-approved (initial U.S. approval 2014) under BLA 125469 as Trulicity; Drugs@FDA lists the products with prescription marketing status as of 2026-10-24 1,5.
Sport (WADA)
GLP-1 receptor agonists, including dulaglutide, were not mentioned on the WADA 2026 Prohibited List page reviewed 6.

Status varies by country and changes over time. How we describe regulatory status.

Dulaglutide compared with related compounds

CompoundStatusEvidenceHuman amountsHalf-life
DulaglutideFDA-approvedAFDA labelApproximately 5 days
MazdutideApproved outside the USATrial doses150.9 to 403.5 hours (phase 1b in overwe
EcnoglutideApproved outside the USATrial doses124 to 138 hours at steady state in heal
VesugenNot approved — research use onlyCNone established—
TesofensineInvestigationalBTrial dosesAbout 234 hours (M1 metabolite about 374
CagrilintideInvestigationalATrial doses159 to 195 hours (phase 1b, co-administe

Frequently asked questions

What doses of Dulaglutide have been studied in humans?
Dulaglutide is FDA-approved, so the label states the dosing for the approved product. This page quotes it, with citations. It does not apply to research-grade material.
Is there an established Dulaglutide cycle length?
No. We found no human studies that report treatment duration for Dulaglutide.
How much bacteriostatic water should be added to a Dulaglutide vial?
There is no compound-specific volume. The diluent volume only sets the concentration: concentration = mass in the vial ÷ volume added (for example, 10 mg in 2 mL gives 5 mg/mL). The calculator on this page shows the arithmetic for any combination.
How many units is a given amount on an insulin syringe?
On a U-100 syringe, 100 units = 1 mL. Units for an amount = amount ÷ (concentration per unit). The calculator converts any amount you enter at the concentration you choose; a unit is a volume mark, not an amount of compound.
What is the half-life of Dulaglutide?
Approximately 5 days
Is Dulaglutide FDA-approved?
FDA-approved. FDA-approved (initial U.S. approval 2014) as Trulicity, BLA 125469, listed with prescription marketing status as of 2026-10-24 1,5.

References

  1. TRULICITY (dulaglutide) injection, for subcutaneous use, prescribing information (DailyMed, effective 06/2026) FDA label (DailyMed). 2026
  2. Dulaglutide and cardiovascular outcomes in type 2 diabetes (REWIND): a double-blind, randomised placebo-controlled trial Lancet. 2019
  3. Efficacy and Safety of Dulaglutide 3.0 mg and 4.5 mg Versus Dulaglutide 1.5 mg in Metformin-Treated Patients With Type 2 Diabetes in a Randomized Controlled Trial (AWARD-11) Diabetes Care. 2021
  4. Once-Weekly Dulaglutide for the Treatment of Youths with Type 2 Diabetes N Engl J Med. 2022
  5. Drugs@FDA (openFDA) application record BLA125469, TRULICITY U.S. FDA. 2026
  6. World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List 2026 (online version) WADA. 2026

Last reviewed October 24, 2026 by the Amiravo editorial team. Editorial policy · Report an error