Trulicity alternatives: What can I take instead of Trulicity?

In this article:

• Compare Trulicity alternatives
• Ozempic
• Mounjaro
• Jardiance
• Metformin
• Januvia
• Natural alternatives
• How to switch

In this article

• Compare Trulicity alternatives
• Ozempic
• Mounjaro
• Jardiance
• Metformin
• Januvia
• Natural alternatives
• How to switch

Weighing the advantages and disadvantages of Trulicity (dulaglutide) can be challenging for those who might be looking to switch to a different medication. On the positive side, Trulicity effectively lowers blood sugar by mimicking the effects of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1). It also has some attractive side benefits, namely weight loss and a reduced risk of cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes.

Although many people may find the once-weekly injection convenient, others may be turned off by the idea of an injection. In addition, some people may find the drug’s common side effects, particularly nausea, intolerable, with the potential monetary costs being enough to bring many users to the brink of changing to an alternative. 

What can I take in place of Trulicity?

If you’re looking for alternatives to Trulicity, other GLP-1 receptor agonists may work for you. Like Trulicity, these medications help control blood sugar by increasing insulin production and reducing glucagon release, which lowers blood sugar levels. They also slow digestion, making you feel full more quickly, which can help with weight loss and reduce the risk of low blood sugar. If you’re experiencing side effects with Trulicity or if your insurance does not cover it, trying a different GLP-1 medication could still be a good option.

There are also other effective classes of medications for Type 2 diabetes if you want to explore other treatment options beyond GLP-1 agents. For example, sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors offer benefits for heart and kidney health, while dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors are generally effective and well tolerated. In addition, generic versions of sulfonylureas, biguanides, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, and thiazolidinediones can be effective while helping you save money. 

Some medications combine two different classes into one pill, which may be helpful if you’re on different medications for diabetes. Various types of insulin are also available for managing both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Therefore, it may be worth comparing these options to find the best fit for your needs.

Other alternatives to Trulicity

• Byetta (exenatide)
• Bydureon Bcise (exenatide)
• Adlyxin (lixisenatide)
• Qtern (dapagliflozin/saxagliptin)
• Invokamet (canagliflozin/metformin)
• Invokamet ER (canagliflozin/metformin ER)
• Synjardy (empagliflozin/metformin)
• Synjardy XR (empagliflozin/metformin ER)
• Glyxambi (empagliflozin/linagliptin)
• Trijardy XR (empagliflozin/linagliptin/metformin ER)
• Steglatro (ertugliflozin)
• Steglujan (ertugliflozin/sitagliptin)
• Glucotrol XR (glipizide extended release)
• Glipizide/metformin
• Glyburide
• Glyburide/metformin
• Metformin ER
• Janumet (sitagliptin/metformin)
• Janumet XR (sitagliptin/metformin ER)
• Tradjenta (linagliptan)
• Nesina (alogliptan)
• Kazano (alogliptin/metformin)
• Oseni (alogliptin/pioglitazone)
• Onglyza (saxagliptan)
• Nateglinide
• Symlin (pramlintide)
• Precose (acarbose)
• Jentadueto (linagliptin/metformin)
• Jentadueto XR (linagliptin/metformin ER)
• Actoplus Met (pioglitazone/metformin)
• Duetact (pioglitazone/glimepiride)
• Repaglinide/metformin
• Kombiglyze XR (saxagliptin/metformin ER)
• Miglitol
• Basaglar Kwikpen (insulin glargine)
• Soliqua (insulin glargine/lixisenatide)
• Levemir Flextouch (insulin detemir)
• Tresiba (insulin degludec)
• Xultophy (insulin degludec/liraglutide)
• Humalog Kwikpen (insulin lispro)
• Humalog Mix 50/50 (insulin lispro protamine/insulin lispro)
• Humalog Mix 75/25 (insulin lispro protamine/insulin lispro)
• Novolog Flexpen (insulin aspart)
• Novolog Mix 70/30 Flexpen (insulin aspart protamine/insulin aspart)
• Novolin N (insulin NPH)
• Novolin R (insulin regular)
• Novolin 70/30 (insulin NPH/insulin regular)
• Humulin N (insulin NPH)
• Humulin R (insulin regular)
• Humulin 70/30 (insulin NPH/insulin regular)

Top 5 Trulicity alternatives

The following are some of the most common alternatives to Trulicity.

1. Ozempic

Ozempic is another GLP-1 agonist that comes as a weekly injection. It contains the active ingredient semaglutide, the same active ingredient in Rybelsus, a daily pill for Type 2 diabetes that some people may prefer over an injection. Semaglutide is also the active ingredient in Wegovy, a weekly injection for weight loss. In addition to diabetes, Ozempic can reduce the risk of serious heart-related events in people with heart disease. It also has the added benefit of reducing the risk of kidney failure in people with kidney problems. 

Still, some people may experience side effects from Ozempic, such as nausea, vomiting, and constipation. Therefore, the optimal dosage needs to be reached gradually. As with other GLP-1 agonists, people with a history of thyroid cancer or specific hormone-related conditions should use caution with Ozempic due to an increased risk of thyroid tumors. 

RELATED: Wegovy vs. Trulicity: Differences, similarities & side effects

2. Mounjaro 

Mounjaro is another weekly injection FDA-approved to treat Type 2 diabetes. Although it’s not approved to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events like Trulicity, it works differently than other GLP-1 agonists. The active ingredient, tirzepatide, works as a dual gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) and GLP-1 agonist to increase insulin secretion, promote fullness, and reduce appetite. As a dual GIP and GLP-1 agonist, Mounjaro may provide better control of blood sugar levels than Trulicity. For those specifically looking to lose weight, tirzepatide is available under the name Zepbound.

Like similar drugs, Mounjaro may cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, and stomach discomfort. More serious side effects involve allergic reactions at injection sites, which may develop as redness, itching, or swelling. In addition, there is a risk of pancreatitis, a potentially severe inflammation of the pancreas, which is a potential risk with other GLP-1 agonists.

3. Jardiance 

If you’re considering a change in your Type 2 diabetes treatment, an SGLT2 inhibitor like Jardiance could be a potential option. This type of drug works by preventing the reabsorption of glucose in the kidneys. This means more sugar is removed from your body through urine. In addition to lowering blood sugar levels, this process helps eliminate extra fluid, benefiting people with heart conditions like congestive heart failure (CHF). Clinical studies show it may also help lower blood pressure. 

Brand-name SGLT2 inhibitors, like Jardiance, may be costly, but generic versions may be available that could help you save money if you switch from Trulicity. Jardiance and other SGLT2 members also have certain adverse effects that could keep you from picking them. For example, they are associated with an increased risk of genital yeast and urinary tract infections.

4. Metformin

Metformin is an accessible, generic alternative to Trulicty. It is usually the first choice for treating this condition. Metformin belongs to a class of drugs called biguanides. Many prefer it because it does not cause weight gain or low blood sugar levels, and it can help slow down the progression of diabetes. Other medications, like Trulicity, are often added to metformin instead of replacing it. There are also combination drugs, such as Xigduo XR, that mix metformin with another medicine. 

One common disadvantage of metformin is that it can cause stomach problems, including diarrhea and an upset stomach. In addition, certain health conditions, like severe kidney disease, may prevent someone from using metformin safely.

RELATED: Is it safe to take Trulicity and metformin together?

5. Januvia 

Januvia, or sitagliptin, is a medication used to help manage Type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a drug class called DPP-4 inhibitors, which work by increasing the levels of incretin hormones that help control blood sugar. Januvia is often preferred because it doesn’t cause many of the gastrointestinal issues that other diabetes medications, like Trulicity and metformin, can cause. It can also be taken alongside other diabetes treatments to help keep blood glucose levels in check. 

However, Januvia does have some drawbacks. It is not approved for reducing cardiovascular risks, which might be a concern for people with heart problems. Unlike some other diabetes medications, such as Trulicity, Januvia does not help with weight loss, which can be important for many people. In addition, the cost of Januvia can be high for some, making it less accessible than other options.

Natural alternatives to Trulicity

Learning about the positive and negative attributes of each alternative to Trulicity may have you wishing for a natural treatment option. A low-carbohydrate diet and exercise are proven elements of weight loss that may help support treatment plans for diabetes. Clinical trials have supported supplements such as dietary fiber and cinnamon. Other supplements, vitamins, and minerals that have been studied to lower blood sugar levels include:

• Berberine
• Ginseng
• Magnesium 
• Alpha-lipoic acid
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Selenium
• Vitamin D

Although lifestyle changes and these supplements may not cure Type 2 diabetes or eliminate the need for prescription medications, they can improve overall health and help reduce the number of pills you take.

How to switch to a Trulicity alternative

Before embarking on a new diet or exercise routine or considering a switch from Trulicity, consult your prescribing healthcare provider for medical advice. Discuss any concerns about this brand-name medication, whether the cost or possible side effects and ask about alternatives. Your medical history may make one option more suitable than others. It’s also important to bring a list of all your supplements, over-the-counter medications, and prescription drugs, as there may be potential drug interactions. Working together, you and your provider can make the best decision for managing your overall health.