A recent announcement on the radical reduction in price of dulaglutide (Trulicity) will be welcomed by prescribers in South Africa.
The DISCOVER study by Dr Adri Kok and others, published in 2021, of the patterns of diabetes management in South Africa in both the public and private sector shows sub-
optimal use of first and second-line glucose-lowering therapy.
This means that many patients are not receiving the benefits of newer anti-diabetic agents
that lower cardiovascular risk.
Since healthcare systems aim to maximise the health of the population they are caring for, whether it is in the state or private sector, and must often work within constrained budgets, choosing therapies that are both effective and cost-effect is vital.
What GLP-1 RAs are for
These newer drugs can be used to slow down the development of cardiovascular (heart) disease. You can read more about it here – Do people with diabetes need to worry about heart health?
At the links below you’ll find some recent accredited reports from South African experts, on the benefits and recommended usage of GLP-1 RA.
GLP-1 RAs and cardiovascular protection for your type 2 diabetes patient
Simplicity and control – cardiometabolic effects of GLP-1 RA in type 2 diabetes
Trulicity is related to Victoza, which we’ve written about before.
Trulicity contains the active drug dulaglutide. Victoza contains the active drug liraglutide. Dulaglutide and liraglutide belong to the same drug class: glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists. (A drug class is a group of medications that work in a similar way.)
Healthline
If you’re living with Type 2 diabetes, you can ask your doctor if Trulicity is a good option for you.
Reference:
- Kok A, Hariram A, Webb D, et al. Patterns of diabetes management in South Africa: baseline and 24-month
What to read next?
Diabetes disaster kit: what to pack in an emergency: This diabetes disaster kit is helpful if you have to deal with a major storm, extended loss of electricity or possible evacuation from your home.
The Type 1 diabetes toolkit: what you need to carry at all times
SMART goals: what they are and why you need them: By defining your goals using SMART, you can break down exactly what you’d like to accomplish, when you’d like to accomplish it and how you plan on doing it.
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There is a national shortage of Trulicity at the moment. The manufacturers said:
Ozempic and Trulicity are the two GLP-1 medications.
Ozempic went out of stock earlier this year (globally), so everyone switched to Trulicity, and demand for Trulicity was 5 times the normal.
They are now trying to catch up on demand, and bringing more stock in every month. They believe the issue will be resolved early next year at the latest.
Are you referring to 2022 (this year)? Who are ‘they’ who are trying to get stock monthly please?
Yes, this year. The manufacturers are trying to get stock into the country because there’s been such a shortage.
Can you please advise who has stock in SA, every pharmacy I have been to does not know when they will be getting stock.
Unfortunately we haven’t been told – apparently there’s a nationwide shortage that will be resolved in early 2023. Very frustrating, I’m sure!
Can we please het a update on trulicity. Cant find anything since 2023
I’ll ask our contacts at Lilly and get back to you!
What is happening with Trulicity in South Africa. Please advise.
Where can we find stock of Trulicity?
Unfortunately we don’t have that information… The best advice we’ve been given is to call your local pharmacy and ask them to notify you as soon as they got stock. Sorry that’s not very helpful!