Trulicity in Courtenay: Once-Weekly Dulaglutide for Type 2 Diabetes
Trulicity (dulaglutide) is a once-weekly injectable GLP-1 receptor agonist approved by Health Canada to help adults with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar, and to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes. TelePlus Care offers Courtenay patients a virtual visit with a licensed doctor, a review of recent bloodwork, and a prescription you fill at any Comox Valley pharmacy — from a Shoppers Drug Mart on Cliffe Avenue to a pharmacy in downtown Courtenay, Comox, or near Crown Isle. We serve patients across the Comox Valley and northern Vancouver Island.
Book Your Appointment Now
Trulicity (dulaglutide) is a once-weekly GLP-1 injection approved by Health Canada for type 2 diabetes blood-sugar control and to reduce cardiovascular risk in adults with type 2 diabetes. It is prescription-only and not approved for weight loss in Canada. TelePlus Care offers Courtenay patients virtual visits with a licensed doctor and a prescription you fill at any Comox Valley pharmacy.
- Trulicity (dulaglutide) is a once-weekly subcutaneous GLP-1 receptor agonist approved by Health Canada for adults with type 2 diabetes.
- It is also indicated to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes.
- Trulicity is not approved in Canada for weight loss or obesity; any weight change is a secondary effect, not the goal of therapy.
- Trulicity requires a prescription after a clinical assessment; it is not a controlled substance.
Clinical content is reviewed for accuracy and scope. TelePlus Care appointments proceed only when clinically appropriate after a real assessment, and the doctor will explain the next step if virtual care is not the right fit.
What Is Trulicity and How Does It Work?
Trulicity contains dulaglutide, a GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist given once weekly with a single-use pre-filled pen. It works with the body's natural GLP-1 hormone to stimulate glucose-dependent insulin release, slow gastric emptying, and reduce excess glucose produced by the liver. Because insulin is released mainly when blood sugar is elevated, Trulicity carries a modest risk of low blood sugar on its own. For Comox Valley adults with type 2 diabetes, the weekly schedule and ready-to-use pen make it a practical alternative to daily therapies.
Who Qualifies for Trulicity in Courtenay?
Trulicity is prescribed for adults with type 2 diabetes whose blood sugar is not well controlled on lifestyle measures and first-line treatment, or when cardiovascular risk reduction is a clinical goal. Your licensed doctor confirms suitability during the virtual assessment.
- Adults with confirmed type 2 diabetes (typically HbA1c 6.5% or higher, or as established by your doctor).
- Patients not reaching blood-sugar targets on metformin or lifestyle measures alone.
- Adults with type 2 diabetes who have established cardiovascular disease or elevated cardiovascular risk.
- No personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN 2 syndrome.
- No history of pancreatitis.
- Not currently pregnant or breastfeeding; discuss family planning with your doctor.
- Trulicity is for type 2 diabetes — it is not approved or prescribed in Canada as a weight-loss treatment.
The Virtual Consultation Process at TelePlus Care
Courtenay patients complete the assessment virtually with a licensed doctor. Each prescription is documented and shared with your family doctor on request. We don't dispense medication — we issue prescriptions you fill at any Comox Valley pharmacy.
- Step 1: Book online — most Courtenay patients secure a same-day or next-business-day appointment.
- Step 2: Complete an intake form covering your diabetes history, current medications, and any heart or kidney conditions.
- Step 3: Secure video consultation (15-25 minutes) with your licensed doctor.
- Step 4: Bloodwork review or a new requisition through a local laboratory if your labs are older than 12 months.
- Step 5: Prescription issued for any Comox Valley pharmacy. Your doctor explains the weekly injection and pen technique.
- Step 6: Structured follow-ups to review blood-sugar control, tolerability, and progress.
Bloodwork and Monitoring Before Starting Trulicity
Recent metabolic and organ-function labs let your doctor confirm the diagnosis, set a baseline, and prescribe safely. Laboratory collection sites are available in Courtenay and across the Comox Valley, and your doctor can send a requisition to a convenient location.
- HbA1c — confirms diabetes control and provides a baseline for monitoring.
- Fasting plasma glucose.
- Kidney function — eGFR and serum creatinine.
- Liver enzymes — ALT and AST.
- Lipid profile — total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides.
- TSH when clinically indicated.
- Pregnancy test for women of reproductive age where appropriate.
Side Effects of Trulicity
Trulicity has the GLP-1 side-effect profile, with most effects appearing early and easing within the first weeks as the body adjusts. Most are gastrointestinal and mild to moderate.
- Nausea — most common, especially when starting or increasing the dose.
- Diarrhea or constipation.
- Vomiting or indigestion.
- Decreased appetite.
- Injection site reactions — minor redness or itching.
- Hypoglycemia risk increases if combined with insulin or sulfonylureas.
- Rare: pancreatitis — severe abdominal pain radiating to the back; seek urgent care at the Comox Valley Hospital or the nearest hospital emergency department.
- Rare: gallbladder problems including gallstones.
Trulicity Compared to Other GLP-1 Therapies
Canada offers several GLP-1 receptor agonists for type 2 diabetes. Your doctor helps you balance convenience, tolerability, cardiovascular benefit, and access.
- Trulicity (dulaglutide) — once-weekly injection with a ready-to-use pen; indicated for blood-sugar control and cardiovascular risk reduction in type 2 diabetes.
- Ozempic (semaglutide) — once-weekly injection used for type 2 diabetes.
- Rybelsus (semaglutide) — a daily oral GLP-1 tablet for type 2 diabetes.
- Victoza (liraglutide) — a daily GLP-1 injection.
- Choice depends on your diabetes profile, other conditions, tolerability, and your doctor's clinical judgment.
Why Comox Valley Patients Choose TelePlus Care for Trulicity
TelePlus Care gives Comox Valley adults with type 2 diabetes timely, evidence-based access to guideline-recommended therapy. Our doctors include a licensed doctor who follows Diabetes Canada guidance. We don't dispense medication — we issue prescriptions you fill at any Comox Valley pharmacy, whether that's a Shoppers Drug Mart on Cliffe Avenue, a Save-On-Foods pharmacy, a Pharmasave in Comox, or a Costco pharmacy on the island. Same-day virtual visits, clear appointment steps and structured follow-ups are standard. A licensed doctor reviews your intake before the visit and explains the safest next step.
Your Fast and Convenient Healthcare Solution
Connect with a licensed healthcare provider from the comfort of your home. No referral needed — book your virtual appointment today.
Book Your Appointment Now
Other British Columbia Locations
We also provide this service in these British Columbia communities:
Teleplus care clinic is not an urgent care clinic. If you have an emergency please call911 or go to the nearest urgent care facility.
