Trulicity in Markham: Once-Weekly Dulaglutide for Type 2 Diabetes
Trulicity (dulaglutide) is a once-weekly injectable GLP-1 receptor agonist that Health Canada has approved to help adults with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar, and to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes. TelePlus Care connects Markham patients with a licensed doctor for a virtual assessment, a review of recent bloodwork, and a prescription you fill at any Markham pharmacy — from a Shoppers Drug Mart in Markville to a pharmacy in Unionville, Cornell, Milliken, or Cathedraltown. We serve patients across Markham and the wider York Region.
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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 Markham patients virtual visits with a licensed doctor and a prescription you fill at any local 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 delivered once weekly with a single-use pre-filled pen. It mirrors the body's own GLP-1 hormone to encourage glucose-dependent insulin release, slow gastric emptying, and reduce the liver's glucose output. Because insulin is released chiefly when blood sugar is high, Trulicity carries a modest risk of low blood sugar by itself. For Markham adults living with type 2 diabetes, the once-weekly pen is a convenient alternative to daily medication.
Who Qualifies for Trulicity in Markham?
Trulicity is prescribed for adults with type 2 diabetes who are not meeting blood-sugar targets on lifestyle measures and first-line therapy, or when cardiovascular risk reduction is a goal. Your licensed doctor confirms suitability during the virtual visit.
- Adults with confirmed type 2 diabetes (typically HbA1c 6.5% or higher, or as established by your doctor).
- Patients whose blood sugar is not controlled 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
Markham 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 Markham pharmacy.
- Step 1: Book online — most Markham 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 Markham 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 help your doctor confirm the diagnosis, set a baseline, and prescribe safely. Laboratory collection sites are widely available across Markham and York Region, and your doctor can send a requisition to a convenient location near you.
- 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 Markham Stouffville Hospital or the nearest hospital emergency department.
- Rare: gallbladder problems including gallstones.
Trulicity Compared to Other GLP-1 Therapies
Several GLP-1 receptor agonists are used for type 2 diabetes in Canada. Your doctor helps you weigh 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 Markham Patients Choose TelePlus Care for Trulicity
TelePlus Care gives Markham-area 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 Markham pharmacy, whether that's a Shoppers Drug Mart in Markville, a Rexall in Unionville, a Loblaw or No Frills pharmacy, or a Costco pharmacy in York Region. 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.
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Other Ontario Locations
We also provide this service in these Ontario 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.
