Trulicity in Ottawa: Once-Weekly Dulaglutide for Type 2 Diabetes
Trulicity (dulaglutide) is a once-weekly injectable GLP-1 receptor agonist that Health Canada has approved to improve blood-sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes, and to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes. TelePlus Care connects Ottawa patients with a licensed doctor for a virtual assessment that reviews your diabetes history and bloodwork and, when appropriate, issues a prescription you fill at any local pharmacy — from a Shoppers Drug Mart in the By Ward Market to a Rexall in Barrhaven or a Loblaw pharmacy in Kanata. We serve patients across the National Capital Region, including the Glebe, Westboro, Orléans, Nepean, Gloucester, and Stittsville.
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Trulicity (dulaglutide) is a once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist 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 after a clinical assessment. TelePlus Care offers virtual Ottawa consultations and issues prescriptions you fill at any local pharmacy.
- Trulicity is the brand name for dulaglutide, a once-weekly injectable GLP-1 receptor agonist.
- Health Canada has approved Trulicity for blood-sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes.
- Trulicity is also indicated to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes.
- Trulicity is prescription-only and is not approved in Canada for weight loss; 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 taken as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection. It works with your body's glucose-dependent signalling: it prompts the pancreas to release more insulin when blood sugar is high, reduces the glucose the liver produces, and slows stomach emptying so glucose enters the bloodstream more gradually. Because the insulin response is glucose-dependent, the risk of low blood sugar from Trulicity alone is low. It comes in a pre-filled, single-use pen that most Ottawa patients self-administer at home on the same day each week. Some patients notice modest weight reduction as a secondary effect, but in Canada Trulicity is approved for type 2 diabetes management — not as a weight-loss treatment.
Who May Be a Candidate for Trulicity in Ottawa?
Trulicity is intended for adults with type 2 diabetes whose blood sugar is not adequately controlled, often used with diet, exercise, and other diabetes medications such as metformin. A licensed doctor will confirm whether it is appropriate for you.
- Adults with a confirmed diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.
- Patients whose blood-sugar targets are not being met with current treatment.
- Adults with type 2 diabetes who also have established cardiovascular disease or risk factors, where cardiovascular risk reduction is a goal.
- Not for people with type 1 diabetes or for diabetic ketoacidosis.
- Not recommended with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN 2 syndrome.
- Caution and doctor review with a history of pancreatitis or significant gastrointestinal disease.
- Not for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding without specialist guidance.
The Virtual Consultation Process at TelePlus Care
Ottawa patients complete the assessment virtually with a licensed doctor. A licensed doctor reviews your intake before the visit and explains the safest next step. We don't dispense medication — we issue a prescription you fill at any local pharmacy.
- Step 1: Book online — many Ottawa patients secure a same-day or next-business-day appointment.
- Step 2: Complete an intake form covering your diabetes history, current medications, and bloodwork.
- Step 3: Secure video consultation with your licensed doctor.
- Step 4: Bloodwork review, or a new requisition if your labs are out of date.
- Step 5: When appropriate, a prescription is issued for any Ottawa pharmacy, with guidance on your weekly injection.
- Step 6: Follow-up visits to monitor blood-sugar control, side effects, and progress.
Bloodwork and Monitoring Before Starting Trulicity
Recent lab results help your doctor confirm your diagnosis, set a baseline, and monitor your response. Community lab collection centres operated by providers such as LifeLabs and Dynacare are widely available across Ottawa — downtown, the Glebe, Westboro, Nepean, Orléans, Kanata, and Barrhaven — and your doctor can send a requisition to a site near you.
- HbA1c — confirms diabetes control and sets a baseline for monitoring.
- Fasting plasma glucose.
- Kidney function — eGFR and serum creatinine.
- Lipid profile — total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides.
- Liver enzymes when clinically indicated.
- Review of current diabetes and cardiovascular medications for interactions.
How Trulicity Is Taken
Trulicity is designed for a simple weekly routine that suits busy Ottawa schedules. It is a once-weekly subcutaneous injection delivered with a pre-filled, single-use pen, so there is no need to handle a needle directly or measure a dose. Your doctor will start you at an introductory dose and may adjust it over time based on your blood-sugar response and tolerance.
- Once-weekly injection on the same day each week, at any time of day, with or without food.
- Injected into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm, rotating the site each week.
- Store unopened pens refrigerated; an unopened pen can be kept at room temperature for a limited time per the product labelling.
- If a dose is missed, follow your doctor's instructions on when to take the next one.
- Continue your prescribed diet, activity, and any other diabetes medications unless told otherwise.
Side Effects of Trulicity
Trulicity has the typical GLP-1 side-effect profile, with most effects appearing early and easing as your body adjusts. Tell your doctor about anything persistent or severe.
- Nausea — most common, especially when starting or increasing the dose.
- Diarrhea or constipation.
- Vomiting and reduced appetite.
- Indigestion or abdominal discomfort.
- Low blood sugar, mainly when combined with insulin or sulfonylureas.
- Injection-site reactions such as minor redness.
- Rare: pancreatitis — severe, persistent abdominal pain that may radiate to the back; seek urgent care at The Ottawa Hospital (Civic or General campus) or the nearest hospital emergency department.
- Rare: gallbladder problems and, with dehydration, possible effects on kidney function; maintain fluid intake.
How Trulicity Compares to Other GLP-1 Options
Several GLP-1 receptor agonists are used for type 2 diabetes in Canada. The right choice depends on your health profile, tolerance, cardiovascular risk, and access, and is decided with your doctor.
- Trulicity (dulaglutide, weekly) — pre-filled pen valued for once-weekly dosing and ease of use; indicated for blood-sugar control and cardiovascular risk reduction in type 2 diabetes.
- Ozempic (semaglutide, weekly) — another weekly GLP-1 for type 2 diabetes.
- Rybelsus (semaglutide, daily oral) — a tablet option for patients who prefer to avoid injections.
- Victoza (liraglutide, daily) — a daily injectable GLP-1.
- All are prescription-only and require a clinical assessment; none of these is approved in Canada as a weight-loss treatment.
Why Ottawa Patients Choose TelePlus Care for Trulicity
TelePlus Care gives Ottawa adults timely, evidence-based access to type 2 diabetes care. Your assessment is with a licensed doctor who follows Diabetes Canada guidance. We don't dispense medication — we issue a prescription you fill at any local pharmacy, whether that's a Shoppers Drug Mart in the By Ward Market, a Rexall in Barrhaven, a Loblaw pharmacy in Kanata, or an independent pharmacy in Orléans or the Glebe. Same-day virtual visits and transparent appointment appointment steps confirmed before you book are standard. Your intake helps the clinician understand your symptoms, history, and goals before the visit.
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
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Teleplus care clinic is not an urgent care clinic. If you have an emergency please call911 or go to the nearest urgent care facility.
