Trulicity and Jardiance are widely used to manage type 2 diabetes, and many wonder if they can be combined.
Taking Trulicity and Jardiance together can enhance blood sugar control and support weight loss.
This article explores their compatibility, benefits, risks, and practical tips. With clear guidance, you can navigate this combination confidently.
Understanding Trulicity and Jardiance
Trulicity, containing dulaglutide, is a weekly injectable GLP-1 receptor agonist. It boosts insulin release, slows digestion, and lowers blood sugar, reducing A1C by 1–1.4%. Approved in 2014, it also promotes modest weight loss, averaging 6–10 pounds. It’s popular for its ease of use and cardiovascular benefits.
Jardiance, with empagliflozin, is a daily oral SGLT2 inhibitor. It lowers blood sugar by helping kidneys excrete glucose, reducing A1C by 0.7–1%. Approved in 2014, it supports weight loss of 4–8 pounds and reduces heart disease risk. Both drugs target diabetes but work differently, making them potentially complementary.
Why Combine Trulicity and Jardiance?
Enhanced Blood Sugar Control
Trulicity and Jardiance target different pathways to lower blood sugar. Trulicity enhances insulin secretion and reduces appetite, while Jardiance increases glucose excretion. Combining them can lower A1C by up to 2% or more in some patients. This is ideal for those with uncontrolled diabetes.
The combination is often more effective than either drug alone. It’s especially helpful for patients with insulin resistance. Always consult your doctor to ensure it fits your health needs. Regular blood sugar monitoring is essential.
Increased Weight Loss Potential
Trulicity promotes weight loss by reducing appetite, averaging 6–10 pounds. Jardiance supports weight loss through calorie loss via glucose excretion, averaging 4–8 pounds. Taking Trulicity and Jardiance together may lead to greater weight loss, up to 10–15 pounds in some cases. Results depend on diet and exercise.
This combination is beneficial for those with obesity and type 2 diabetes. It can help break weight loss plateaus. Discuss weight goals with your doctor for personalized advice. Lifestyle changes amplify the effects.
Cardiovascular Benefits
Both medications offer heart health benefits. Trulicity reduces the risk of major cardiovascular events, like heart attack, by up to 12%. Jardiance lowers heart failure risk and protects kidney function. Combining them may provide additive cardiovascular protection.
This makes the combination appealing for patients with heart disease or high risk. Your doctor will assess your cardiovascular profile. Blood tests and regular check-ups ensure safety. This dual approach supports overall health.
Can I Take Trulicity and Jardiance Together Safely?
General Safety Profile
Taking Trulicity and Jardiance together is generally safe and well-studied for type 2 diabetes. Clinical trials, like those by Eli Lilly and Boehringer Ingelheim, show no major interactions between the two. They complement each other by targeting different glucose-lowering pathways. Always consult your doctor before starting this combination.
Both drugs have similar side effects, like nausea or urinary tract infections, which may overlap. Starting with low doses minimizes these risks. Regular monitoring ensures the combination is safe for you. Your doctor will tailor the regimen to your needs.
Risk of Hypoglycemia
Neither Trulicity nor Jardiance commonly causes low blood sugar alone. However, combining them with insulin or sulfonylureas increases hypoglycemia risk. Symptoms include shakiness, sweating, or confusion. Monitor blood sugar closely when starting this combination.
Your doctor may adjust other diabetes medications to prevent low blood sugar. Keep a glucose meter handy and log readings daily. Report hypoglycemic symptoms immediately. Careful monitoring ensures safe use.
How to Use Trulicity and Jardiance
Trulicity Dosing
Trulicity is injected weekly, starting at 0.75 mg, with possible increases to 1.5–4.5 mg based on response. Inject it in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm, rotating sites weekly. It can be taken with or without food. Follow your doctor’s instructions for proper use.
Store Trulicity pens in the refrigerator, but they can be kept at room temperature for 14 days. Never reuse needles or share pens. Your doctor will train you on injection technique. Consistency in dosing is key.
Jardiance Dosing
Jardiance is taken orally once daily, starting at 10 mg, with possible increases to 25 mg. Take it in the morning, with or without food, for best results. Swallow the tablet whole with water. Follow your doctor’s dosing guidance.
Store Jardiance at room temperature, away from moisture. Missing a dose may affect blood sugar control. Take it consistently at the same time daily. Your doctor can advise on missed doses.
Benefits of Combining Trulicity and Jardiance
Combining these medications offers several advantages:
- Superior Glucose Control: Targets multiple pathways for greater A1C reduction.
- Enhanced Weight Loss: Combines appetite suppression with calorie loss.
- Heart and Kidney Protection: Reduces cardiovascular and kidney disease risks.
- Convenient Regimen: Weekly injection paired with daily oral dosing.
These benefits are most pronounced in those with type 2 diabetes and obesity. Results vary based on adherence and lifestyle. Discuss expectations with your doctor. Regular follow-ups optimize outcomes.
Potential Side Effects
Trulicity may cause nausea, diarrhea, or injection site reactions, which often lessen over time. Jardiance can cause urinary tract infections, dehydration, or genital yeast infections. Combining them may increase these risks slightly. Starting with low doses helps manage side effects.
Rare risks include pancreatitis with Trulicity or ketoacidosis with Jardiance. Report severe symptoms, like persistent abdominal pain or excessive thirst, immediately. Your doctor can adjust treatment if needed. Staying hydrated reduces some risks.
Table: Trulicity vs. Jardiance Comparison
| Feature | Trulicity (Dulaglutide) | Jardiance (Empagliflozin) |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | GLP-1 receptor agonist | SGLT2 inhibitor |
| A1C Reduction | 1–1.4% | 0.7–1% |
| Weight Loss | 6–10 pounds | 4–8 pounds |
| Administration | Weekly injection | Daily oral tablet |
| Common Side Effects | Nausea, diarrhea, injection reactions | Urinary infections, dehydration |
This table compares key features to guide your understanding. Verify dosing and costs with your provider. Consult your doctor for tailored advice.
Considerations Before Combining
Health Conditions
Trulicity and Jardiance are suitable for type 2 diabetes but have risks. Trulicity is contraindicated in those with thyroid cancer history or pancreatitis. Jardiance may not be safe for severe kidney disease. Discuss your medical history with your doctor.
Blood tests can assess kidney or liver function before starting. This combination is not for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. Your provider will evaluate risks and benefits. Personalized plans ensure safety.
Drug Interactions
Trulicity has minimal interactions but may amplify effects of other glucose-lowering drugs. Jardiance may interact with diuretics, increasing dehydration risk. Inform your doctor about all medications and supplements. This prevents unexpected complications.
Regular monitoring catches issues early. Your doctor may adjust doses of other drugs, like insulin. Keep an updated medication list. This supports safe combination therapy.
Insurance and Costs
Trulicity costs around $800–$1,000 monthly, while Jardiance is $500–$600. Insurance coverage varies; most plans cover both for type 2 diabetes. Check your plan’s formulary for details. Manufacturer copay cards from Eli Lilly (Trulicity) or Boehringer Ingelheim (Jardiance) can reduce costs.
Medicare and Medicaid often cover both medications. Contact your insurer or pharmacy for savings options. Affordability ensures adherence to treatment. Your doctor can assist with coverage questions.
Lifestyle Support for Success
Trulicity and Jardiance work best with a healthy lifestyle. Eat a balanced diet with vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to support blood sugar control. Limit sugary foods and alcohol to avoid complications. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise, like walking, most days.
Sleep and stress management improve insulin sensitivity. Practices like yoga or meditation reduce cravings. Joining a diabetes support group boosts motivation. Consistent habits enhance medication benefits.
When to Consult Your Doctor
Before taking Trulicity and Jardiance together, consult your doctor to confirm compatibility. They’ll review your A1C, weight, and health conditions to create a plan. Blood tests may monitor kidney or heart function. This ensures safe combination therapy.
Report side effects like severe nausea or frequent urination promptly. Schedule follow-ups every 4–8 weeks to track progress. Your doctor may adjust doses based on your response. Open communication is key to success.
Emotional and Mental Health Support
Managing diabetes can be emotionally taxing. Trulicity’s appetite suppression may reduce food-related stress, while Jardiance’s energy boost can improve mood. Support groups or counseling help navigate challenges. Celebrate small wins, like better A1C or weight loss.
If injections cause anxiety, practice relaxation techniques before administering Trulicity. Your doctor can offer resources for needle phobia. A positive mindset supports adherence and well-being. You’re not alone in this journey.
Summary
Can I take Trulicity and Jardiance together? Yes, combining these medications is generally safe and effective for type 2 diabetes, offering enhanced blood sugar control and weight loss.
Trulicity’s GLP-1 action and Jardiance’s SGLT2 inhibition complement each other, reducing A1C by up to 2% and weight by 10–15 pounds. Start with low doses, monitor blood sugar, and pair with a healthy lifestyle.
Consult your doctor to manage side effects and avoid interactions. With proper guidance, this combination can improve your diabetes management significantly.
FAQ
Can I take Trulicity and Jardiance together safely?
Yes, they’re generally safe to combine with no major interactions. Consult your doctor to confirm suitability. Monitor for side effects like nausea or dehydration.
Will combining Trulicity and Jardiance improve results?
Yes, they can lower A1C by up to 2% and support 10–15 pounds of weight loss. Results depend on lifestyle. Discuss goals with your doctor.
Can this combination cause low blood sugar?
Hypoglycemia is rare but possible with other diabetes drugs like insulin. Monitor blood sugar regularly. Report symptoms like shakiness to your doctor immediately.
How should I take Trulicity and Jardiance together?
Take Jardiance daily in the morning and inject Trulicity weekly. Follow your doctor’s dosing instructions. Rotate Trulicity injection sites to avoid irritation.
Will insurance cover Trulicity and Jardiance?
Most plans cover both for type 2 diabetes; check your formulary. Copay cards from manufacturers reduce costs. Contact your insurer for details.