Giving yourself an injection for the first time can feel a little intimidating. That’s normal. But here’s the thing—Trulicity was designed to be as simple as possible. No mixing, no measuring, no complicated steps. Just a quick, once-a-week routine that’ll be over before you know it.
If you’re holding that pen for the first time and wondering how this works, don’t worry. This guide will walk you through the process, from getting everything ready to making the injection as easy and comfortable as possible. Let’s go step by step so you feel confident every time.
What Trulicity Does and Why It Matters
Trulicity works with your body to help control blood sugar levels. It helps the pancreas release insulin after meals and slows down digestion so that sugar doesn’t spike too quickly. The best part? It’s once a week. No need to keep track of a daily pill or multiple injections. Just one shot, done, and back to your routine.
Consistency is key. Once you establish a routine, it’ll feel like second nature. The important thing is getting the technique right so the medication works as it should.
Getting Ready to Inject Trulicity
Preparation makes the process smoother. A little setup before injecting can help avoid discomfort and make the experience quick and easy.
What You’ll Need
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Trulicity pen (stored in the fridge, but never frozen)
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Alcohol swab to clean the injection site
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Sharps container for safe disposal
Let the Pen Warm Up
Injecting cold medication can feel uncomfortable. Take the pen out of the fridge about 30 minutes before using it. Letting it warm up to room temperature makes the injection a lot smoother.
Check the Medication
Hold the pen up to the light and check the small window. The liquid inside should be clear, with no floating particles. If it looks cloudy or unusual, don’t use it. Grab a new pen instead.
Where to Inject Trulicity
Trulicity is injected into fatty tissue, not muscle. Choosing the right injection site is important for comfort and proper absorption.
Best Injection Sites
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Stomach – Pick a spot at least two inches away from the belly button.
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Thighs – The front of the thigh works best.
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Upper Arm – This works too, but only if someone else is giving the injection.
Rotate Injection Sites
Using the same spot every time isn’t a great idea. The skin can become irritated, and the medication may not absorb as well. Try switching between different areas—right thigh one week, left thigh the next, then the stomach. Keep things moving.
Step-by-Step Guide to Injecting Trulicity
The first time might feel awkward, but after that, it’s smooth sailing. Follow these steps, and you’ll be done before you know it.
1. Wash Your Hands
Clean hands, fewer germs. A quick wash is all it takes.
2. Clean the Injection Site
Use an alcohol swab to wipe down the area. Let it dry before moving to the next step.
3. Remove the Pen Cap
Pull the base cap straight off. Don’t twist it, and don’t put it back on once it’s off. That could damage the needle inside.
4. Hold the Pen Firmly
Press the clear base of the pen flat against your skin. Keep it at a 90-degree angle—straight up and down.
5. Unlock the Pen
Turn the lock ring to the unlock position. Now it’s ready to go.
6. Press the Injection Button
Push the green button. You’ll hear a click—that’s the medication being delivered. Keep holding the pen against your skin until you hear a second click, which takes about 5 to 10 seconds. That means the injection is finished.
7. Dispose of the Pen
Once you’re done, the used pen goes straight into a sharps container. No reusing, no regular trash.
Tips for a More Comfortable Injection
A few small tweaks can make a big difference in how the injection feels.
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Let the pen warm up before injecting—cold medication can sting.
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Press the pen firmly against your skin before pressing the button.
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Exhale slowly as you inject—it helps relax your body.
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If an area feels sore, pick a different injection site next time.
How to Store Trulicity the Right Way
Medication works best when it’s stored properly. A few simple rules keep your Trulicity in good shape.
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Keep it in the fridge (between 36°F and 46°F / 2°C to 8°C).
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Never let it freeze—frozen medication can’t be used.
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Once removed from the fridge, it’s fine at room temperature for up to 14 days.
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Store the pen in its original box to protect it from light.
Missed a Dose? Here’s What to Do
It happens. If you forget to take your dose, don’t double up. Here’s how to handle it.
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If your next scheduled dose is more than three days away, take the missed dose as soon as you remember.
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If your next dose is less than three days away, skip the missed one and wait for your next scheduled injection.
Possible Side Effects
Most people handle Trulicity just fine, but it’s good to know what to expect.
Common Side Effects
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Nausea (usually improves after the first few weeks)
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Upset stomach or bloating
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Diarrhea or constipation
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Decreased appetite
Call a Doctor If You Notice
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Severe stomach pain that won’t go away
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Swelling of the face or throat (could be an allergic reaction)
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Unusual lumps or swelling at the injection site
Making Trulicity Part of Your Routine
The best way to stick with a once-a-week injection? Pair it with something else you already do on the same day every week. Maybe it’s your grocery shopping day. Maybe it’s the day you watch your favorite show. Linking it to an existing habit makes it easier to remember.
Setting a phone reminder can help too. Life gets busy, and forgetting happens. A little nudge never hurts.
If you ever feel unsure about injecting yourself, ask a healthcare provider to walk you through it. A quick check-in can boost your confidence.
Adjusting to Trulicity: What to Expect in the First Few Weeks
Starting a new medication is always an adjustment. Your body needs time to get used to Trulicity, and you might notice some changes along the way. Some people feel completely fine from day one, while others experience mild side effects that fade over time. Knowing what to expect can help you stay consistent and feel more in control.
The First Dose Might Feel Different
The first injection might be the biggest mental hurdle, but physically, it’s usually uneventful. Some people feel a little queasy after the first dose. Others don’t notice much at all. If nausea kicks in, it usually happens a few hours after injecting and settles within a day. Eating smaller, lighter meals can help, and drinking water throughout the day makes a difference too.
Fatigue is another thing some people notice in the beginning. If you feel more tired than usual, don’t worry—it’s temporary. Your body is adjusting to the medication, and that takes energy. Give yourself some grace, get extra rest if you need it, and know that the tiredness won’t last forever.
Week Two and Beyond
By the second or third injection, things start to feel more routine. If there were side effects in the first week, they usually become milder. The body gets used to the medication, and any nausea or fatigue should improve. Sticking to a schedule helps build consistency.
One thing to pay attention to is hydration. Trulicity can make some people feel less hungry, which means they eat less without even realizing it. That’s fine, but it also means less water intake if you’re eating fewer hydrating foods. Keep a bottle of water nearby and sip throughout the day to stay hydrated.
If you ever feel like something isn’t right—if side effects seem too strong or don’t go away—check in with your healthcare provider. Adjustments can always be made, but for most people, things settle within a few weeks.
How to Make Weekly Injections a Habit Without Overthinking It
A once-a-week injection sounds simple enough, but when something isn’t part of your daily routine, it’s easy to forget. The key to staying on track is to make Trulicity part of something you already do instead of trying to remember it on its own.
Pair It With an Existing Habit
Linking an injection to a weekly routine makes it easier to remember. If Sunday is your meal prep day, inject before starting. If Wednesday is laundry day, do it right after folding the clothes. Attach the habit to something that already exists so it feels automatic instead of something you have to actively remind yourself to do.
Some people set an alarm on their phone, but alarms get ignored. A better approach is using a reminder system that requires an action—like leaving the pen in a place you’ll see it at the right time. If your injection day is Friday, put the pen next to your coffee maker Thursday night. That way, you see it first thing in the morning and know it’s time.
Create a Simple Routine
Deciding where you’ll inject ahead of time helps too. Instead of deciding on the spot each week, set a pattern. Maybe week one is the right thigh, week two is the left thigh, week three is the stomach. Keeping it predictable removes the extra step of making a decision every time.
The fewer decisions you have to make, the easier it is to stick with the habit. Once Trulicity becomes part of your routine, it won’t feel like a big deal at all.
Where to Get Trulicity
Need a refill? Order your medication from USA Script Helpers, your trusted pharmacy partner. Fast, convenient, and reliable—so you can stay on track without any hassle.
