Trulicity interactions: Alcohol, medications, and other factors

Before you start treatment with Trulicity, tell your doctor and pharmacist which prescription, over-the-counter, and other medications you take. By sharing this information with them, you may help prevent possible interactions. (To learn whether Trulicity interacts with supplements, herbs, or vitamins, see the “Trulicity and other interactions” section below.)

If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Here’s a table of drugs that can interact with Trulicity. Keep in mind that this table doesn’t include all drugs that may interact with Trulicity. Some of these interactions are described in detail just below in “Drug interactions in depth.”

In some cases, factors or conditions could prevent your doctor from prescribing Trulicity due to the risk of harm. These are known as contraindications. The contraindications of Trulicity include:

Having MTC and MEN2

Doctors typically will not prescribe Trulicity for people with specific conditions that increase the risk of thyroid cancer. This is because Trulicity has a boxed warning about the risk of thyroid cancer. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Specifically, doctors will likely not prescribe Trulicity for people with either:

• a family or personal history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), which is a rare type of thyroid cancer
• a personal history of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2), which is a rare genetic (inherited) condition

For details about the risk of thyroid cancer with Trulicity, see the “Boxed warning” at the beginning of this article.

Having had an allergic reaction to Trulicity or any of its ingredients

If you have had an allergic reaction to Trulicity or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Trulicity. Taking the drug could cause another allergic reaction. You can ask them about other treatments that may be better choices for you.

Note: Before you start treatment with Trulicity, it’s important to tell your doctor if these contraindications apply to you. They can determine whether to prescribe Trulicity.

There aren’t any known interactions between Trulicity and alcohol.

However, alcohol can affect blood sugar levels. Trulicity is used to help manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Consuming alcohol while taking Trulicity could make it hard to tell if the drug is working for your condition.

Also, drinking alcohol while taking Trulicity could worsen some of Trulicity’s side effects. For example, you may experience worsened nausea, abdominal pain, or fatigue. For details about side effects of Trulicity, see this article.

If you have questions about drinking alcohol while taking Trulicity, talk with your doctor.

Here’s a closer look at certain drug interactions of Trulicity.

Insulin

Insulin is prescribed to help manage blood sugar levels in people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

Interaction result: Taking Trulicity with insulin could increase the effect of either drug on your blood sugar level.

Interaction explained: Both Trulicity and insulin are used to lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Taking them together may lower your blood sugar below the typical range.

Having low blood sugar may cause symptoms such as shaking, dizziness, sweating, and headache. Severely low blood sugar can cause a person to lose consciousness.

Examples of insulin drugs: Here are some insulins that may interact with Trulicity:

• insulin detemir (Levemir)
• insulin aspart (Fiasp, NovoLog)
• insulin degludec (Tresiba)
• insulin lispro (Humalog, Lyumjev, others)
• insulin glargine (Basaglar, Lantus, others)

Steps you or your doctor may take: If your doctor prescribes Trulicity with insulin, they’ll likely prescribe a lower dosage of insulin. Doing so will help reduce your risk of low blood sugar when you take these medications together.

Your doctor will advise you about what to do if you have symptoms of low blood sugar. They may recommend eating at least 15 grams (g) of carbohydrates to raise your blood sugar level. Carbohydrate sources include fruit juice, hard candies, glucose tablets, and non-diet sodas.

If your symptoms seem severe or life threatening, you or a bystander should call 911 or a local emergency number right away.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have other questions about taking Trulicity and insulin together.

Fluoxetine

Fluoxetine (Prozac) is prescribed for some mental health conditions, including depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Interaction result: Taking fluoxetine and Trulicity may increase the effect of Trulicity on your blood sugar level.

Interaction explained: Trulicity is used to lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. In rare cases, fluoxetine may cause low blood sugar as a side effect. Trulicity treatment while taking fluoxetine may lower your blood sugar below the typical range. For details, see “Interaction explained” in “Insulins” just above.

Steps you or your doctor may take: If your doctor prescribes Trulicity with fluoxetine, they may prescribe a lower Trulicity dosage than usual. This could reduce the risk of low blood sugar when you take these medications together.

Your doctor can recommend what to do about symptoms of low blood sugar. To learn more, see “Steps you or your doctor may take” in “Insulins” above.

If you have other questions about taking Trulicity with fluoxetine, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Bismuth subsalicylate

Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto Bismol) is used to ease digestive symptoms, including nausea, diarrhea, and heartburn. It’s available over the counter (OTC), meaning you don’t need a prescription to purchase the drug.

Interaction result: Taking bismuth subsalicylate during Trulicity treatment may lower your blood sugar level too much.

Interaction explained: In rare cases, bismuth subsalicylate may cause low blood sugar as a side effect. Trulicity is used to lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Taking these medications together could lower your blood sugar level below the typical range. See “Interaction explained” in “Insulins” above for details about low blood sugar.

Steps you or your doctor may take: Before taking any OTC product with Trulicity, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can tell you if the OTC product contains bismuth subsalicylate and whether it’s safe to take with this drug. They can also recommend other treatments for heartburn that may be a better option for you.

If your doctor prescribes Trulicity with bismuth subsalicylate, they may advise you to monitor your blood sugar level more often. They can also recommend what to do about symptoms of low blood sugar. To learn more, see “Steps you or your doctor may take” in “Insulins” above.

Your doctor and pharmacist can tell you more about the interaction between Trulicity and bismuth subsalicylate.

Trulicity may have other interactions, such as with supplements, foods, vaccines, or even lab tests. You’ll find details below. Keep in mind that the following information does not include all other possible interactions with Trulicity.

Trulicity interactions with supplements

Trulicity may interact with the supplements listed below:

• garlic
• dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
• green tea

The supplements listed above may lower blood sugar levels. Trulicity is used to lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Taking Trulicity with these supplements may lower your blood sugar below the typical range.

For this reason, your doctor may recommend avoiding these supplements with Trulicity.

Before you start Trulicity, tell your doctor and pharmacist which supplements, herbs, and vitamins you take. By sharing this information with them, you may help prevent possible interactions.

If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Trulicity and herbs

There are no reports of herbs interacting with Trulicity. However, that doesn’t mean herbal interactions won’t occur or be recognized in the future. Because of this, it’s important to check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any of these products during Trulicity treatment.

Trulicity interactions with vitamins or minerals

There are no reports of vitamins interacting with Trulicity. However, Trulicity may interact with a mineral called chromium. Some people take this mineral to help manage their blood sugar levels.

Trulicity use with chromium may lower your blood sugar below the typical range. For this reason, your doctor may recommend avoiding chromium while you’re taking Trulicity.

Keep in mind that some multivitamins may also contain minerals, including chromium. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any vitamin product with Trulicity.

Trulicity interactions with food

Trulicity may interact with green tea. This is because green tea may lower blood sugar levels.

Consuming too much green tea during Trulicity treatment may decrease your blood sugar level below the typical range. For this reason, your doctor may recommend limiting the amount of green tea you consume while you’re taking Trulicity.

Garlic supplements may interact with Trulicity. However, the amount of garlic in foods is usually much less than what’s in a garlic supplement.

If you have additional questions about foods to avoid with Trulicity, talk with your doctor.

Trulicity and vaccines

Trulicity isn’t known to interact with any vaccines. Your doctor or pharmacist can give you information about getting vaccines during Trulicity treatment.

Trulicity and lab tests

Trulicity isn’t known to interact with any lab tests. If you have concerns about this medication interacting with lab tests, talk with your doctor.

TRULICITY INTERACTION WITH CANNABIS OR CBD

Cannabis (often called marijuana) and cannabis products, such as cannabidiol (CBD), have not been reported to interact with Trulicity. However, as with any drug or supplement, talk with your doctor before using cannabis in combination with Trulicity. The impact of cannabis may affect how well you stick to your Trulicity treatment plan.

Note: Cannabis is illegal at a federal level but is legal in many states to varying degrees.

Certain medical conditions and other factors may increase the risk of interactions with Trulicity. Before you take this drug, be sure to talk with your doctor about your health history. Trulicity may not be the right treatment option if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health.

Health conditions or factors that might interact with Trulicity include:

• Conditions that increase the risk of thyroid cancer: Doctors typically will not prescribe Trulicity for people with MTC or MEN2. These conditions may increase the risk of thyroid cancer. Note that Trulicity has a boxed warning about this risk. (A boxed warning is the FDA’s most serious warning.) For details, see the “boxed warning” at the top of this article.
• Pancreatitis: If you’ve ever had pancreatitis, be sure to tell your doctor before starting Trulicity. It’s not known whether Trulicity is safe for people who’ve had pancreatitis. Your doctor may prescribe a drug other than Trulicity.
• Digestive problems: Tell your doctor if you have a digestive problem, such as difficulty digesting food or slowed stomach emptying. The drug can cause severe digestive problems, so it isn’t known whether Trulicity is safe for people who already have a digestive problem. Your doctor may prescribe a treatment option other than Trulicity.
• Kidney problems: If you have a kidney problem, such as kidney failure, talk with your doctor before you begin Trulicity. The drug may cause severe digestive problems that lead to dehydration, which could worsen your kidney condition. Your doctor can advise whether it’s safe to take Trulicity.
• Liver problems: It isn’t known for certain whether Trulicity is safe for people with liver problems, such as liver failure. If you have a liver condition, your doctor can recommend whether Trulicity is right for you.
• Diabetic retinopathy: Trulicity may worsen a vision problem called diabetic retinopathy. If you have this condition, your doctor will watch for vision changes during your Trulicity treatment. They may recommend that you visit an eye specialist to closely monitor this condition.
• Allergic reaction: If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Trulicity or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Trulicity. Taking the drug could cause another allergic reaction. You can ask them about other treatments that may be better choices for you.
• Breastfeeding: It’s not known whether Trulicity passes into breast milk or what effects Trulicity may have on a child who is breastfed. If you’re breastfeeding or planning to, talk with your doctor before using Trulicity. They can talk with you about treatment options and ways to feed your child.
• Pregnancy: There haven’t been enough clinical trials to determine whether Trulicity is safe to use while pregnant. Animal studies show that the drug may cause congenital anomalies (commonly known as birth defects). However, animal studies do not always predict what will happen in humans. If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, tell your doctor before starting Trulicity. They can advise you on the right treatment plan.

Here are some frequently asked questions about Trulicity and possible interactions.

Can you take atorvastatin with Trulicity?

It’s likely safe to take atorvastatin (Atorvaliq, Lipitor) with Trulicity. There are no reports of interactions between these medications.

Doctors may prescribe both Trulicity and atorvastatin for certain people with type 2 diabetes. Trulicity is used to help manage blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular problems. Among other uses, atorvastatin is prescribed to reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack. Doctors may prescribe these drugs together.

If you have other questions about taking atorvastatin with Trulicity, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Can you take phentermine and Trulicity together?

Yes, if your doctor recommends it. There are no reports of Trulicity interacting with phentermine (Adipex-P, Lomaira).

Phentermine is prescribed short term to help with weight loss in certain people.

If you’re interested in taking phentermine with Trulicity, talk with your doctor for more information.

Can I take Tylenol or ibuprofen with Trulicity?

In general, yes. It’s safe to take acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) with Trulicity. There aren’t reports of these medications interacting with each other.

Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are used to treat pain, inflammation, and fever. They’re available OTC, meaning you don’t need a prescription to purchase them.

Before taking any OTC medication, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can advise you on whether the medication is safe to take with Trulicity.

You can take certain steps to help prevent interactions with Trulicity. Your doctor and pharmacist are key resources, so reach out to them before starting treatment. For example, you should plan to do the following:

• Let them know if you drink alcohol or use cannabis.
• Tell them about any other medications you take, as well as any supplements, herbs, and vitamins.
• Create a medication list, which your doctor and pharmacist can help you fill out.

It’s also important to read the Trulicity label and other paperwork that may come with the drug. The label may have colored stickers that mention an interaction. And the paperwork, sometimes called the medication guide or patient package insert, may contain details about interactions.

If Trulicity doesn’t come with paperwork, you can ask your pharmacist to print a copy. If you need help reading or understanding this information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

You can also help prevent interactions with Trulicity by using it exactly as your doctor prescribes.

Besides learning about interactions, you may want to find out more about Trulicity. These resources might help:

• Overview of Trulicity: For a general overview of Trulicity, you can see this article.
• Side effects: If you’re interested in the side effects of Trulicity, see this article. Another option is to refer to the Trulicity prescribing information.
• Dosage specifics: To learn about the dosage of Trulicity, see this article.
• Drug comparison: Get information about how Trulicity compares with Ozempic and Victoza.
• Cost: If you’d like to learn about Trulicity and cost, see this article.
• Facts about diabetes: Learn how Trulicity works for type 2 diabetes. You can also explore our diabetes hub.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.