Aplevant 1.5mg Pre-filled Pen (Dulaglutide): Comprehensive Medicine Guide
Clinical Reference Standards: CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation), Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) & WHO | Last Updated: September 2026
When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY
- Severe, persistent abdominal pain that may radiate to your back, with or without vomiting.
- Signs of low blood sugar: shakiness, sweating, confusion, rapid heartbeat, or blurred vision.
- Decreased urine output, swelling in your legs, or persistent nausea and vomiting.
- Sudden severe pain in the upper right abdomen, fever, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.
- Neck lump, difficulty swallowing, or persistent hoarseness.
- Rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or difficulty breathing.
- Severe diarrhea or vomiting leading to dehydration.
If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
What is aplevant 1.5mg pre-filled pen (0.5ml each) used for?
This medicine is a once-weekly subcutaneous injection containing dulaglutide 1.5 mg, used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. It works by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone to increase insulin secretion, reduce glucagon release, slow stomach emptying, and reduce appetite.
- Generic Name: Dulaglutide
- Manufacturer: Lupin Ltd
- Form: Allopathy
- Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
- Prescription Required: Yes
🇮🇳 aplevant 1.5mg pre-filled pen (0.5ml each) के बारे में (Hindi Summary)
उपयोग: यह दवा डुलाग्लूटाइड 1.5 मिलीग्राम की प्री-फिल्ड पेन है, जिसे त्वचा के नीचे (सबक्यूटेनियस) साप्ताहिक रूप से इंजेक्ट किया जाता है। यह टाइप 2 डायबिटीज वाले वयस्कों में रक्त शर्करा को नियंत्रित करने के लिए इस्तेमाल की जाती है। यह दवा शरीर में प्राकृतिक हार्मोन जीएलपी-1 की तरह काम करती है, जिससे इंसुलिन का स्राव बढ़ता है, ग्लूकागन कम होता है, पेट खाली होने की गति धीमी होती है और भूख कम लगती है। यह दवा उन लोगों के लिए नहीं है जिन्हें टाइप 1 डायबिटीज है या डायबिटिक कीटोएसिडोसिस है। इसके अलावा, जिनके परिवार में मेडुलरी थायरॉइड कार्सिनोमा या एमईएन2 की हिस्ट्री है, उन्हें यह दवा नहीं लेनी चाहिए।
साइड इफेक्ट्स: आम दुष्प्रभावों में मतली, उल्टी, दस्त, पेट दर्द, भूख कम लगना और इंजेक्शन की जगह पर लालिमा या खुजली शामिल हैं। ये आमतौर पर हल्के होते हैं और समय के साथ कम हो जाते हैं। गंभीर दुष्प्रभावों में अग्नाशयशोथ (पैंक्रियाटाइटिस), पित्ताशय की बीमारी, गुर्दे की समस्या, गंभीर हाइपोग्लाइसीमिया (खासकर इंसुलिन या सल्फोनिलयूरिया के साथ) और एलर्जी प्रतिक्रियाएं शामिल हैं। दुर्लभ लेकिन गंभीर जोखिम मेडुलरी थायरॉइड कैंसर का है, इसलिए गर्दन में गांठ, निगलने में कठिनाई या लगातार आवाज बैठने पर तुरंत डॉक्टर से मिलें।
सुरक्षा सलाह: इस दवा का उपयोग अपने डॉक्टर के निर्देशानुसार ही करें। खुराक को स्वयं न बदलें या बंद न करें। इंजेक्शन पेट, जांघ या बांह के ऊपरी हिस्से में लगाएं और हर बार स्थान बदलें। अपनी पेन या सुई किसी के साथ साझा न करें, भले ही सुई बदल दी गई हो, क्योंकि इससे संक्रमण फैल सकता है। उपयोग से पहले पेन को फ्रिज से निकालकर 15-30 मिनट के लिए कमरे के तापमान पर रखें। दवा को 2°C से 8°C के बीच फ्रिज में रखें। पहली बार उपयोग के बाद, पेन को 30°C तक कमरे के तापमान पर 14 दिनों तक रखा जा सकता है। दवा को फ्रीज न करें। यदि दवा धुंधली, रंग बदली हुई या कणों के साथ हो तो उपयोग न करें। यदि आप गर्भवती हैं, गर्भवती होने की योजना बना रही हैं या स्तनपान करा रही हैं, तो अपने डॉक्टर को बताएं।
💊 aplevant 1.5mg pre-filled pen (0.5ml each) Uses & Benefits
[{"condition":"Type 2 diabetes mellitus","description":"Improves glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes as an adjunct to diet and exercise.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Cardiovascular risk reduction in type 2 diabetes","description":"May reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease.","evidence":"Well-established"}]
Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Weight management","description":"Sometimes prescribed off-label for weight loss in obese patients without diabetes, but this is not an approved indication.","evidence":"Limited"}]
Primary treatment for: Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Also treats: Cardiovascular disease, Obesity
📋 Drug Information
| Generic Name(s) | Dulaglutide |
| Brand Name | Aplevant |
| Manufacturer | Lupin Ltd |
| Packaging / Form | Varies by brand (Allopathy) |
| Therapeutic Class | ANTI DIABETIC |
| Action Class | Insulin Secretogogues: GLP-1 agonists |
| Route of Administration | Subcutaneous |
| Storage | Store unused pens in the refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C. After first use, you may keep the pen at room temperature up to 30°C for up to 14 days. Do not freeze. Do not use if the medicine is cloudy, discolored, or contains particles. |
| Shelf Life | Refer to the packaging for the expiry date. Do not use after the expiry date. |
| WHO Guideline | Not established from the available information. |
| ICMR Guideline | Not established from the available information. |
👨⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips
Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians
🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?
Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.
🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)
Pharmacokinetics
How It Works
This medicine works by binding to and activating the GLP-1 receptor, which is found on pancreatic beta cells and other tissues. Activation of this receptor increases glucose-dependent insulin secretion, decreases glucagon secretion, slows gastric emptying, and promotes satiety. These actions together help lower blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Mechanism Steps
💡 How to Take aplevant 1.5mg pre-filled pen (0.5ml each)
Strength: Pre-filled pen containing 1.5 mg dulaglutide in 0.5 mL solution for subcutaneous injection.
Dosage Information
| Adult Dosage | The recommended dose is 1.5 mg subcutaneously once weekly. The dose may be increased to 3 mg once weekly if additional glycemic control is needed. The maximum recommended dose is 3 mg once weekly. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function, and concomitant medications. |
| Pediatric Dosage | Pediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatrician. |
| Elderly Dosage | No dose adjustment is required based on age alone. However, elderly patients may be more susceptible to certain side effects such as nausea and dehydration. Monitor renal function and hydration status. |
| Renal Impairment | No dose adjustment is required for patients with mild to moderate renal impairment. Use with caution in patients with severe renal impairment or end-stage renal disease. Monitor renal function closely. |
| Hepatic Impairment | No dose adjustment is required for patients with hepatic impairment. |
| Maximum Daily Dose | The maximum recommended dose is 3 mg once weekly. Do not exceed this dose. |
Dosage Timeline
🍽️ Food Timing Guide
⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose
⚠️ Side Effects of aplevant 1.5mg pre-filled pen (0.5ml each)
✅ Common Side Effects
🚨 Serious Side Effects
⚠️ Rare Side Effects
Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.
🔬 Drug Interactions
| Drug | Severity | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Insulin | Major | |
| Sulfonylureas | Major | |
| Oral contraceptives | Moderate |
🚨 Major Interactions
- Insulin
- Sulfonylureas
⚡ Moderate Interactions
- Oral contraceptives
🍷 Alcohol Interaction
Alcohol may increase the risk of hypoglycemia and can worsen nausea. It is advisable to limit alcohol consumption while using this medicine.
🔎 Check Your Other Medicines
Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.
🛡️ Safety & Warnings
🚫 Contraindications
["Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma","Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2","Known hypersensitivity to dulaglutide or any component of the formulation","Type 1 diabetes mellitus","Diabetic ketoacidosis"]
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
["Risk of thyroid C-cell tumors: contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN2.","Pancreatitis: has been reported. Discontinue if pancreatitis is suspected.","Hypoglycemia: risk increases when used with insulin or sulfonylureas. Dose adjustment may be needed.","Acute kidney injury: monitor renal function in patients with dehydration or pre-existing kidney disease.","Gallbladder disease: may increase risk. Monitor for symptoms.","Injection site reactions: rotate sites and follow proper injection technique.","Do not share pens or needles even if the needle is changed.","Not for use in type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis."]
🤱 Lactation Safety
It is not known whether this medicine is excreted in human breast milk. Because many medicines are excreted in breast milk, caution should be exercised when using this medicine in breastfeeding women. Consult your doctor to weigh the benefits and risks.
💊 Overdose Management
In case of overdose, contact your doctor or poison control center immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include severe nausea, vomiting, and hypoglycemia. Treatment should be symptomatic and supportive. Monitor blood glucose closely.
⏰ Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember if there are at least 3 days (72 hours) until your next scheduled dose. If less than 3 days remain, skip the missed dose and take your next dose on the regularly scheduled day. Do not take two doses within 3 days of each other.
Additional Safety Advice
Use this medicine exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not change your dose or stop using it without consulting your doctor. Inject into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm, rotating the injection site each week. Do not share your pen or needles with anyone, even if the needle is changed, as this can transmit infections. Store unused pens in the refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C. After first use, you may keep the pen at room temperature up to 30°C for up to 14 days. Do not freeze. Do not use if the medicine is cloudy, discolored, or contains particles. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you take, especially insulin or sulfonylureas, as dose adjustments may be needed to prevent low blood sugar. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you experience dizziness or symptoms of low blood sugar.
👴 Special Considerations for Elderly
💡 For Patients Above 65
Elderly patients may be more prone to dehydration due to nausea or diarrhea, which can affect kidney function. Monitor hydration and renal function closely. No dose adjustment is required based on age alone.
🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)
This medicine is not recommended during pregnancy. If you are planning to become pregnant, consult your doctor to switch to a safer alternative, such as insulin, before conception. Effective contraception should be used while taking this medicine.
🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations
If you are scheduled for surgery, inform your surgeon and anesthesiologist that you are taking this medicine. It may need to be temporarily stopped before surgery due to its effects on gastric emptying. Follow your doctor's instructions regarding when to resume.
🦷 Dental Procedures
Inform your dentist that you are taking this medicine. No specific precautions are usually needed, but maintain good oral hygiene and monitor for any signs of infection.
💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results
🏋️ Exercise Considerations
Exercise is encouraged as part of diabetes management, but be aware that it can lower blood sugar. Monitor your blood glucose before and after exercise, especially if you take insulin or sulfonylureas. Carry fast-acting sugar in case of hypoglycemia.
🥗 Diet Recommendations
💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life
This medicine is generally well tolerated, but some people may experience dizziness or fatigue, especially when starting treatment or if blood sugar drops too low. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. The once-weekly injection schedule is convenient for most work routines.
🛑 When to Stop This Medicine
Do not stop using this medicine without consulting your doctor. If you experience serious side effects such as pancreatitis, severe allergic reaction, or kidney problems, your doctor may advise discontinuation. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor immediately to discuss alternative treatment.
📅 Long-Term Use Effects
Long-term use of this medicine may help sustain improved blood sugar control and reduce cardiovascular risk in patients with type 2 diabetes. Regular monitoring of kidney function, signs of pancreatitis, and thyroid tumors is recommended. Weight loss may be maintained with continued use and lifestyle changes. Discontinuation may lead to loss of glycemic control.
🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches
These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.
Diet and exercise are foundational for managing type 2 diabetes and can complement medicine.
Evidence: Well-establishedSemaglutide or liraglutide may be alternatives if this medicine is not suitable.
Evidence: Well-establishedAnother class of oral diabetes medicines that may be used alone or in combination.
Evidence: Well-established💉 Vaccination Considerations
💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated
No specific vaccine interactions are known. However, maintain routine vaccinations as recommended for people with diabetes, including influenza and pneumococcal vaccines.
📦 Storage Guide
✅ DO
Store unused pens in the refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C.
❌ DON'T
Do not freeze the pen or store it near the freezer compartment.
✅ DO
After first use, keep the pen at room temperature up to 30°C for up to 14 days.
❌ DON'T
Do not use the pen if it has been left out longer than 14 days.
✅ DO
Keep the pen in its original carton to protect it from light.
❌ DON'T
Do not use the pen if the medicine is cloudy, discolored, or contains particles.
✈️ Traveling with This Medicine
When traveling with this medicine, carry it in its original packaging with a copy of your prescription. Keep it in a cool bag with ice packs if refrigeration is not available, but do not freeze. If crossing time zones, consult your doctor about adjusting your weekly injection schedule. Carry a letter from your doctor explaining the medical need for the injection, especially for airport security. Store the pen properly during travel and avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures.
💰 Cost Analysis & Savings
👥 Real Patient Stories
Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.
💬 Questions Patients Often Ask
A: This medicine starts lowering blood sugar within 1 to 2 weeks, but it may take several weeks to see the full effect on HbA1c.
A: No, this medicine is not approved for type 1 diabetes and should not be used in those patients.
A: Nausea is common when starting this medicine. Eat smaller, more frequent meals and avoid fatty or spicy foods. If nausea is severe or persistent, contact your doctor.
A: Yes, but your doctor may need to adjust your insulin dose to prevent low blood sugar. Monitor your blood glucose closely.
A: Store unused pens in the refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C. After first use, you may keep the pen at room temperature up to 30°C for up to 14 days. Do not freeze.
🤔 Common Patient Concerns
🛑 Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: This medicine is insulin.
Fact: This medicine is not insulin. It is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that helps your body produce more insulin when needed. - Myth: This medicine can be used in type 1 diabetes.
Fact: This medicine is not approved for type 1 diabetes and should not be used in those patients. - Myth: This medicine causes permanent weight loss.
Fact: This medicine may promote weight loss, but weight can be regained if lifestyle changes are not maintained.