Trulicity for PCOS: Evidence, Eligibility, Coverage
Trulicity is not FDA approved for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It is approved for type 2 diabetes and heart risk. Some doctors prescribe it when one of those uses also applies.
- Active ingredient
- dulaglutide
- How it is taken
- weekly injection
- Approved for
- Type 2 diabetes and heart risk
A quick look at Trulicity
Its half-life is about 5 days. After 5 d, half is gone, and after five half-lives (25 d), about 3% remains.
Sources: FDA label (DailyMed).
Who qualifies?
| Who sets the rule | Who qualifies |
|---|---|
| FDA label | It brings down blood sugar in adults and children who are 10 and older with type 2 diabetes, when used with diet and exercise. |
| FDA label | For adults with type 2 diabetes and heart disease or several heart risk factors, this medicine lowers the chance of heart attack, stroke, or heart-related death. |
| Typical commercial plan (Aetna policy) | BMI 30 or higher |
| Typical commercial plan (Aetna policy) | BMI 27 or higher with a weight-related condition |
| Typical commercial plan (Aetna policy) | the first step is a diet and activity program that lasts 6 months |
These details come from the FDA label (DailyMed) and aetna.com.
What is different with PCOS?
| What changes | What the label says |
|---|---|
| Low Blood Sugar With Insulin Secretagogues or Insulin | Insulin or a sulfonylurea taken with it makes low blood sugar more likely, so their doses may need lowering. |
This information is based on the FDA label (DailyMed).
These warnings come from the FDA label (DailyMed).
Coverage for PCOS
When a GLP-1 is used only for weight loss, Medicare Part D does not cover it.
Medicaid usually requires prior authorization for weight-loss GLP-1s that it covers.
Sources: humana.com, KFF.
- Trulicity Coupon and Savings Card
- Trulicity Price
- Trulicity Cost Without Insurance
- Does Medicare Cover Trulicity? Criteria, Copay, How to Appeal
- Cheapest Way to Get Trulicity
- Is Trulicity Covered by Insurance? Criteria, Copay, Appeal
- Does Blue Cross Blue Shield Cover Trulicity? Criteria, Copay
- Does Medicaid Cover Trulicity? Criteria, Copay, How to Appeal
Alternatives for PCOS
| Medicine | For PCOS | How it is taken | Trial result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trulicity | Not a listed use | weekly injection | Not listed |
 Ozempic | Not a listed use | weekly injection | Not listed |
 Wegovy | Not a listed use | weekly injection or daily tablet | 14.9% weight loss |
 Rybelsus | Not a listed use | daily tablet | Not listed |
 Mounjaro | Not a listed use | weekly injection | Not listed |
 Zepbound | Not a listed use | weekly injection | 20.9% weight loss |
 Foundayo | Not a listed use | daily tablet | 11.1% weight loss |
 Saxenda | Not a listed use | daily injection | 7.4% weight loss |
 Victoza | Not a listed use | daily injection | Not listed |
| Byetta | Not a listed use | twice-daily injection | Not listed |
Sources: FDA label (DailyMed).
What to ask your prescriber
- Will this affect my birth control?
- How long before I try to get pregnant should I stop?
- Is my plan likely to cover it when PCOS is the main reason?