Liraglutide (Victoza brand only) joins dulaglutide as a funded GLP-1 receptor agonist for treating type 2 diabetes. This piece of microlearning outlines the differences and similarities between the two medicines.

On 1 March 2023, liraglutide (Victoza brand) became the second GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP1RA) funded in Aotearoa New Zealand. This article and accompanying algorithm PDF have been developed to help prescribers through the process of starting dulaglutide or liraglutide in eligible patients with type 2 diabetes.

FOCUS magazine showcases a selection of our original resources. You can use the educational content featured in FOCUS to identify and reduce barriers that prevent people from accessing the medicines they need.

This editable PDF helps you to delve into the EPiC data, contemplate your prescribing, reflect on your current practice, and set goals and actions. 

*New audit section*
An additional audit/CQI section allows you or your practice team to repeat the process, completing activities that may be used for Foundation Standard or the Cornerstone CQI or Equity modules.

Following on from presentations in February, this new resource covers discussions from webinars held in August 2021.

The content has been edited, and reviewed by Waikato DHB endocrinologist/diabetologist Dr Ryan Paul.

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In this webinar, Dr Ryan Paul discusses the newly-funded type 2 diabetes medication dulaglutide, and provides advice on when and how to use it.

Dulaglutide is available from 1 September, but do you know how to pronounce it? Listen to our quick guide for help.

When clinically indicated, empagliflozin can be started in adult patients with type 2 diabetes using the steps shown in this resource (updated 24 Aug 2021).

Talking points, relevant for all patients starting empagliflozin, are provided along with two algorithms and accompanying prescribing notes. Which algorithm you follow will depend on your patient’s level of hypoglycaemia risk. 

When initiating either empagliflozin or dulaglutide, the newly funded second-line type 2 diabetes agents,¹ choice is based primarily on predominant comorbidities, clinical features and tolerability.

Administration route is an additional factor; dulaglutide is a once-weekly, subcutaneous injection and empagliflozin is a daily tablet. Patient factors are also important, and the contraindications and adverse effects profiles differ. 

Read the HAH Bulletin (updated July 2022) to find out more.

Dulaglutide, a once-weekly injectable medicine, will soon be available for second-line treatment of type 2 diabetes. As most people with type 2 diabetes will require an injectable therapy at some stage, it is important to build acceptability early in the patient journey.