What is a known contraindication for the diabetes medication dulaglutide?

Dulaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist used for the management of type 2 diabetes, has specific contraindications based on its mechanism of action and potential side effects. A known contraindication for dulaglutide is a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC).

This is significant because studies have indicated that drugs in the GLP-1 receptor agonist class, including dulaglutide, may increase the risk of developing thyroid C-cell tumors in rodents. As such, the potential concern for a similar risk in humans leads to the recommendation that individuals with a personal or family history of MTC, including Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), should avoid using dulaglutide.

In contrast, having high blood pressure, a previous history of gestational diabetes, or being over the age of 65 does not constitute a specific contraindication to the use of dulaglutide. High blood pressure can often be managed and monitored while on diabetes medications, and while the other conditions may involve additional consideration by healthcare providers, they do not outright prevent the use of this medication. Thus, these factors do not carry the same level of risk associated with dulaglut