Cagrilintide (10 mg Vial) Dosage Protocol
Cagrilintide is a long-acting amylin analog studied for weight management, often combined with semaglutide in Phase 2 (CagriSema) trials reporting 15%+ weight loss.
⚡ Quickstart Highlights
Dosing & Reconstitution Guide
10 mg vial prepared to a 3 mL final volume (~3.33 mg/mL)
Phase 2 4.5 mg Target Arm
| Week/Phase | Peptide Amount | U-100 Units | Volume | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–2 | 0.6 mg | 18 units | 0.18 mL | Once weekly |
| Weeks 3–4 | 1.2 mg | 36 units | 0.36 mL | Once weekly |
| Weeks 5–6 | 2.4 mg | 72 units | 0.72 mL | Once weekly |
| Week 7 onward in the 26-week trial | 4.5 mg | 135 units | 1.35 mL | Once weekly |
Research reference only: The phase 2 dose-finding study evaluated multiple target doses from 0.3 to 4.5 mg. This table isolates the published 4.5 mg target arm, which escalated at two-week intervals; it does not imply that every research protocol should progress to 4.5 mg.
Measurement note: The 4.5 mg row is 1.35 mL, which exceeds a standard 1 mL U-100 syringe. Use a device that can accurately hold the calculated volume.
Four Reconstitution Steps
- Prepare: Verify the 10 mg vial, compatible sterile diluent, alcohol swabs, and sterile syringes; clean the vial stopper.
- Add: Introduce diluent slowly down the vial wall until the final volume is 3.0 mL.
- Dissolve: Gently swirl or roll the vial until the solution is clear; do not shake.
- Label and store: Mark ~3.33 mg/mL and the preparation date, then refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F) protected from light.
Storage note: Follow the exact product’s sterile-handling and discard-date instructions. Do not use a solution that is cloudy, discolored, or contains particles.
Important: This guide is for educational and research purposes only and is not medical advice. Cagrilintide remains investigational.
DCH HERO END
Supplies Needed
Supplies Needed
Supply estimates below match the displayed 26-week, once-weekly 4.5 mg target-arm calculation.
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Peptide vials (Cagrilintide, 10 mg each) | 26 weeks: 10 vials (98.4 mg calculated total) |
| Syringes | Weeks 1–6: 6 U-100 insulin syringes Weeks 7–26: 20 syringes able to hold 1.35 mL Total: 26 single-use syringes |
| Bacteriostatic water (10 mL bottles) | Use 3.0 mL per vial. 10 vials: 30 mL → 3 bottles |
| Alcohol swabs | Two per administration. 26 weeks: 52 swabs — 1 box required (100 swabs each) |
Sharps safety: Place used syringes directly into an appropriate sharps container and follow local disposal requirements.
Protocol Overview
Cagrilintide is most commonly studied as part of the CagriSema combination, but monotherapy protocols also exist. Long-term protocols are not yet established.
Storage Instructions
| State | Temperature | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Lyophilized | −20°C (−4°F) | Up to 24 months, dry & dark |
| Reconstituted | 2–8°C (35–46°F) | Up to 28 days, protect from light |
Important Notes
How This Works
Cagrilintide is a long-acting analog of human amylin — a hormone co-secreted with insulin from pancreatic beta cells. Native amylin slows gastric emptying, suppresses glucagon secretion, and enhances satiety, but has a half-life of minutes. Cagrilintide is fatty-acid acylated for albumin binding, giving once-weekly dosing.
It binds amylin receptors in the hindbrain area postrema, producing satiety and reducing food intake through a mechanism complementary to GLP-1.
Potential Benefits & Side Effects
Potential Benefits
- Phase 2 monotherapy: ~10% weight loss at 4.5 mg weekly over 26 weeks.
- Combination with semaglutide (CagriSema): 15.6% weight loss in Phase 2.
- Complementary mechanism to GLP-1 — synergy when combined.
- Once-weekly dosing supports adherence.
Side Effect Profile
- Nausea (most common, dose-dependent).
- Vomiting at higher doses.
- Decreased appetite (intended).
- Injection-site reactions.
Lifestyle Factors
- Hydrate well — amylin slows gastric emptying.
- Protein-prioritized diet preserves lean mass.
- Resistance training during weight loss.
- Smaller meal sizes are better tolerated.
Injection Technique
- Subcutaneous into abdomen, thigh, or upper arm — rotate weekly.
- 90° angle with short insulin needle.
- Room-temperature solution reduces sting.