Cagrilintide (5 mg Vial) Dosage Protocol

Educational guide for reconstitution and daily dosing of Cagrilintide, a dual GLP-1/glucagon receptor agonist studied for weight management and metabolic health.

Dosing & Reconstitution Guide

Educational guide for reconstitution and daily dosing

Subcutaneous Protocol (1.5 mL = 3.33 mg/mL)

Frequency: Inject once weekly subcutaneously. Cagrilintide has a long half-life that supports weekly dosing with gradual titration. Note: A single 5 mg vial provides approximately 2 weeks of research material at maintenance doses.

Reconstitution Steps

1. Remove the vial from freezer storage (−20 °C / −4 °F) and allow to equilibrate at room temperature for 15–20 minutes.
2. Draw 1.5 mL bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe.
3. Inject slowly down the vial wall; avoid foaming.
4. Gently swirl/roll until dissolved—solution should be clear (do not shake).
5. Label and refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F), protected from light; use within 2–4 weeks.

How This Works

Cagrilintide is a synthetic peptide and dual GLP-1/glucagon receptor agonist that activates both glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucagon receptors. GLP-1 receptor activation promotes insulin secretion, reduces glucagon release, slows gastric emptying, and suppresses appetite. Glucagon receptor activation increases energy expenditure, enhances lipolysis, and supports metabolic rate.

As a unimolecular co-agonist, Cagrilintide provides balanced activation of both receptor systems, potentially offering superior weight loss efficacy compared to GLP-1 monotherapy while maintaining metabolic benefits. The dual mechanism may enhance fat oxidation, preserve lean mass, and improve glycemic control through complementary pathways.

Potential Benefits & Side Effects

Observations from preclinical and early research literature.

• May support reductions in fat mass while preserving lean muscle in animal models
• Associated with elevated NAD+ levels and SIRT1 activation in preclinical studies
• Enhanced grip strength observed in aged mice when combined with exercise
• Generally well tolerated; occasional reports of mild headache, transient jitteriness, or injection-site reactions
• Long-term human safety data not established; this compound remains investigational

Injection Technique

General subcutaneous guidance from clinical best-practice resources.

1. Clean the vial stopper and skin with alcohol; allow to dry.
2. Pinch a skinfold; insert the needle at 45–90° into subcutaneous tissue.
3. Do not aspirate for subcutaneous injections; inject slowly and steadily.
4. Rotate sites systematically (abdomen, thighs, upper arms) to avoid lipohypertrophy.
5. Slow injection may minimize any stinging sensation associated with the compound.

Important Notes

Practical considerations for consistency and safety.

• Use new sterile insulin syringes for each administration; dispose in a sharps container.
• Rotate injection sites (abdomen, thighs, upper arms) to reduce local irritation.
• Inject slowly; a mild stinging sensation may occur due to the quinolinium structure.
• Document daily dose and site rotation to maintain consistency.
• The 10 mg vial format is suited for short-term tolerance assessment; extended protocols require multiple vials.

References