Cagrilintide
Cagrilintide (AM833, NNC0174-0833)
Long-acting synthetic amylin analogue for weight management and type 2 diabetes. Works as a dual amylin and calcitonin receptor agonist (DACRA), mimicking natural amylin hormone to regulate appetite, slow gastric emptying, and promote satiety.
Complete Dosing Guide
Patient Education
Understanding how to use Cagrilintide properly is essential for achieving your weight management and health goals. Here's what you need to know:
How to Inject Cagrilintide Correctly
Before You Start:
- Remove from refrigerator 15-30 minutes before injection
- Check expiration date
- Inspect solution - should be clear and colorless
- Gather supplies: alcohol swabs, gauze, sharps container
Steps to Inject:
- Wash hands thoroughly
- Choose injection site (rotate weekly)
- Clean site with alcohol swab, let dry
- Pinch skin and insert needle at 45-90° angle
- Inject slowly and steadily
- Count to 10 before removing needle
- Apply gentle pressure if needed
- Dispose of needle in sharps container
Injection Site Rotation:
- Use a different area each week
- Keep a rotation log
- Avoid areas with scars, bruises, or irritation
- Sites: abdomen (2 inches from navel), front of thighs, back of upper arms
Why It's Important to Stick to Your Schedule
Pharmacokinetics:
- Half-life: ~184 hours (7.7 days)
- Peak concentration: 24 hours after injection
- Steady state reached after 4-5 weeks
Consistency Matters:
- Weekly dosing maintains stable drug levels
- Missing doses can reduce effectiveness
- Irregular dosing may increase side effects
If You Miss a Dose:
- Take as soon as remembered if within 3 days
- If more than 3 days late, skip and resume regular schedule
- Never double dose
- Document missed doses
Making Lifestyle Changes to Boost Results
Dietary Modifications:
- Follow a reduced-calorie diet
- Focus on protein and vegetables
- Limit processed foods and sugars
- Practice portion control
- Keep a food diary
Physical Activity:
- Aim for 150 minutes moderate exercise weekly
- Include strength training 2-3 times per week
- Start gradually if sedentary
- Track activity levels
Behavioral Support:
- Consider working with a dietitian
- Join a weight management program
- Track progress with apps or journals
- Address emotional eating patterns
Hydration and Fiber:
- Essential due to slowed gastric emptying
- Minimum 64 oz water daily
- Gradual fiber increase to prevent constipation
When to Contact Your Doctor
Managing Common Side Effects:
Nausea:
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals
- Avoid fatty or spicy foods
- Stay upright after eating
- Consider ginger tea or peppermint
Constipation:
- Increase water intake (8-10 glasses daily)
- Add fiber gradually
- Regular physical activity
- Consider stool softeners if needed
Injection site reactions:
- Rotate sites consistently
- Allow medication to warm to room temperature
- Apply ice before injection
When to Contact Healthcare Provider:
- Severe, persistent nausea or vomiting
- Signs of pancreatitis (severe abdominal pain)
- Symptoms of gallstones (right upper quadrant pain)
- Signs of severe hypoglycemia (if diabetic)
- Allergic reactions (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing)
Patient Education
A. How to Inject Cagrilintide Correctly
Before You Start:
- Remove from refrigerator 15-30 minutes before injection
- Check expiration date
- Inspect solution - should be clear and colorless
- Gather supplies: alcohol swabs, gauze, sharps container
Steps to Inject:
- Wash hands thoroughly
- Choose injection site (rotate weekly)
- Clean site with alcohol swab, let dry
- Pinch skin and insert needle at 45-90° angle
- Inject slowly and steadily
- Count to 10 before removing needle
- Apply gentle pressure if needed
- Dispose of needle in sharps container
Injection Site Rotation:
- Use a different area each week
- Keep a rotation log
- Avoid areas with scars, bruises, or irritation
- Sites: abdomen (2 inches from navel), front of thighs, back of upper arms
B. Why It's Important to Stick to Your Schedule
Pharmacokinetics:
- Half-life: ~184 hours (7.7 days)
- Peak concentration: 24 hours after injection
- Steady state reached after 4-5 weeks
Consistency Matters:
- Weekly dosing maintains stable drug levels
- Missing doses can reduce effectiveness
- Irregular dosing may increase side effects
If You Miss a Dose:
- Take as soon as remembered if within 3 days
- If more than 3 days late, skip and resume regular schedule
- Never double dose
- Document missed doses
C. Understanding Side Effects and When to Get Help
Managing Common Side Effects:
Nausea:
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals
- Avoid fatty or spicy foods
- Stay upright after eating
- Consider ginger tea or peppermint
Constipation:
- Increase water intake (8-10 glasses daily)
- Add fiber gradually
- Regular physical activity
- Consider stool softeners if needed
Injection site reactions:
- Rotate sites consistently
- Allow medication to warm to room temperature
- Apply ice before injection
When to Contact Healthcare Provider:
- Severe, persistent nausea or vomiting
- Signs of pancreatitis (severe abdominal pain)
- Symptoms of gallstones (right upper quadrant pain)
- Signs of severe hypoglycemia (if diabetic)
- Allergic reactions (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing)
D. Making Lifestyle Changes to Boost Results
Dietary Modifications:
- Follow a reduced-calorie diet
- Focus on protein and vegetables
- Limit processed foods and sugars
- Practice portion control
- Keep a food diary
Physical Activity:
- Aim for 150 minutes moderate exercise weekly
- Include strength training 2-3 times per week
- Start gradually if sedentary
- Track activity levels
Behavioral Support:
- Consider working with a dietitian
- Join a weight management program
- Track progress with apps or journals
- Address emotional eating patterns
Hydration and Fiber:
- Essential due to slowed gastric emptying
- Minimum 64 oz water daily
- Gradual fiber increase to prevent constipation
E. Keep Up with Medical Monitoring
Regular Appointments:
- Monthly during dose escalation
- Every 3 months at maintenance dose
- More frequent if side effects occur
Laboratory Monitoring:
- Baseline labs before starting
- Periodic monitoring based on individual needs
- Annual comprehensive metabolic panel
Progress Tracking:
- Weight and measurements
- Side effect diary
- Quality of life assessments
- Photos for visual progress
Medical Disclaimer
Clinical data presented is from peer-reviewed studies. Individual results may vary. Consult healthcare professionals before starting treatment. This information is for educational purposes only.