Read this first
This is plain-language harm-reduction information, not medical advice. Peptides discussed here are research compounds; most are not approved for human use. People will use them either way — we would rather they have the facts.
What it is
Cagrilintide is a synthetic version of amylin, a hormone released alongside insulin that slows gastric emptying and reduces appetite. Unlike GLP-1, amylin works at the centre of the brain that controls food reward, so the appetite suppression feels different.
It is most commonly used stacked with semaglutide as "CagriSema", which produces weight loss results approaching tirzepatide territory.
History
Developed by Novo Nordisk. Phase II results with CagriSema combination published 2021.
How it works
Amylin receptor agonist. Acts on the hindbrain to reduce food intake and slow gastric emptying — complements rather than duplicates GLP-1's effects.
Dosage
- Starting: 0.16 mg once weekly.
- Titration up to 2.4 mg weekly over ~12 weeks.
- When stacked with semaglutide, dosing typically matches the sema dose schedule.
How it is taken
- Subcutaneous injection, same day each week.
How to reconstitute
- 5 mg vial with 2 ml BAC water = 2.5 mg/ml. 1 mg = 40 units on a 1 ml insulin syringe.
How it should arrive
White powder, sealed vial.
How it should look once reconstituted
Clear colourless solution.
What to expect, and when
- Appetite suppression: 1–2 weeks.
- Weight loss: comparable to semaglutide solo when used alone; substantially better when combined.
Side effects
- Nausea — common during titration.
- Constipation.
- Injection-site reactions.
Risks
- Limited long-term safety data.
- Combined with semaglutide, side-effect burden adds up.
Potential gains
- Strong appetite suppression via a different mechanism than GLP-1.
- Stacks well with GLP-1 drugs for stronger combined effect.
Other useful information
Useful add-on if someone has plateaued on semaglutide and is not ready to switch to tirzepatide/retatrutide.
Looking for a goal-based recommendation?
Try the Find your goal tool — answer five short questions and get peptides matched to what you actually want.