How to Inject Peptides

Proper preparation ensures safe and sterile injection. Taking a few minutes to prepare your workspace and verify materials reduces the risk of contamination and dosing errors.

Gather Your Supplies

• Alcohol swabs (70% isopropyl alcohol)
• Insulin syringe (typically 0.5mL or 1mL with 29-31 gauge needle)
• Reconstituted peptide vial
• Sharps disposal container
• Clean, flat work surface

Pre-Injection Checklist

• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Verify the peptide - confirm you have the correct peptide for your scheduled dose
• Check expiration dates - do not use expired peptides or supplies
• Inspect the solution - should be clear without particles, discoloration, or cloudiness
• Confirm the dose - review your prescribed dosing instructions

If your peptide comes as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder, it must be reconstituted with bacteriostatic water (BAC water) before use.

Reconstitution Steps

1. Clean the vial tops - wipe both the peptide vial and BAC water vial with alcohol swabs and allow to dry
2. Draw the BAC water - using a sterile syringe, draw your predetermined amount of bacteriostatic water (typically 1-2mL)
3. Add water slowly - insert the needle into the peptide vial and aim the stream at the vial wall, not directly onto the powder
4. Swirl gently - roll the vial between your palms to mix. Never shake as this can damage the peptide structure
5. Allow complete dissolution - wait until the powder is fully dissolved (may take 5-10 minutes)

Accurate dose drawing ensures you receive the correct amount of peptide. Take your time with this step to avoid dosing errors.

1. 1
   Wipe the vial top

   Clean the rubber stopper with an alcohol swab and allow to dry completely.

2. 2
   Draw air into the syringe

   Pull back the plunger to draw air equal to your intended dose (e.g., 10 units of air for a 10-unit dose).

3. 3
   Insert needle and inject air

   Insert the needle through the stopper and inject the air into the vial. This equalizes pressure and makes drawing easier.

4. 4
   Invert and draw

   Turn the vial upside down with the syringe still inserted. Pull back the plunger slowly to draw your prescribed dose.

5. 5
   Remove air bubbles

   Tap the syringe gently to move any bubbles to the top. Push the plunger slightly to expel bubbles, then redraw to the correct dose if needed.

6. 6
   Verify the dose

   Double-check that the plunger is at the correct mark on the syringe for your prescribed dose.

Proper site selection and rotation prevents tissue damage, lipodystrophy, and ensures consistent absorption. The most common sites for subcutaneous peptide injection are the abdomen, thighs, and back of the upper arms.

Site-Specific Guidelines

The actual injection is quick and typically causes minimal discomfort when done correctly. Follow these steps for a smooth subcutaneous injection.

1. 1
   Clean the injection site

   Wipe the area with an alcohol swab using a circular motion from center outward. Allow to dry completely (about 30 seconds).

2. 2
   Pinch the skin

   Using your non-dominant hand, pinch a fold of skin and fat between your thumb and forefinger. Lift the tissue slightly away from the muscle.

3. 3
   Insert the needle

   Hold the syringe like a pencil or dart. Insert the needle at a 45-90 degree angle in a quick, smooth motion. For most people, 90 degrees is appropriate; thinner individuals may use 45 degrees.

4. 4
   Inject slowly

   Push the plunger down steadily and slowly. Injecting too quickly can cause more discomfort and may result in the solution leaking back out.

5. 5
   Wait briefly

   After injecting the full dose, wait 5-10 seconds before removing the needle. This helps prevent the solution from leaking out.

6. 6
   Remove and apply pressure

   Withdraw the needle at the same angle it was inserted. Release the skin fold and apply gentle pressure with a clean cotton ball or gauze. Do not rub.

Proper post-injection care ensures safety and helps you track your therapy effectively.

Immediate Steps

• Dispose of the syringe properly - place the used syringe directly into a sharps container. Never recap needles or dispose of them in regular trash.
• Apply gentle pressure - hold a cotton ball over the site for 30-60 seconds if there is any bleeding.
• Do not rub the site - rubbing can increase bruising and may affect absorption.
• Document your injection - record the date, time, site used, and dose in your injection log.

What to Expect

Minor reactions at the injection site are common and usually resolve within a few hours:

• Slight redness or warmth at the site
• Minor swelling or a small bump
• Mild bruising (more common with certain peptides)
• Brief stinging or itching

Proper storage is essential for maintaining peptide potency and safety. Storage requirements differ between unreconstituted and reconstituted peptides.

Storage Best Practices

• Store peptides in the back of the refrigerator where temperature is most stable
• Keep away from the freezer compartment and door shelves
• Label vials with the reconstitution date
• Check solution clarity before each use
• Dispose of reconstituted peptides after 28 days even if solution remains

While most peptide injections proceed without issues, certain symptoms require medical attention. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience any of the following:

Contact Your Provider For:

• Signs of infection: increasing redness, warmth, pain, or pus at the injection site
• Fever: temperature above 100.4°F (38°C) after injection
• Persistent reactions: injection site symptoms lasting more than 48 hours
• Unusual symptoms: any unexpected effects you are concerned about
• Solution changes: peptide becoming cloudy, discolored, or containing particles