1. Introduction
Peptides such as BPC-157, TB-500, HGH, Retatrutide, Ipamorelin, CJC-1295, and many others are supplied as a freeze-dried (lyophilized) powder inside sterile vials. Before use, this powder must be mixed with bacteriostatic water to form a clear solution suitable for subcutaneous injection.
Proper reconstitution and injection techniques ensure that your peptides remain sterile, stable, and effective, while minimizing irritation or infection risk. Keep reading this article to learn how to reconstitute and administer peptides correctly.
2. What You’ll Need
- Peptide vial (lyophilized powder)
- Bacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol preserved)
- 1 mL sterile insulin syringe (29–31 gauge)
- Alcohol prep pads
- Sharps disposal container
- Clean surface and proper lighting
Wash your hands thoroughly and prepare all materials before starting.
Always use new, sterile supplies for each reconstitution and injection.
3. Understanding the Concentration of a Peptide
Our peptide vials are designed to hold no more than 2 mL of bacteriostatic water.
Example: If a 5 mg BPC-157 vial is mixed with 2 mL of bacteriostatic water, each 0.1 mL (10 units on an insulin syringe) will contain 0.25 mg (250 mcg) of BPC-157.
By the same logic, if we mix it with 1mL of bacteriostatic water, each 0.1mL (10 units on the syringe) will contain 0.5mg (500mcg) of BPC-157.
4. Step-by-Step Reconstitution
1. Wash your hands.
2. Disinfect both vial tops (peptide and bacteriostatic water) using alcohol swabs. Allow them to air dry.
3. Draw the bacteriostatic water:
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Attach a sterile needle to your syringe.
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Pull back on the plunger to draw in an amount of air equal to the water volume you plan to add.
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Insert the needle into the bacteriostatic water vial and push the air in (to equalize pressure).
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Invert the vial and slowly draw 1 to 2ml of bacteriostatic water.
4. Add the water to the peptide vial slowly:
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Insert the needle and aim toward the side wall of the vial.
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Let the water flow down the wall, not directly onto the powder. This prevents foaming or damaging the peptide’s structure.
5. Let the peptide dissolve naturally:
6. Label the vial with the date it was reconstituted (or write it down somewhere).
7. Store properly:
- Refrigerate at 2–8°C (36–46°F).
- Do not freeze.
- Keep the vial upright and away from direct light.
5. Shelf Life and Stability
- Most reconstituted peptides remain stable for about 30 when refrigerated.
- Discard any vial that becomes cloudy, discolored, or contains visible particles.
- Always use a new sterile syringe for each dose withdrawal.
- Never keep reconstituted peptides at room temperature for more than a few minutes.
6. Subcutaneous Injection Instructions
Once your peptide is reconstituted and ready, it is administered subcutaneously (SubQ), into the fatty layer just beneath the skin.
Step-by-Step
1. Wash your hands with soap and warm water.
2. Prepare your syringe:
- Use a new 1 mL insulin syringe.
- Wipe the peptide vial’s rubber top with an alcohol swab and allow it to dry.
- Insert the needle and draw your desired dose slowly.
- Tap to remove any small air bubbles.
3. Choose an injection site:
- Lower abdomen: at least 2 inches away from the navel.
- Outer thigh: front or side area where a small fold of skin can be pinched.
- Lower back or flank: alternative site if rotation is needed.
- Close to the area you wish to treat (when using BPC-157).
4. Clean the skin at the injection site with an alcohol pad and let it air dry.
5. Pinch a small fold of skin between your thumb and index finger.
6. Insert the needle at a 45–90° angle, depending on your body fat and your provider’s instruction.
7. Inject the peptide slowly and steadily.
8. Withdraw the needle smoothly and apply gentle pressure with gauze or a cotton ball.
9. Dispose of the syringe in a sharps container immediately.
Mild redness or tenderness can occur and usually resolves within a few hours.
7. Aftercare and Pain Reduction Tips
- Apply a cold or warm compress briefly after injection if soreness occurs.
- Avoid injecting into bruised, scarred, or inflamed skin.
- Keep a dose log noting injection site, amount, and date to ensure even site rotation.
- If swelling, redness, or pain lasts longer than 48 hours, contact your healthcare provider.